Promoting health and wellness: Tools, resources to help adults build resilience and thrive

“The events of the past year have taken a toll on many of us, but we can bounce back. As we cope, recover and learn from the challenges we have faced, we have an opportunity to emerge stronger than before.”
– Devereux Center for Resilient Children Director Susan Damico

Resilience is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the ability to recover from, or adjust easily to, misfortune or change.” Damico says there has never been a more important time for adults to focus on building their own resilience.

“We are always going to face adversity or hardships. By nurturing our resilience, we will be better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way,” Damico explained. “In addition, research shows a critical connection between the health and well-being of children and the adults who care for them. Because of this, it is essential that adults take care of themselves, so they are better able to care for the children in their lives.”

Focusing on self-love

Self-love is key to strengthening resilience. The better you become at loving yourself, the better you will be able to share love with others. The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) offers a series of free videos exploring self-love. Look below for details about each episode.

Being easy on yourself: In this episode, DCRC Early Childhood Specialist and National Trainer Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., stresses the importance of practicing self-compassion. She says, “Start treating yourself just as you would a good friend, because in all actuality, we should be our very best friend.”
Knowing what makes you happy: Poyner suggests setting a timer for two minutes and writing down what makes you happy. Then, schedule time to do those things. She notes, “Some of us are so busy worrying about meeting everybody else’s needs that we have not thought with good reflection about what makes us happy.”
Using your strengths: This episode focuses on identifying and utilizing your strengths. Poyner says, “Be yourself because everybody else is already taken.”
Liking yourself: Poyner suggests writing down all of the reasons you love yourself. Then, share it with others. She notes, “While you have breath, you have to love yourself.”
Being imperfect: The final episode focuses on embracing your imperfections. Poyner shares, “You’re never going to be totally perfect. You don’t want to tire yourself out with an expectation you will never be able to reach.”

Additional DCRC resources

The DCRC team also offers the following free resources to help adults improve their social and emotional health and well-being:

Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS): Helps adults gain insights into four key areas: 1) relationships; 2) internal beliefs; 3) initiative; and 4) self-control.
CAREgiving Checklist for Families: Promotes positive parenting practices.
Webinar: “Building Your Bounce:” Helps adults explore ways to “build your bounce” through simple, easy-to-use strategies.
Webinar: Rubber Bands and Umbrellas: Offers five practical strategies to help parents understand risk factors, protective factors and resilience.

“Remember, resilience is something that can be learned,” Damico said. “You are never too old or young to strengthen your resilience – it just takes a little practice.”

Learn more about the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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