If you want to become more resilient as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

Growing older inevitably brings about change. But did you know that your behaviors can significantly impact how well you adapt to these changes?

Resilience is all about bouncing back from adversity and maintaining a positive outlook, especially as we age. And the good news is, it’s not an inherent trait; it can be developed.

But there are certain behaviors that can hinder your ability to become resilient. To help you navigate this, I’ve identified 8 behaviors that you might want to consider saying goodbye to.

So, if you’re looking to become more resilient as you age, keep reading. You might just find the keys to unlocking your inner strength.

1) Wallowing in self-pity

As we grow older, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves. This is especially true when we face challenges or experience difficult changes. But here’s the thing – self-pity can be a significant roadblock to resilience.

Self-pity keeps us focused on the problem rather than the solution. It makes us feel like victims of our circumstances, rather than architects of our own fate. It’s a behavior that breeds negativity and stifles growth.

To build resilience, we need to shift our perspective. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, we should aim to actively confront our difficulties, recognizing them as opportunities for personal growth and learning.

Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship, but about responding to it in a positive way. So, next time you find yourself slipping into self-pity, try to reframe your thinking and focus on finding a solution.

This small change in behavior can make a big difference in your ability to bounce back from adversity.

2) Avoiding discomfort

Growing up, I was the quintessential ‘comfort zone’ kid. I liked sticking to what I knew and avoided anything that made me uncomfortable. But as I got older, I realized this behavior was holding me back from growing and becoming resilient.

It’s natural to want to avoid discomfort. After all, it’s not a pleasant feeling. But the truth is, stepping out of your comfort zone is where the magic happens.

When we face uncomfortable situations, we are forced to adapt and grow. This can lead to increased resilience. I remember the first time I decided to step out of my comfort zone. It was terrifying, but it also led to one of the most significant growth experiences of my life.

So, don’t shy away from discomfort. Embrace it. See it as an opportunity for growth and resilience. Trust me, it’s worth it.

3) Ignoring your health

As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes. But did you know that healthy lifestyle choices can significantly influence our resilience to these changes? Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can do wonders for our mental and physical health.

Studies have shown that people who maintain healthier lifestyles tend to be more resilient. They are equipped to handle stress better, recover from illnesses faster, and have a more positive outlook on life.

Ignoring your health can make aging more difficult. So, if you’re looking to boost your resilience as you age, make health a priority. It’s never too late to start making healthier choices.

4) Holding onto grudges

We all have been hurt or wronged in our lives. It’s a part of being human. But holding onto grudges and resentment can take a toll on our resilience, especially as we get older.

Carrying grudges can weigh us down emotionally, keep us stuck in the past, and prevent us from moving forward. It can also lead to stress and negativity, which can hinder our ability to bounce back from life’s challenges.

Letting go of grudges isn’t about forgetting or condoning the actions that hurt us. Instead, it’s about choosing to free ourselves from the burden of resentment, so we can focus on building our resilience.

So, consider practicing forgiveness. Not for the person who wronged you, but for your own peace of mind and resilience. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter you’ll feel.

5) Neglecting relationships

As we grow older, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and sometimes, our relationships may take a back seat. But human connections are the bedrock of our emotional health and resilience.

Our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones provide us with support, encouragement, and love during challenging times. They can help us navigate through adversity and come out stronger on the other side.

Isolating oneself or neglecting these vital connections can deprive us of these invaluable support systems.

So, remember to nurture your relationships. Reach out to loved ones, spend quality time together, show appreciation, and offer support when they need it. These connections are not just important; they’re essential for building resilience as we age.

They remind us that we’re not alone in our journey, fostering a sense of belonging and strength that makes us more resilient.

6) Overlooking self-care

In my pursuit of career goals and taking care of my family, I often found myself putting my needs last. I thought I was being selfless, but I was actually neglecting my self-care, and it took a toll on my ability to bounce back from life’s ups and downs.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It involves taking the time to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, reading a book, meditating, or simply taking a break when you need one, self-care is crucial for maintaining resilience.

By ignoring self-care, we deplete our energy and reduce our ability to handle stress or adversity. So remember to take care of yourself. You’re worth it, and your resilience depends on it.

7) Resisting change

Change is a part of life. As we age, we experience a lot of changes – changes in our bodies, our circumstances, and even our roles in life. But how we respond to these changes can significantly affect our resilience.

Resisting change can leave us feeling stuck and stressed. Instead, embracing change can be empowering. It allows us to adapt, learn, and grow, which are all key elements of resilience.

So, don’t resist change. Embrace it. See it as an opportunity to learn something new about yourself or the world around you. Remember, the only constant in life is change, and the more we adapt to it, the more resilient we become.

8) Living in the past

If you want to increase your resilience as you get older, the most important thing you need to do is to stop living in the past.

Living in the past can anchor us to old hurts, mistakes, and failures, preventing us from moving forward and growing. It can also rob us of the joy and opportunities that are present right now.

Instead, focus on the present and the future. Learn from your past experiences, but don’t let them define you. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to grow, learn, and become more resilient. It’s never too late to start.

Final thoughts: Embracing resilience

Resilience is not something we are born with; it’s a skill that we cultivate. The beauty of this is that it means we all have the capacity to become more resilient, regardless of our age or circumstances.

The behaviors we’ve discussed here are not inherently bad. They’re simply habits that, if left unchecked, can hold us back from developing our resilience. But by recognizing and shifting these behaviors, we can pave the way for greater resilience in our later years.

Remember, resilience isn’t just about facing adversity; it’s about learning, growing and thriving amidst it. It’s about greeting each new day as an opportunity to become a stronger, wiser version of ourselves.

So, as you journey through life, keep in mind that your resilience is not defined by the hardships you face, but by how you respond to them. And every step you take towards letting go of these behaviors is a step towards a more resilient you.