Resilience

'Adversity doesn't discriminate'

Lucy Hones, Author and Academic

This quote means that challenges are a part of life for everyone. Everyone will experience both highs and low throughout their lives. The highs are more often spoken about with friends and families, and especially posted on social media, whereas the lows are often kept private. But no matter how perfect someone's lfie may seem, at some point in life, we will all have to overcome some sort of challenge.

And that is where resilience comes in... Resilience is the ability to bounce back and adapt positively to any challenges and setbacks in life. It is an extremely important skills which we want to help our students develop.

Click on the image on the right to view the TED talk by the author of this quote.

The three secrets of resilient peopleTo most people in the field, resilience research is a calling, an academic interest or maybe even just a buzzword. For resilient expert Lucy Hone, it turned out to be an essential survival skill. In this powerful and personal talk, she shares the three strategies that got her through an unimaginable tragedy and—in doing so—offers profound insights on how to find meaning in loss.

How can we become more resilient?

1. Develop a growth mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth
View failures as learning experiences
Believe in your ability to improve and overcome obstacles.

2. Have a support network

Surround yourself with people who offer encouragement and understanding during difficult times.
This can include supportive friends and family members.
It also includes members of the Appleton family (see Contacts) because we are all committed to providing you with the best chances of succeeding in all aspects of life.

3. Practice self care

Prioritise your well-being by following tips provided under Wellbeing Strategies.
Generally this includes good habits such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

4. Positive self-talk

Replace negative thoughts with encouraging self-talk.
Remind yourself of past successes and your ability to handle adversity.
Remember: 'If you believe you can, you will'

5. Develop problem-solving skills

You have the opportunity to develop these in all subjects. Here are some tips that might help:

Break down difficult tasks into smaller manageable ones.
Be flexible and look at problems using different perspectives. Remember, there is often more than one solution or method so don't be scared to get creative!
Mindmap different ideas.
Work with other peers and listen to their views.
Reflect on the success of the methods you use. What went well? What could be improved?
Follow the instructions or steps provided by your teachers.