Bounce back big!The effects of a different kind of “vaccine” were spotlighted during the “Wellness Wednesdays” webinar on Oct. 26.

Almost a hundred participants logged on for the latest installment of First Philippine Holdings Corporation and First Gen Corporation’s total well-being program. This time, Abigail Gorgonio dissected the value of resilience as an “anti-stress vaccine.”
Gorgonio, who is PowerVision EAP Inc.’s lead counselor in Cebu, defined resilience as the ability to move on, flourish or thrive after a setback. More than coping, it is being able to bounce back and master challenges.
We were not born with resilience; rather, it is something we can learn, she said.
Someone might be going through a rough period, but if they are resilient, they can better cope with challenges. As well, the workplace would benefit as a resilient team is more creative and productive.

Building form
Gorgonio showed a soap brand’s 2016 campaign, “My Beauty My Say,” wherein individuals transcended people’s expectations of them.
To build your form, start by standing tall. Internal resilience comes from knowing your value: What are your skills and strengths? What do you like about yourself? “We can’t have external resilience without internal resilience,” Gorgonio said.
In life, we encounter two circles—things we can control and things we can’t (others’ expectations, criticism). Take charge of what you can control and filter out the rest.
“When we focus and take charge, we become more resilient. Focus on how you can respond instead of changing others,” Gorgonio added.

Focus to achieve
Gorgonio shared the story of a woman who joined the New York City Marathon, one of the world’s most popular running events. Despite the distractions along the route, she remained focused on her goal. Unlike her companion who was preoccupied with taking photos and talking with the other runners, the woman made it to the finish line and got the reward she had set her mind on—the finisher medal.
Being reminded of your purpose will keep you focused. When you are focused, you can achieve your goal, Gorgonio stressed.
Filipinos are known for having strong family ties.One’s faith and friends could also be sources of support. Designate one or two of these persons to be your go-to adviser or sounding board when you need help.
Another component of maintaining equanimity is through self-care. Whether it’s a basic skincare routine, alone time, more sleep or indulging in something you love, self-care is crucial in keeping one fully charged, Gorgonio said. If you haven’t developed a self-care technique yet, start by asking yourself, “What do I want to do today?”

Strategy change
And then there is the wellknown story of Pia Wurtzbach. After an unremarkable stint as a teen actress, Wurtzbach transitioned to pageantry in her 20s. She joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant twice but fell short of her ultimate goal each time. On her third try, she won the Miss Universe Philippines title and went on to capture the country’s third Miss Universe crown in 2015.
What is your goal? Whether it’s to buy your own condo or be promoted at work, is it realistic or doable given the circumstances? Be flexible enough to overhaul your strategy or process if something is not working, while accepting your limitations and learning from the experience. In Wurtzbach’s case, acting did not work out, so she focused on a new big goal.
How flexible are you? Do you try to find a solution when things don’t go according to plan? Do you let the chips fall where they may, so to speak? Are you the type who looks for a takeaway when something challenging happens?
At work, you can boost flexibility and resilience by setting a positive example to the people you work with, showing your concern by asking them what they need, and treating failures and limitations as learning opportunities.

Sense of positivity
Focus on improving the work environment to create a sense of positivity. Establishing outlets for stress, such as get-togethers and events like “Wellness Wednesdays,” is a good way to enhance resilience. Such programs will assure people that their bosses are looking out for them and their well-being, Gorgonio noted.
Give yourself a resilience boost by being proactive and anticipating challenges. When faced with a problem, staying calm will help one process and think things through. Logic works better instead of shouting and chaos. Lastly, thrive despite your uniqueness and be your own unique self despite other people’s expectations of conformity.
Gorgonio concluded her presentation by asking: “How do you want your story to end?” She also proffered a quote from psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” 

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You can draw STRENGTH from FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.