With all that’s been happening in our external world right now, our resilience tanks may be getting low, even small everyday stresses can take their toll and you may find yourself withdrawing, or experiencing unhelpful thoughts and feelings.

A strong network of social support is significant to fostering our resilience. Having support from a friend , family member, or colleague alongside us can improve the way we respond during stressful events. In these times of lock downs, levels and with social distancing being an expected practice, it’s not as easy to make connections with others in our every day.

We can find ways to connect, be it by face to face, on the phone, or online. It may be a family member leaning over the front gate, a socially distanced chat with a neighbour, or a phone call with a friend, these friendly connections will help refill your resilience tank.

Connecting with kindness, and doing something nice for a family member, a friend, or even a complete stranger, helps them to feel good and also gives your own well-being a little boost too. Look around for who might need a little extra support right now, and share some time, some kindness, and a friendly chat.

Consider your own support network – family, work colleagues, friends, and professionals. People who are in your corner, and will help you, encourage you, hold you, catch you, and support you. Continue to weave and strengthen your web of support, because for sure, having somebody to lean on, and building resilience by being connected with others really pays off when you need it.