Quick Tips: Get Grit

Mindscape  

Abby Delouya RMFT-CCC, CPTT

Quick Tips: Get Grit

Developing resilience/grit in our children has received a lot of attention over the past few years. However, how do we bolster our own resilience as adults? Here are five science-backed ways to make yourself grittier:

1. Face your fears: Sometimes we avoid necessary events, or even people, because we’re hindered by our fears. Instead of running, face them — using exposure in small doses, or tackle the root of the problem (which, in some cases, may need intervention via trauma treatment with a licensed professional).
2. Practice self-acceptance and compassion: Accept suffering with warmth and kindness and try to drop the judgment. Ask yourself: “What would I say to a friend if she was going through this same challenge?”
3. Change the narrative: While rumination is a natural outgrowth of a difficult experience, try to reframe: What are the benefits I see in this challenge? What can I possibly learn from it?
4. Meditate: Practicing mindfulness can help us stay in the present and tolerate negative emotions more easily. Mindful breathing, eating, and body scan can all help reregulate our emotions.
5. Practice forgiveness: Holding on to resentments and grudges is detrimental to mental health. Try to incorporate spiritual awareness here — a gam zu l’tovah attitude can help us forgive and move into a healthier place of acceptance for others and ultimately ourselves.

Disorders Decoded:

Sleep Disorders

There are more than 80 different sleep disorders. These include insomnias, sleep-related breathing disorders (example: sleep apnea), hypersomnias (example: narcolepsy), circadian-rhythm sleep disorders, parasomnias (sleepwalking / night terrors), and sleep-related movement disorders (example: restless leg syndrome).

Sleep disorders can happen on their own or due to comorbidities — such as medical conditions, psychiatric problems, and drug/medication use. Due to the breadth of sleep disorders, if you’re suffering from any sleep disorder, it’s important to seek help from a qualified medical and/or mental health professional as poor sleep hygiene can severely affect physical and mental health.

Relationship Reflections:

When to Share

There’s a difference between keeping secrets and healthy privacy. Being honest doesn’t necessarily mean you must share every thought, dream, fear, or fantasy with your spouse the moment you think of it.