Resilience is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a range of skills and coping mechanisms that enable individuals to bounce back from setbacks and failures. According to Jean Chatzky, it is important to focus on emphasizing the positive to cultivate resilience. In a work setting, resilience allows employees to thrive rather than just survive in high-stress environments, by adapting, coping, and responding positively to stressors. Organizational resilience looks at how well the organization can weather challenges, including the individuals within the organization, the processes, and the culture they work with/in.

The idea of resilience has always fascinated me, much like creativity or religious instinct, and my exploration has taught me much about it. While it is a complex subject that is not fully understood, I believe that practicing mindfulness and retraining our brains can help us become more resilient. This involves paying attention to the present moment without reacting or judging, and finding a quiet place to sit comfortably and focus on the breath.

My principal, Ma’am Shikha Banerjee, was a great inspiration, who embodied the qualities of an ideal leader – committed, curious, and full of life, with a good sense of humor. Her resilience and energy are truly inspiring and motivating. To build resilience at work, it is important to have adequate internal and external recovery periods. Internal recovery involves shorter periods of relaxation within the workday, while external recovery takes place outside of work, such as on weekends or holidays. Tech-free zones and cognitive breaks can also be helpful. You can use apps like Off time or unplugged to create tech free zones by strategically scheduling automatic airplane modes. In addition, you can take a cognitive break every 90 minutes to recharge your batteries. Try to not have lunch at your desk stead spend time outside or with your friends- not talking about work.

In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Victor E. Frankl writes about rising above the sufferings of the moment and finding meaning in life even when faced with a hopeless situation or fate that cannot be changed.

Written by – Ms. Saba Ahmad
TGT – Social Studies