Resilience For Dummies

Chapter 3

The First Pillar: Physical Vitality and Flexibility

IN THIS CHAPTER

Recognizing that physical fitness is key

Taking stock of your own vitality and vigor

Examining how you fuel your brain and body

If you aren’t physically well, your ability to handle challenges, think clearly, stay positive, and ultimately bounce back from adversity and illness diminishes. Resilient people tend to be physically strong and flexible. They are able to recover quickly from injury and don’t easily succumb to health problems. They take care of themselves and ensure that they’re well fueled to be able to withstand long days and stay focused.

Ensuring physical vitality and flexibility is the first pillar of resilience. A strong and flexible body translates into having more physical and mental energy to handle and recover from hardship, and it gives you better protection from the potential negative consequences of stress. This chapter explores what physical vitality has to do with being resilient and focuses on the variety of ways your body needs to be fueled.

What Fitness Has to Do with Resilience

When you’re feeling sick, how well do you function at work? How much energy do you have just to get ...