In today's fast-paced and demanding world, stress is an unavoidable part of our lives. Whether it's work pressure, personal worries, or the constant flood of information, the demands on us seem to be constantly increasing. While stress in moderation can even be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems.

Stress-related illnesses are widespread and on the rise in society. These include, among others:

• Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness. They can manifest in the form of panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder.

• Depression: Depression is a serious mental illness that is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and loss of energy and interest.

• Burnout: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that results from chronic stress.

• Sleep disorders: Stress can lead to sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, restless sleep, and nightmares.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

• Digestive problems: Stress can cause gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and abdominal pain.

The good news is that stress resistance can be learned, and thus protect oneself from stress-related illnesses. Resilience is the ability to cope with difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks. It is not an innate trait, but can be trained through various measures.

Strategies for strengthening resilience:

• Self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and relax regularly.

• Positive attitude: Focus on the positive in your life and practice gratitude. Avoid negative thinking and catastrophizing.

• Problem-solving: Develop strategies for coping with challenges. Break down large problems into smaller, manageable steps and seek support if needed.

• Social connections: Maintain your social connections with family, friends, and acquaintances. Social support is an important factor for mental health.

• Finding meaning: Find something that gives your life meaning and purpose. This can include hobbies, volunteer work, or spiritual practice.

Additional tips:

• Relaxation techniques: Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or autogenic training. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote inner peace.

• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to focus on the present moment and be aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

• Professional help: Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you are overwhelmed by stress and its consequences. A psychologist can help you improve your stress management mechanisms and cope with difficult situations.

Resilience is an important skill that helps us cope with the challenges of modern life and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. By strengthening our resilience, we can better manage stress, protect our mental health, and improve our quality of life.