10 Ways to Strengthen Your Mental Resilience (Especially When Life Feels a Bit Much)

Let’s be honest - life throws curveballs. Whether it’s a tricky co-parenting moment, a wobbly day of self-doubt, or just the mental load of everything, it’s easy to feel like we’re barely holding it all together.

But here’s the good news: resilience isn’t something you’re born with - it’s something you can build.

If you’ve ever looked at someone and thought, “How do they keep going with all that on their plate?” - chances are, they’ve learned a few tools to bounce back. And you can too.

So pop the kettle on, take five minutes just for you, and have a read through these ten gentle but powerful ways to strengthen your mental resilience.

1. Be Kind to Yourself First

We’re often our harshest critics. But resilience grows when we treat ourselves with compassion - especially on the days we feel we’re failing.

Try this: When your inner critic pipes up, ask, “Would I speak like this to my best friend?”

2. Learn to Say “No” (Without the Guilt)

Boundaries aren’t selfish - they’re self-care in action. Saying no creates space for what truly matters.

Quick reminder: every “yes” to someone else is a “no” to something of your own. Make sure it’s worth it.

3. Focus on What Is in Your Control

Resilient minds don’t waste energy fighting what they can’t change — they pour their energy into what they can.

Not sure where to start? Ask: “What’s one thing I can do today that helps me feel a little more in control?”

4. Make Room for Rest

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Rest is the reset button your nervous system is crying out for.

Tip: Don’t just wait until you're exhausted - schedule in regular rest like you would a meeting or school run.

5. Cultivate a Daily Check-In Ritual

Even just 2 minutes to check in with how you’re feeling (emotionally and physically) can work wonders.

Journaling, breathwork, or a quick “How am I really?” in the mirror - whatever works for you.

6. Reframe the Negative Chatter

That voice saying “You’re not good enough”? It’s not the truth - it’s a story from the past.

Gently challenge it with a new story: “I’m doing my best, and that is always enough.”

7. Connect With Others Who 'Get It'

Isolation fuels overwhelm. Resilience grows in safe, supportive connection.

Join a support group, talk to a friend, or even follow online communities where you feel seen and heard.

8. Celebrate Your Small Wins

You don’t need to run a marathon or launch a business to be proud of yourself.

If you got out of bed today, made that phone call, or took a break instead of pushing through - celebrate that!

9. Keep a “Resilience Toolkit”

This could be a list on your phone or a physical box filled with comforting things: a journal, affirmations, a candle, a photo that brings you joy.

When tough days hit, open your toolkit and reconnect to what lifts you.

10. Remember: You’ve Already Come So Far

Even if it doesn’t feel like it - you’ve survived 100% of your worst days. That’s not luck. That’s you, being resilient without even realising it.

Write a letter to your past self and thank her. She got you here.

Final Thought

Mental resilience isn’t about being invincible. It’s about bending, not breaking. It’s choosing - again and again - to take one small step forward, even when your legs are wobbly.

And if you’d like support building that inner strength, you don’t have to do it alone. This is what Rediscover Me is all about - helping women like you reconnect to their inner power, even after life has knocked them sideways.

What’s in your resilience toolkit?

Let me know in the comments - or drop me a message if you’d like to explore how we can build yours together.

You’ve got this.

Sam xx