by Sara Braverman
When we attend a conference, we often leave inspired and motivated — but once we’re back in our regular routines, it’s easy for that energy to fade. One of the best ways to keep momentum going is to focus on resilience — the ability to adapt, recover, and keep moving forward in the face of challenges.
Here are some research-supported practices that many people find helpful in building resilience:
Connect With Others
Human connection is a protective factor for mental health. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, spending time with people who support and uplift you can help buffer stress.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence for an hour. It can be as simple as paying attention to your breath for one minute or noticing the details around you during a walk.
Identify Your Strengths
Taking time to recognize your strengths — creativity, problem-solving, persistence — can help you navigate challenges with more confidence.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller steps to create a sense of progress and accomplishment.
Prioritize Rest
Rest is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Sleep, downtime, and quiet moments all contribute to your ability to think clearly and respond effectively to life’s demands.
Resilience is not about “staying positive” all the time — it’s about being flexible, self-compassionate, and willing to adapt when life throws curveballs. The skills you practiced during the conference — learning, connecting, reflecting — are the same skills that can support you long after it ends.
Sara Braverman, LCSW is a mental health specialist who ran the "Nurture" sessions at the conference to help attendees deal with stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. She specializes in general anxiety and depressive disorders and adjustment disorders/change of life events.