HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO Mental Health? In mental health resiliency, there are many things you can do to increase your layers of defense to improve your ability to bounce back from challenges. Here’s a closer look at your four main areas of defense, each with potential weaknesses and ways you can improve your resilience. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS WEAKNESSES • Genetic predispositions toward mental health disorders • Neurochemical imbalances TO STRENGTHEN THIS LAYER • Eat a healthy diet • Exercise regularly • Practice good sleep hygiene • Get regular medical checkups • Make healthy lifestyle choices • Take medication if needed • Establish daily routines PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS WEAKNESSES • Trauma • Stress • Anxiety • Burnout TO STRENGTHEN THIS LAYER • Practice meditation and mindfulness • Consider therapy • Practice self-care, stress management, and gratitude • Check your thinking. Be on the lookout for negative thoughts and challenge them with more realistic thoughts continued