Ten Tools for Resiliency

May 10, 2023

Check out these 10 tools for resiliency that can help make you feel stronger and more hopeful.

1. Connect with others

Social connections with friends or family can help you feel supported, valued and connected. If you feel like you need more social connections in your life, consider enrolling in a class or joining a hobby group that interests you.

2. Stay positive

Practicing positivity doesn’t mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to help you focus on the little things each day that make you smile or feel good.

3. Get physically active

Exercise benefits your body and your brain! While it can be hard to stick to an exercise regime, there are plenty of benefits from exercising in 10-minute spurts too! Try to set aside 10 minutes each day to be active – whether it’s playing with your kids, walking around the block or dancing like nobody is watching!

4. Help others

Doing good can make you feel good! Luckily for us, every day we come to work at Catholic Charites we are helping others. We can keep those good feelings flowing by helping others in small ways like checking in on a friend or holding the door for the person behind you.

5. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital to your well-being. Some tips for helping you sleep better are to set a regular bedtime and avoiding caffeine starting 6 hours before bedtime.

6. Create joy and satisfaction

Everybody deserves some joy in their lives! It’s important to make time for you to do things that bring you joy. So go out and laugh with your friends or hike a trail or learn to knit!

7. Eat well

Eating well can help you be more productive! That doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite treats though. It’s all about balance. Some ways you can improve your eating habits are swapping out sugary treats for healthy snacks during the day or eating smaller portions. Remember, try eating to be fit – not to fit into a certain pair of jeans. Avoid skipping meals or extreme diets.

8. Take care of your spirit

You can think of spirituality as connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy. You can find it in God, in yourself, in other people, in nature, art, or kindness. Whatever you focus on, spirituality can offer a sense of meaning and purpose and a greater connection with others or the world around us.

9. Deal better with hard times

Coping skills can help you during tough times. Some techniques include keeping a journal and asking someone you trust for emotional support.

10. Get professional help if you need it

If the problems in your life are stopping you from feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. You are not alone: 1 in 4 adults in the United States have a mental health problem in any given year. Some people worry that getting help is a sign of weakness. If you do, consider that it can be a sign of great strength to take steps toward getting your life back on track.


Resources:

https://mhanational.org/ten-tools

Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten September 16, 2025
Our team is deeply committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for our seniors, and the journey of one special individual exemplifies this mission. Raphael's story began two years ago when he discovered our Senior Dining services at the Whitney Center, thanks to a recommendation from a friend. From the moment he walked through our doors, he found more than just a place to eat — he found a home. Raphael quickly became a cherished member of our Senior Dining community. He was drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated Food Coordinator. Raphael often shared how much he appreciated the quality of the meals, a sentiment that echoed throughout his time with us. Beyond the food, it was the kindness and professionalism of our volunteers and staff that left a lasting impression on Raphael. “Such beautiful people,” he often said when talking about his experience with us. It was this sense of belonging that inspired Raphael to give back, and with the help of our Senior Dining Coordinator, he was able to become a valued volunteer. Whether helping in the dining room or assisting behind the scenes, Raphael’s contributions were always appreciated. However, life’s changes sometimes bring new challenges. Recently, Raphael’s schedule shifted, making it harder for him to visit us regularly. Yet, our Senior Dining Coordinator remained committed to ensuring he still received the meals he relied on. Despite Raphael not being initially eligible for Meals on Wheels, our team worked diligently to secure county approval, so he could continue to benefit from this essential service. For Raphael, this thoughtful care reinforced his belief that he is "blessed" to have access to our services. What stands out most for Raphael, however, is the personal touch he receives from our staff and volunteers. “Being greeted by name,” he says, “makes all the difference. It shows that you are valued and appreciated.” These small but meaningful gestures help to foster a strong sense of community and are what make the Whitney Center such a special place. A Call for Volunteers At Catholic Charities, we know that the warmth of our community would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we have opportunities in several areas: Delivering Meals on Wheels Preparing food in our kitchens Setting up dining sites for meals Serving meals to seniors Cleaning up after meals Assisting with clerical tasks These opportunities may vary by location, so please reach out to your local Catholic Charities Senior Dining Site Coordinator to learn more and sign up to volunteer. By offering your time and talents, you can help ensure that more seniors like Raphael continue to experience the sense of community and care that makes our Senior Dining services so meaningful. Thank you for being a part of the Catholic Charities family and for helping us make a difference every day.
By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.