Bouncing Back and Out – Tough Times Equipping, Not Crippling
In a recent episode of The Imperfects Podcast, hosts Hugh, Ryan, and Josh welcomed psychologist Maria Ruberto for an enlightening discussion on resilience, mental health, and the power of human connection. Ruberto, the founder and director of Salutegenics Psychology, shared her expertise on Resilience First Aid, a program she co-designed to help individuals and organisations build mental fitness and life health.
Defining Resilience
Ruberto began by clarifying a common misconception about resilience. Rather than being a state of invulnerability, she explained that resilience is “advancing despite adversity.” This definition emphasises that resilient individuals still experience pain and disruption but possess the tools to move forward.
The psychologist stressed that emotions serve a vital purpose, providing data to inform our responses to situations. Suppressing emotions, she warned, can lead to poor decision-making and reduced mental fitness.
The Six Domains of Resilience
Ruberto outlined the six domains of resilience taught in Resilience First Aid:
- Vision: Understanding one’s purpose and values, creating goals that provide direction even in difficult times.
- Composure: Developing emotional regulation and competency, learning to name and communicate emotions effectively.
- Reasoning: The ability to reappraise thoughts, challenge beliefs, and avoid thinking traps that lead to poor choices.
- Health: Recognising the intricate connection between physical and mental wellbeing, including the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
- Tenacity: Cultivating perseverance, persistence, and optimism while maintaining a realistic outlook.
- Collaboration: Expanding one’s social network and learning from diverse perspectives to build compassion and tolerance.
The Neuromechanics of Wellbeing
Ruberto delved into the biological foundations of behaviour, emphasising the importance of understanding our internal processes. She explained how beliefs about stress can significantly impact health outcomes, citing research showing that individuals who viewed stress as potentially beneficial had better health outcomes than those who saw it as uniformly harmful.
Co-regulation and Social Connection
One of the most fascinating segments of the discussion centred on co-regulation, the process by which individuals help each other return to a calm, regulated state. Ruberto explained that humans are socially wired, with our brains optimised through social interactions.
She described co-regulation as the ability to share one’s calm state with another person, helping them sync and return to baseline. This skill is particularly crucial for parents and caregivers of young children, whose prefrontal cortex (responsible for self-regulation) is still developing.
Ruberto also touched on the challenges of co-regulation with neurodivergent individuals, emphasising the need for tailored, specific approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Power of Connection
Throughout the conversation, Ruberto underscored the importance of human connection in building resilience. She explained that collaboration and diverse social networks act as protective mechanisms, fostering greater compassion and tolerance.
The hosts shared personal experiences, with Hugh describing how running has become an anchor for his resilience practice, incorporating all six domains while providing a supportive community.
Resilience First Aid Training
Ruberto encouraged listeners to consider Resilience First Aid training, particularly for organisations looking to build a culture of wellbeing. She emphasised that the skills learned benefit not only the workplace but also extend to participants’ families and communities, potentially impacting future generations.
This enlightening episode of The Imperfects Podcast provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of resilience, grounded in neuroscience and practical application. Maria Ruberto’s expertise shone through as she demystified complex concepts and offered actionable insights for advancing despite adversity.
