Hello again! We’re back after a restful Sunday break, and just like that, we’ve arrived at the letter R in our Blogchatter A2Z Challenge journey. Can you believe we’ve come this far?
Each day we’ve explored corners of the mind, little pieces of the emotional puzzle, and quiet truths about being human. Today, we pause to reflect on three deeply interconnected parts of mental well-being—Resilience, Relaxation techniques, and Relationships. These three don’t just shape how we survive tough times; they influence how we heal, grow, and return to ourselves.
Let’s begin.
Resilience: Bending Without Breaking
Resilience isn’t about always being strong. It’s not about smiling through pain or pretending everything is fine.
It’s about being real. About bending without breaking.
When I talk to people in sessions, what stands out most is not the depth of their trauma but the quiet strength with which they keep showing up. Day after day. Some are grieving, others are lost, some are simply tired—but they’re still trying. That, to me, is resilience.
Resilience doesn’t mean you didn’t fall apart. It means you found a way, however messy, to piece yourself back together.
It looks different for everyone.
For one person, it’s applying for a new job after being rejected five times.
For another, it’s setting a boundary with a parent for the first time.
And sometimes, it’s simply getting out of bed when the weight of everything feels unbearable.
Resilience grows in tiny acts. And the best part? It can be learned, built, and nurtured—with time, with compassion, and with support.
So if you’re feeling like you’re barely holding on, I want you to know: the fact that you’re still here? That’s resilience already.
Relaxation Techniques: Rest is not a reward
When did rest become something we “earn”?
Why do we treat relaxation like a luxury instead of a necessity?
In a world that glorifies hustle and always being “on,” learning how to truly rest is a radical act. Yet, it’s one of the most essential tools for mental health.
Relaxation techniques are not just about bubble baths and spa days—though those are lovely too. They’re also about small, grounded practices that regulate our nervous system and remind our bodies that we are safe.
Some that I often recommend:
- Deep breathing: Try the 4-7-8 method (inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale 8).
- Progressive muscle relaxation: Tensing and releasing each muscle group slowly.
- Guided visualisation: Picture a calm space in detail.
- Body scans: A simple awareness of sensations in your body from head to toe.
These aren’t one-time fixes. They’re daily anchors.
The more regularly you practise them, the more easily your body learns to shift from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest.
Because your body deserves rest. And so does your mind.
Relationships: The Mirror, the Mess, and the Magic
Relationships can heal us—and they can hurt us. They are where our deepest joys and deepest wounds often reside.
Whether romantic, platonic, familial, or professional—relationships shape how we see ourselves.
Do we feel safe? Do we feel heard? Do we feel valued?
In my work, I’ve seen how trauma from relationships can lead to anxiety, people-pleasing, or emotional shutdown. But I’ve also witnessed the incredible healing that happens when we find—or rebuild—connections that are nurturing and respectful.
Here are a few truths I keep coming back to:
- You are allowed to outgrow people, even if you once loved them deeply.
- Boundaries are not walls; they are bridges to healthier interactions.
- Love without respect will always leave you empty.
If your relationships feel hard right now, you’re not alone. Healing our relational patterns takes time and support.
Start by building one honest connection—with yourself. Every other bond will slowly reflect that shift.
As we move forward…
This journey we’re on—this A2Z of mental health—reminds me daily how vast, how layered, and how tender the human experience is. R gifted us with some profound themes today, and I hope you feel a little more seen in your resilience, a little more inspired to rest, and a little more hopeful about your relationships.
Take a moment today to pause.
Take a breath.
Reach out to someone who holds space for you. Or be that person for someone else.
And remember: rest is part of the process. Not a pause from it.
Coming up tomorrow: The letter S.
We’ll explore topics around Self-worth, Shame, Support systems, Self-esteem, Sleep hygiene, and Stress management.
Till then, take care of your heart, slowly and softly.
This is a terrific post! You touch upon vital aspects we ignore until it’s (almost) too late. I will try the relaxation techniques you listed. Thanks!