Managing stress from major life events: the three foundations of resilience
June 16, 2025
0 min read
When we navigate through major life events, whether anticipated or sudden, they often place a strain on all pillars of our wellbeing, including our daily routines, finances, and emotional health.
When we navigate through major life events, whether anticipated or sudden, they often place a strain on all pillars of our wellbeing, including our daily routines, finances, and emotional health. Regardless of our circumstances, developing strategies across these areas can help a daunting crisis remain more manageable when it occurs. In this article, we will explore three practical steps that you can take to create a strong foundation that supports you through any of life’s upheavals.
Financial preparation: building your safety net
Financial security is often the first aspect which comes under threat when a major life event occurs. This could be due to a family crisis, unexpected illness, a divorce or separation or a sudden shift in work circumstances. Despite this, you may be surprised to learn that even a modest safety net can go a long way towards safeguarding your peace of mind. This means taking clear and deliberate steps:
1. Create an emergency fund: even if you can only put aside a little each month, building a buffer of at least three to six months’ living expenses makes a real difference when life becomes unpredictable.
2. Review your budget regularly: schedule quarterly reviews to check that your spending, savings, and debts reflect your current reality and priorities. Making adjustments early can prevent much larger issues later.
3. Keep legal and financial documents organised: Wills, insurance policies, and powers of attorney should all be up to date and stored in an accessible yet secure place. You can let a trusted person know how to find them if needed.
4. Understand your benefits and support entitlements: take the time to understand both workplace and government benefits that might apply. This could be sick leave, family care allowances, or income protection insurance. Having prior knowledge of these resources can prove invaluable in a crisis.
5. Consult a professional when you need to: this could be a financial adviser, solicitor, or HR specialist depending on your situation. It is better to seek expert guidance when making big decisions.
Devoting time to being prepared financially might require some extra effort and planning on your part, but it pays dividends for your future and can reduce anxiety and provide you with greater freedom in responding to whatever arises.
Practical organisation: planning for life’s uncertainties
Maintaining a good level of organisation is an important aspect of long-term resilience. The practicalities of dealing with a life event often result in a large flurry of paperwork, appointments, and ongoing administrative responsibilities. Having a good grasp of these tasks and having a system in place can help you to maintain clarity and reduce overwhelm. Here is a five-step method which you can adopt:
1. Centralise important information: keep a folder or secure digital file which contains essential information such as contact numbers, medical records, legal documents, and emergency details. You should appoint a trusted individual who is able to access this in the event of your absence if held digitally.
2. Regularly examine your arrangements: life is full of constant changes, which means that plans made last year may not suit today’s circumstances. It is prudent to establish a routine, this could be every six months (for example), where you review your arrangements for everything from such as your budget, childcare arrangements, or how you pay for your bills.
3. Build a support network: dedicate some time to investing in your relationships with friends, colleagues, and community members so you have good relationships to help you during tough times. When the unexpected occurs, you will already be well equipped with people to call upon for practical help, emotional support, or simply a listening ear.
4. Share responsibilities: do not put yourself in a position where you feel obligated to shoulder every task on your own. Try and delegate duties and allow other people to assist you. This will help to ease your load and allow your connections to support you in the best manner.
5. Prepare to adapt: it is important to acknowledge the fact that no plan is immune to change. Try and maintain a flexible attitude and be prepared to adjust when life changes. Sometimes even the best-laid preparations may require amendments at short notice.
Practical organisation is not just about paperwork; it is about creating a system of structure to allow yourself to have clarity when the rest of life feels uncertain.
Wellbeing: prioritising your health and resilience
Without having good physical health and resilience, financial and practical preparations are less effective and even more challenging to put into place. When you are dealing with significant life changes every day self-care routines can quickly unravel as you can experience overwhelm or emotional and physical fatigue. Whilst it can be easy to let slip, please remember that prioritising your wellbeing is a key aspect enduring adversity with strength. Here are some important aspects of good wellbeing to consider below:
1. Rest and sleep: when you are going through challenging times, don’t underestimate the power of good sleep. Stress combined with sleep deprivation can reduce your mental clarity and your ability to cope with your circumstances. Prioritise having a good night’s sleep so your body is rested enough to manage whatever is required from you.
2. Physical activity and nutrition: moving your body daily, even if it is a 15-minute walk around the block triggers happy hormones such as endorphins and helps you to release tension in the body. Regular movement combined with a balanced diet helps to build yourself for any mental or physical challenges.
3. Mindfulness and reflection: whilst you may feel extremely busy, something to help your stress levels can be short periods to reflect and pause. Try and set aside time where you can practice grounding exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or journalling. Even if it is just 5 or 10 minutes out of your day these activities can help you stay grounded and connected to the present rather than being overwhelmed by worry.
4. Self-care and boundaries: Make time for things that energise you or bring you joy. This could be going out with a friend, connecting with nature, shopping, or watching your favourite comfort show. Learn to say no when you are exhausted and establish limits on work or social commitments when necessary to protect your own recovery.
5. Seek help early: If you become extremely stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, don’t wait for matters to become worse. Seek help from mental health professionals or your local GP. It is much better for you to find solutions in the early stages then when things escalate.
Creating foundations for resilience
Major life events can come out of nowhere and disrupt your rhythm, however the strategies of financial planning, practical organisation, and committed self-care can be your constant. Investing in these approaches can help you to developing a resilience that can be your buffer against any upheaval. The greatest reassurance is knowing you have empowered yourself with options and support, so that when life’s challenges come, you are ready to face them, not just survive, but eventually thrive.
Financial preparation: building your safety net
Financial security is often the first aspect which comes under threat when a major life event occurs. This could be due to a family crisis, unexpected illness, a divorce or separation or a sudden shift in work circumstances. Despite this, you may be surprised to learn that even a modest safety net can go a long way towards safeguarding your peace of mind. This means taking clear and deliberate steps:
1. Create an emergency fund: even if you can only put aside a little each month, building a buffer of at least three to six months’ living expenses makes a real difference when life becomes unpredictable.
2. Review your budget regularly: schedule quarterly reviews to check that your spending, savings, and debts reflect your current reality and priorities. Making adjustments early can prevent much larger issues later.
3. Keep legal and financial documents organised: Wills, insurance policies, and powers of attorney should all be up to date and stored in an accessible yet secure place. You can let a trusted person know how to find them if needed.
4. Understand your benefits and support entitlements: take the time to understand both workplace and government benefits that might apply. This could be sick leave, family care allowances, or income protection insurance. Having prior knowledge of these resources can prove invaluable in a crisis.
5. Consult a professional when you need to: this could be a financial adviser, solicitor, or HR specialist depending on your situation. It is better to seek expert guidance when making big decisions.
Devoting time to being prepared financially might require some extra effort and planning on your part, but it pays dividends for your future and can reduce anxiety and provide you with greater freedom in responding to whatever arises.
Practical organisation: planning for life’s uncertainties
Maintaining a good level of organisation is an important aspect of long-term resilience. The practicalities of dealing with a life event often result in a large flurry of paperwork, appointments, and ongoing administrative responsibilities. Having a good grasp of these tasks and having a system in place can help you to maintain clarity and reduce overwhelm. Here is a five-step method which you can adopt:
1. Centralise important information: keep a folder or secure digital file which contains essential information such as contact numbers, medical records, legal documents, and emergency details. You should appoint a trusted individual who is able to access this in the event of your absence if held digitally.
2. Regularly examine your arrangements: life is full of constant changes, which means that plans made last year may not suit today’s circumstances. It is prudent to establish a routine, this could be every six months (for example), where you review your arrangements for everything from such as your budget, childcare arrangements, or how you pay for your bills.
3. Build a support network: dedicate some time to investing in your relationships with friends, colleagues, and community members so you have good relationships to help you during tough times. When the unexpected occurs, you will already be well equipped with people to call upon for practical help, emotional support, or simply a listening ear.
4. Share responsibilities: do not put yourself in a position where you feel obligated to shoulder every task on your own. Try and delegate duties and allow other people to assist you. This will help to ease your load and allow your connections to support you in the best manner.
5. Prepare to adapt: it is important to acknowledge the fact that no plan is immune to change. Try and maintain a flexible attitude and be prepared to adjust when life changes. Sometimes even the best-laid preparations may require amendments at short notice.
Practical organisation is not just about paperwork; it is about creating a system of structure to allow yourself to have clarity when the rest of life feels uncertain.
Wellbeing: prioritising your health and resilience
Without having good physical health and resilience, financial and practical preparations are less effective and even more challenging to put into place. When you are dealing with significant life changes every day self-care routines can quickly unravel as you can experience overwhelm or emotional and physical fatigue. Whilst it can be easy to let slip, please remember that prioritising your wellbeing is a key aspect enduring adversity with strength. Here are some important aspects of good wellbeing to consider below:
1. Rest and sleep: when you are going through challenging times, don’t underestimate the power of good sleep. Stress combined with sleep deprivation can reduce your mental clarity and your ability to cope with your circumstances. Prioritise having a good night’s sleep so your body is rested enough to manage whatever is required from you.
2. Physical activity and nutrition: moving your body daily, even if it is a 15-minute walk around the block triggers happy hormones such as endorphins and helps you to release tension in the body. Regular movement combined with a balanced diet helps to build yourself for any mental or physical challenges.
3. Mindfulness and reflection: whilst you may feel extremely busy, something to help your stress levels can be short periods to reflect and pause. Try and set aside time where you can practice grounding exercises like deep breathing, meditation, or journalling. Even if it is just 5 or 10 minutes out of your day these activities can help you stay grounded and connected to the present rather than being overwhelmed by worry.
4. Self-care and boundaries: Make time for things that energise you or bring you joy. This could be going out with a friend, connecting with nature, shopping, or watching your favourite comfort show. Learn to say no when you are exhausted and establish limits on work or social commitments when necessary to protect your own recovery.
5. Seek help early: If you become extremely stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, don’t wait for matters to become worse. Seek help from mental health professionals or your local GP. It is much better for you to find solutions in the early stages then when things escalate.
Creating foundations for resilience
Major life events can come out of nowhere and disrupt your rhythm, however the strategies of financial planning, practical organisation, and committed self-care can be your constant. Investing in these approaches can help you to developing a resilience that can be your buffer against any upheaval. The greatest reassurance is knowing you have empowered yourself with options and support, so that when life’s challenges come, you are ready to face them, not just survive, but eventually thrive.
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