Resilience Wins
From your immune system to your finances — how well can you adapt to adversity?
“It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
– Charles Darwin
The start of 2025 has been a rude wake-up call. Between the catastrophic LA fires and the chaotic shifts in government policy, it’s clearer than ever that our health extends far beyond physical wellness. How we respond to stressors, whether they come from our environment, our finances, or unexpected life events has become critically important.
Why is it that some people have the ability to adapt, recover and even thrive in the face of challenges, while others seem to stumble?
These days our immune system must be strong enough to withstand environmental toxins and emerging viruses, our emergency preparedness must ensure we can function amid disasters, and our financial stability must protect us from economic upheaval.
In a world of constant disruption, resilience is the only true security — a dynamic skill set that enables us to pivot, rebuild, and emerge stronger.
At the start of the year, I encouraged using January for planning and preparation to set goals while getting our affairs in order.
So much for a gentle reentry.
Life doesn’t wait for us to be ready so I’m sharing some resilience boosters to help us adapt and recover.
Reading this substack is an investment in your health. Help me continue to create this content and grow this community—we are rebelling and redefining what it means to “be well.”
How to Build Resilience
Practical strategies to strengthen your ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity across 3 key areas. These will be ongoing themes in this substack, featuring expert insights and new resources in the coming weeks.
🥕 Health (Immune System) → Optimize energy production
A resilient immune system isn’t just about avoiding illness — we need the endurance to withstand adversity, fight off pathogens, and recover quickly.
Support metabolic health:
Stabilize blood sugar with adequate protein, whole foods and balanced meals
Enhance mitochondrial function through strength training and nutrients like magnesium, CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid
Work on metabolic flexibility through time restricting eating and carb cycling
Fortify defenses:
Nourish gut microbiome with fiber-rich, fermented, and polyphenol-packed foods to regulate immune function
Support detox pathways by prioritizing sweating (exercise, sauna), hydration, and reducing alcohol to minimize toxin burden
Regulate stress response:
Maintain steady circadian rhythm with consistent wake and sleep times
Reduce cortisol spikes by limiting social media, excessive stimulants, and prioritizing real-world connection and nature exposure
If you want to optimize your health and need more personalized support, book a session with me to collaborate on your 2025 plan.
🆘 Preparedness (Emergency Readiness) → Be ready for disruptions
Unpredictable events demand clear thinking and quick action. Planning reduces panic and ensures good decision-making during stressful times.
Have a to-go bag:
Pack essentials: food, water, backup power, cash, chargers, medications
Keep important documents: passport, insurance papers, ID
Develop a support network:
Strengthen relationships with reliable neighbors and friends
Download emergency apps and stay informed through local alerts
Train your nervous system to stay calm during stress:
Practice box breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec)
Use deliberate discomfort training — sauna for stress resilience, cold exposure to stimulate the vagus nerve
💸 Finances (Savings & Strategy) → Respond to unforeseen events
Financial resilience is inseparable from overall health — it reduces stress, provides freedom, and ensures you can navigate uncertainty without compromising your well-being.
Maintain a 3-6 month emergency fund:
Keep funds in cash, high-yield savings, and alternative assets to withstand market shifts
Diversify income streams:
Develop passive income: dividends, rental income, digital products
Maximize FSA/HSA funds:
Use tax-advantaged savings for medical emergencies and wellness expenses at a discount
The take-away: Resilience is a daily practice. The small, consistent efforts you make to strengthen your immune system, prepare for uncertainty, and build financial security will pay off exponentially when challenges arise — giving you the confidence and stability to navigate any storm.
All writing is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
