Resilience is derived from the Latin verb "resilire", which means "tobounce back". In materials science, it describes the property of an elastic material that returns to its original shape after being deformed. Resilience therefore describes the ability not to be "bent out of shape" by crisis situations.

Resilient peopledo not break down in a crisis. A separation or the loss of a job does affect them - but they don't break. On the contrary: in some cases, they emerge stronger from a crisis. The constant stress of everyday life doesn't bother them either - they just shrug their shoulders, while others burn out.

German Resilience Center Since 2014, the first European Resilience Center at Mainz University has been researching what exactly it is that makes these people more resilient, enabling them to overcome life crises and cope with stressful situations. Scientists from disciplines such as basic biological research, neurobiology and psychology are working together to process their findings on the development and management of stress. Based on their findings, exercises to reduce stress have been developed. The really good news: resilience can be learned.