7 Lessons on Resilience, From Reporting in a War Zone

"Psychologically, the hardest part about reporting in Ukraine was thinking about it for the month beforehand. I anxiously followed news reports of explosions and attacks from thousands of miles away.This is what psychologists call "anticipatory anxiety." It was merely a heightened form of how it feels to prepare for a job interview or a big presentation at work. Once you're actually doing the thing, however, the fear dissipates."

"Despite training, I was anxious about covering the war in Ukraine. I soon earned how resilient I really am. When entering into a dangerous area, be it a war or a camping trip, follow a checklist. In high-stress environments, a wellness routine with meditation, sleep, and hydration can keep you effective. This September, I traveled to Ukraine for three weeks. Life in Kyiv was full of concerts, dinners with friends, lively conversations, and, yes, air strikes too. Most importantly, I felt alive with purpose."

Travel to a war zone combines ordinary social life with persistent danger and can produce a strong sense of purpose and urgency. Anticipatory anxiety before entering danger often exceeds the reality experienced once present, and fear typically dissipates when action begins. Community, service, and existential therapy help trauma survivors rediscover meaning, strength, and connection. Practical preparations such as checklists and wellness routines—meditation, sleep, and hydration—support performance in high-stress environments. Lessons learned in extreme settings can translate into clearer priorities, greater resilience, and more effective habits in careers and everyday life.

Read at Psychology Today