Images of palm trees have always evoked positive memories of vacationing in warm, sunny destinations. There’s something about the mishappen trunks and shaggy crop of leaves on the top that just whispers “relax and take it easy” to me.

Have you ever wondered why palm trees are resistant to hurricanes compared to most other trees?

No? Me neither! However, I recently learned of the evolutionary adaptations that allow palm trees to thrive where most other trees would be tossed aside due to nature’s fury. I found some interesting connections we can apply in our lives to increase our resilience.

Before I get into that, I want you to take a moment and think about what “resilience” means to you. Do you view resilience as meaning you can withstand hardship without budging, much like a concrete building? Or do you see resilience as something that means you may bend under pressure but bounce back quickly after the stress is gone?

Based on the title of this article, I’m guessing you know where this is going. Being resilient does not mean you go through adversity without any ill effects. It’s not so much about what the adversity does to you as it is about what you do about it.

And that’s where the gorgeous, sunny palm trees come in. Palm trees have evolved three distinct features to help them withstand hurricane-strength winds to bounce back and recover after the storm has passed. Here they are:

1. Roots: palm trees have many short roots that secure their footing in the soil, helping them hold their place. So, it’s not one big, firm tap root; it is formed of many smaller, weaker roots that collectively provide a much greater ability to hold fast.  
2. Trunk: Palm tree trunks are more like grass or corn stalks than the wood of a tree. This provides much more flexibility and the ability to bend. It sacrifices brute strength for flexibility, meaning it will bend much quicker than an oak tree but can withstand higher wind speeds.
3. Leaves: palm trees don’t have big branches, and their leaves will flow with the wind, reducing the resistance and strain on the trunk. They are flexible and will move in the wind's direction, literally “going with the flow” rather than trying to fight against it.

Now for the critical question: how can we apply the evolution of palm trees to resilience?

1. Build lots of little roots: rather than relying on one or two habits to keep you going during times of great stress, apply lots of little coping mechanisms to provide purpose, reduce stress, and improve your quality of life. These positive coping mechanisms are easy to apply, and all cooperate to create a much stronger version of yourself. These include habits like sleep, exercise, diet, and mindfulness.
2. Build strong relationships: like the tree trunk, strong relationships help support you when times are tough. This support comes in many ways: financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Sometimes, we simply need some extra help, even if it’s in the form of a listening ear. Maintain your connections during the good times to have that support during difficult times.
3. Let go of what you can’t control: the leaves of the palm trees “go with the flow,” they don’t try to resist or control the wind. We often expel a lot of effort and energy into things we have absolutely no control or influence over, causing a lot of added stress and anxiety. There is great freedom in learning how to identify and let those things go. When you focus on the little things you can control, the big things will often take care of themselves.

Resilience doesn’t mean you don’t bend under the pressure. It means you do what is necessary to endure so that you can bounce back once the storm passes. Next time you are stressed and don’t know what to do, take your mind on a mini vacation and be like the palm tree.

As a bonus, I also like to listen to the song Three Little Birds and follow Bob Marley’s advice as he says, “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be all right.” Even during times when my life felt like a chaotic mess, finding a few minutes of peace provided me with a much-needed respite.