The Healing Power of Resilience

A Cardiologist's Toolkit on What it Takes to Recover and Rise

By: Tara Narula

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

A revolutionary, science-backed approach to living well from ABC News chief medical correspondent and cardiologist Dr. Tara Narula, that bridges the gap between our physical and mental health to show how resilience is the key to both.

As the number one leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease has several common prescriptions from cardiologists, such as medication, surgery, diet, and exercise. There is, however, one treatment that is consistently overlooked: resilience. We need resilience to get us to face new diagnoses, to show up to doctor’s appointments, to take those medications, to make it through surgery (and to recover from it), and to stick to that diet or new workout plan.

That’s where this paradigm-shifting book comes in, connecting the worlds of medicine and psychology. Its application goes beyond heart disease to other difficult diagnoses and traumatic health events, and overall well-being.

Over the course of her decades-long career as a board-certified cardiologist and journalist, Dr. Narula noticed there was something missing in patient care: the need to address mental health alongside physical health. To thrive when faced with a medical challenge, a patient must be mentally prepared to face it. This realization transformed Dr. Narula’s career and led her down an eye-opening path, studying landmark medical trials and the latest advancements in the field as well as interviewing patients, doctors, researchers, and thought leaders.

The Healing Power of Resilience is the culmination of this work, offering practical tools to build your resilience, which Dr. Narula calls the “Resilience Response.” Challenging situations can lead to a stress reaction in the body. Learning to practice the “Resilience Response” when that happens can mitigate it, and therefore help prevent disease, promote healing, and improve quality of life. This set of tools leads you to the following: an acceptance of your situation; a flexible mindset; a change in lifestyle; an ability to face fears; a pursuit of purpose; a hopeful outlook on the future; a commitment to seeking connection; embracing a love of self and others. Through scientific research, pioneering medical journalism, and personal stories, this book presents a revolutionary new approach to living well—whether you're facing a health challenge or simply striving for a healthier life at any age.

Refreshing and reaffirming

This book came to me at exactly the right time. Recently, I have taken on the role of caregiver for my mother while also learning about our family history of congestive heart failure. Reading this book helped me realize that while life may present us with new baselines, it doesn’t have to mean the end. We can still live full and happy lives if we remain resilient.

I have always considered myself to be a resilient person, and reading this only reaffirmed the healing power of resilience. It reminded me that even during challenging seasons, strength and hope can carry us forward. I plan to continue practicing resilience, living my best life, and giving the best care possible to my mother.