Physical fitness gets a lot of attention, and for good reason, good physical health can prevent conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and help you maintain a long, independent life. But often neglected is mental fitness having a healthy and strong mind to allow you to handle the challenges and opportunities that life puts in front of you.
Here are 9 effective ways to become more mentally strong:
Make your bed
There is a famous saying that “the state of your bed is the state of your head”! There is a lot of truth to that. It seems like a small step but it makes a huge difference when you start your day with this.
Write down the positive aspects
When we are suddenly challenged, we feel angry, frustrated, or even disappointed. Instead, write the positive that will come out of this in a diary.
Be your own best friend daily
This is a great way to be stronger as it teaches us to rely on ourselves at any moment. You do not need to depend on others for anything not going as planned.
Inspirational quotes
When things get tough, sometimes, inspirational quotes give us a push. So, as a practice, pick up 3 such quotes every day and hand-write them in your diary every day.
Positive self-talk
Slowly reduce negative self-talk and motivate yourself with positive thoughts. Say good things to yourself when you wake up. Be your own cheerleader.
Ditch-draining relationships, activities
Do things that leave you feeling joyful. Make yourself mentally stronger by building positive relationships and letting go of toxic ones. This gives you more energy!
Practice 20 minutes of self-care
It is necessary to take out time for yourself. Do a manicure, a face mask, massage, or even give yourself alone time in the bathroom. Make your own activities and do what makes you feel good.
Visualise goals
As a daily practice, visualise your goals for 10 minutes daily and slowly plan your path to achieving those goals, every day. You align your thoughts that way and it is nothing but positivity.
Clean food
For good mental health, good and clean food is also necessary. You become what you eat. Reducing inflammatory food as a healthy digestive system means less anxiety.
Less complaining
Most of us end up complaining about different people, things, and even situations. Instead, practice gratitude. This practice instills positivity and doesn%27t take a toll on your mental health.
Practice mindfulness
Being in the moment is what mindfulness truly means here. Stay in that happy mode, don’t criticise anything, and look at the positive of that moment.
8 hours of sleep
When you’re too tired, you make poor decisions, your mental strength goes down, and your rational mind turns into a kid’s mind. An 8-hour sleep is necessary for de-stressing.
Do a hobby/ activity
In self-care, you can do this too. You must have an activity which could be playing something, reading, DIYs, cooking or even cleaning or fixing things.
Less social media time
Consuming content on social media can take a toll on you as most of us are fake on it, keeping our best foot forward. We keep unrealistic expectations so instead, do something better with that time.
Let go of the people-pleasing habit
In an effort to be a good person, we commit to things we do not want to do. Just stop trying to please everyone. Do what your happiness and mental health allow you.
Say NO, don’t explain
Somehow we feel apologetic and start explaining when we say NO. You do not have to explain your actions or validate your decisions.
Exercise
Dance, gym, yoga or walk, doing at least one thing daily. This clears your mind, helps you keep fit and takes your mind off things. Make sure you think only about yourself while doing them.
Budget for something fun
Keep some budget for some fun activities and this includes any activity. You could even set a day aside for a game day, movie day, bubble bath, or anything!
Cut out the word “should”
The word “should” generally comes when you self criticise or impose yourself on others. Be gentle with yourself and with your language.
