What is mental fitness? When most of us think about fitness, our brains automatically switch to an image of an incredibly ripped man or woman lifting some very heavy weights or partaking in some gravity defying calisthenics. Because of its health benefits (and confidence boosting abilities) physical fitness has been the focal point of almost all discussions surrounding fitness as a whole. That said, aptitude is not all about how long you can run, how many abs you have or even how heavy you can lift at the gym. Psychological fitness is also a part of overall fitness, albeit a very overlooked one. In today’s article we shall take a look at ‘what is mental fitness’, how physical fitness and mental health relate to each other, components and examples of psychological fitness and much more.
There are two ways to define this term:
The first definition refers to how quickly and spectacularly you can ace an IQ test, pass trivia, solve puzzles or come up with solutions to problems on paper and in real life. The second definition goes a little deeper. It involves having and developing a sharper mind, as well as how you can keep not only your brain but also your emotional health in tip top shape.
Psychological wellness – like physical fitness – is broken down into four main parts. These components, when worked on individually, ensure that your mental fitness is in tiptop shape. They include:
This pillar tackles matters mostly related to mental health. How do you see yourself and how good are you at managing or facing your emotions? Emotional fitness issues covered under this pillar include self-acceptance, self-esteem, resilience, and the ability to manage overwhelming emotions.
Do you have friends? And if so, who do you surround yourself with? What is your support network?
According to Psychology Today, having friends is a great way to enrich your life. The article bases these findings on one of the longest – and still ongoing – studies today. The study in question started in 1938 and over the years has made direct associations between happiness and close relationships. Researchers have found that study participants who have close relationships with their friends and families have had a higher quality of life and were happier. Their support network acts as their mood stabilizer while isolation acts as a mood destabilizer (4).
Another study published in 2021 also revealed how over the years multiple studies have shown how friendships improve our mental well being by providing us with a strong sense of companionship, mitigate feelings of loneliness, improve our self-esteem and life satisfaction, gives us a sense of purpose and control over our lives, can instill us with healthy behaviours and much more (3).
How many times have you stayed up at night unable to sleep due to stress about money? Financial problems have been linked to a decline in mental wellness. According to an article by Mind, money problems have been shown to trigger anxiety and panic attacks, sleep problems, and can even lead to loneliness and isolation (7).
A study published in 2016, also explored the link between money and mental health. Researchers found that having money not only lessened depression and anxiety in participants, but it also helped them improve their social networks and self of self worth (5).
With more and more conversations about a looming economic recession in 2022 (1), this pillar of mental wellness is more important than ever. Under this component you are able to learn how to learn how to feel in control of your finances, be able to handle financial setbacks, and be on track to achieve your financial and life goals.
As earlier stated, physical and mental fitness are intertwined. When you improve your diet, exercise more and sleep more, you improve your physical health by reducing your risk of chronic illnesses. By doing this you are able to put your mind at ease – especially if your family has a history of such diseases. Other correlations between physical fitness and mental wellness include:
For your mental well being to be at its peak, you need to develop in all four areas. In order to properly develop you are required to do some internal work that includes:
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Now that you understand what psychological fitness is and the four pillars needed to cultivate it, what are some tools that you can use to practice and improve your mental fitness?
Read More: Mental Health And Sports: The Do’s, Don’ts And The In Between
As stated above, this is the ability to have and maintain a state of well being while being aware of how we feel, think and behave in all situations – stressful or otherwise. This can also be accompanied by the ability to think and make decisions quickly and clearly.
In the same way that physical fitness has four components – namely cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and a healthy weight – so does mental health have four not three. They include emotional well being, social network, financial and physical health.
To ensure that you are at the best point in your life, you should aim to do more mental and physical challenges. Physical fitness challenges are pretty easy, you could try participating in a marathon, work out more to gain more muscle, run longer distances, drink more water, etc. But what about mental wellness challenges?
If you are interested in doing a self-checking mental boost challenge, start by asking yourself how you are everyday and answering honestly. For more in-depth challenges, you can find some online that challenge you for up to a month.
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Mental fitness, while not as popular as physical fitness, is just as important. It doesn’t matter how physically strong you are – if your mental health is not where it needs to be then everything around you can crumble easily. Be sure to apply the same dedication you have at the gym to your mind and emotions.
Ps. If you realize that you need more help, please be sure to speak to a therapist.
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