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 everyday wellbeing 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 emotional wellbeing 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 wellbeing in tip top shape.
Psychological wellness – like physical fitness – is broken down into four main parts. These components, when worked on individually, can help keep your mental fitness in tiptop shape. They include:
This pillar tackles matters mostly related to emotional wellbeing and coping skills. How do you see yourself and how good are you at managing or facing your emotions? Emotional fitness areas 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 a widely cited article, 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 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 can help keep their mood steadier, while isolation can be linked to lower mood (4).
A 2021 research review also revealed how over the years multiple studies have shown how friendships can support our mental wellbeing by providing us with a strong sense of companionship, help ease feelings of loneliness, support our self-esteem and life satisfaction, give 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 struggling to fall asleep due to stress about money? Financial problems have been linked to a decline in mental wellness. According to a wellbeing organization, money problems are often associated with increased stress and feelings of overwhelm, trouble sleeping, and can also be linked to loneliness and isolation (7).
A 2016 study also explored the link between money and emotional wellbeing. Researchers found that having money not only helped reduce low mood and excessive worry in participants, but it also helped them improve their social networks and sense of self-worth (5).
With more and more conversations about economic uncertainty in recent years (1), this pillar of mental wellness is more important than ever. Under this component you are able 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 support your physical wellbeing and overall wellbeing. By doing this, you may feel more at ease – especially if your family has a history of health concerns. Other correlations between physical fitness and mental wellness include:
For your mental wellness to be at its peak, it can help to develop in all four areas. In order to properly develop, you may want to do some internal work that includes:
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 wellbeing while being aware of how we feel, think and behave in different 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 body composition – so does emotional wellness have four not three. They include emotional wellbeing, social network, financial and physical wellbeing.
To help you feel that you are at the best point in your life, you can 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-reflection mindset 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.
Mental fitness, while not as popular as physical fitness, is just as important. It doesn’t matter how physically strong you are – if your emotional wellbeing is struggling, then things can feel harder to manage. You can try applying the same dedication you have at the gym to your mind and emotions.
P.S. If you feel you need more support, reaching out to a qualified professional can help.
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