TL;DR: Just as we train our bodies to become physically strong, we should also train our minds to be resilient to all the problems we face.

Since the pandemic hit, people have started to be more conscious of their health – looking after what they eat, exercising regularly, and taking vitamins and supplements. But, all of these are for making us strong physically, what about mentally? 

According to a scientific brief released by the WHO (World Health Organization), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25% in 2020.

Although focusing on becoming physically fit is a great goal, we should refocus some of our energy to be mentally fit as well. Here are some simple tricks and tips that we can do to become more mentally strong individuals. 

Challenge Yourself

One of the best ways to get mentally strong is to challenge yourself with what you can do. Try doing something new, something that you have never done before but is unsure if you’re going to be successful in doing it. For instance, you can try painting. In doing this, you are forcing yourself to grow and see what you are capable of.

Doing something new is difficult at first, but it forces your mind to concentrate and work. Every challenge you face, no matter how big, can be overcome, and every difficult situation is an opportunity to learn.

Reflect On Your Own Thoughts – some are negative unproductive thoughts) 

How we think reflects how we view things. If we are thinking negatively, then most likely we view the world from a negative perspective. Our thoughts are significant in how we handle the things that come our way.

Reflecting on our own thoughts helps us reassure ourselves of our value without the validation of others. It helps us to be centered internally, promotes happiness, and helps us to be comfortable in our own skin.

Self-talk is one of the best ways to assure yourself. Saying positive things to yourself daily or reflecting on an achievement you are proud of will boost your confidence. 

Be Open to Change 

Change is unavoidable – It is the only constant. Some changes will benefit us while others won’t. What matters most is how we adapt to these changes.

Adapting to change may be hard at the beginning, but it provides you with the right amount of challenge for you to mentally grow and be productive. And, it gives you an assessment of how to improve yourself moving forward.

Mentally strong people are open to change. It may not be an easy transition but it shows how flexible they are in dealing with something new. 

Spend Your Energy On Something That Matters

As we grow older, we have limited time and energy to spend on things; why don’t we spend it on something that really matters in our life?

It is good to be passionate about something or have a goal; in that way, you always have something to occupy your mind and time. However, it is also necessary to put forth the effort required to achieve the goals you’ve set. Choose to spend your energy on actions that will bring you closer to what you really want in life. There is no need to spend your energy on everything that surrounds you, especially when you have nothing to gain from it.

Be Grateful

Showing gratitude is a sign of being mentally strong. It shows that you don’t think the world owes you anything or that someone will come by and provide for you. In every opportunity that you find, be grateful for it. Showing gratitude helps people be more optimistic and improves social bonds.

Don’t be Afraid to Fail

A mentally fit person’s mindset is always about growth, and you cannot grow when you are in your comfort zone. Failure is part of growth. Instead of giving up on the first attempt, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Every situation is an opportunity for growth, even in failures. Failing will always be the other side of the coin; much like success, what matters most is what we do after we fail.

Be Accountable for Your Actions

It is easy to play the blame game when things don’t go your way but does that help with your mental fortitude if you are running away from problems? 

A mentally fit person owns up to their actions, not pointing fingers or looking for a way out. They take responsibility for the problems their actions cause. This trait is vital in growth because you learn from your mistakes.

Being mentally fit doesn’t mean that you don’t need to make mistakes. It means that you need to take accountability for your actions.

Conclusion

Just as we train our bodies to become physically strong, we should also train our minds to be resilient to all the problems we face.

As quoted by Franklin D. Roosevelt, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” and the same goes for becoming mentally fit. It takes time and practice, and eventually, you will see the difference in yourself in no time.

Krysti (Lan Chi) Vo, MD, is a psychiatrist, speaker, and advisor that helps people become the best versions of themselves. Did this help you how to become more productive? Visit our website and read more articles like this.