5 Ways To Improve Mental Toughness
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The mind is responsible for so much more than we could imagine and to have a grip on your mental health is crucial. Improving your mental toughness is no easy task but it’s possible. It requires will-power and a never give up mentality but you’ll get through life with a stronger mind and body.
Check out these 5 ways to improve mental toughness…
1. Be Uncomfortable
That’s right… if we’re always comfortable, there’s no challenge to the mind. Many people with mental illness avoid difficult times rather than figuring out a way to get through it. Just as we strengthen our muscle with stress, the same is true for our mental well-being. Way to walk into and embrace discomfort…
• Face your fears every single day.
• Put your body through something it’s never been through before.
• Think outside of the box. Facing your fears is a great way to see that they’re not so bad after all. If you want achievement in life, comfort is not an option. Challenge yourself to run a little longer even when you want to quit (Safely of course). Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and implement new habits and decisions in life.
2. Put Yourself Through Some Serious Physical Activity
You want to see what your body and mind is made of? Well, it’s time to get active. Exercise is a least favorite activity for most people but it’s a must for mental toughness, and not just a tough body. Here are ways to get more active…
• Pick up a favorite activity (Sports, running etc).
• Set a timer for 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
• Do something where you’re moving a lot and at a fast past.
• Walk faster These are pretty simple but effective ways to get blood flowing. The mind and body are really challenged and you can fight through anything if you can push a little further each time.
3. Eat Healthier
Diet is a big contributor to how we physically feel. You ever notice how processed foods make you feel sluggish and unmotivated? Well, this is not good for the mind because if we feel a certain way, we tend to make a habit of thinking how we feel. Eat healthy foods like the following and notice how much better you’ll feel…
• Greens
• Fruits
• Nuts
• Grains
• Lean, Grass-Fed Meats
• Beans These are general recommendations but your mind will thank you for a natural, healthy diet. You can experiment with recipes and you’ll never get bored with these foods.
4. Talk to a Therapist
It’s always great to learn coping techniques from educated people who deal with mental health. This may need to be a first option if your mental health starts to suffer but it’s recommended worldwide. There are online therapists or you can sit and talk with someone. Mental health is no joke and building toughness is not an option.
5. Practice Mindfulness (Meditation, Deep Breathing etc)
Mediation and deep breathing are amazing tools to fight off stress, depression and anxiety. Centering yourself daily and thinking rationally are key to building mental toughness. Take time to stretch, meditation and breathe everyday and you’ll notice improvements. Mental Toughness is Mental That’s right… it’s all in the head. If you can condition yourself by doing things which promote mental toughness, then you’ll thank yourself as you age. Mental health tends to worsen as we age due to lifestyle factors but it’s always good to prepare in advance. Take this advice for what it’s worth and become mentally tough.
