There are many parallels between physical and mental health, the most crucial of which is the need of paying close attention to the habits you develop over time. The mental fortitude you develop via these regular practises will serve you well in times of crisis.
Building one’s mental fortitude involves consistent behaviour in the following seven domains:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness training may help people respond more constructively to challenges in their lives rather than just reacting. It allows you to take your time in making a decision, giving you more control over the stimulus-response loop and increasing the likelihood that you’ll choose the best possible answer. In the end, you’ll be glad you have this skill, and it’ll come in handy when you least expect it. You could feel more confident approaching your employer, and maybe you and your partner will fight less often.
There is a wide variety of mindfulness practises available; choose one that speaks to you and fits well with your daily routine. Practice mindful breathing, go for a stroll while meditating, or join a virtual yoga class. The 75 hard challenge is most essential here.
Talk to a professional for advice.
To improve one’s mental fortitude, it might be helpful to consult a mental health professional or a coach. Given that, it’s only natural to conclude that the majority of your battles are fought in your head. Both life coaches and therapists excel at helping their clients overcome destructive thought patterns and regain conscious control of their lives.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common method used by psychotherapists to achieve this end. Anxiety and sadness are two examples of mental health issues that benefit greatly from this approach. However, coaches are in a unique position to share responsibility with their charges as they pursue their goals. They may assist in reframing adversity, keeping you motivated and avoiding a relapse into destructive habits.
Keeping a journal is useful because it enables you to maintain tabs on your mental health on a regular basis, which is something that is often overlooked but is essential. Since it allows the user to track his or her own progress over time and provide critique, it is a great instrument for bolstering feelings of self-worth.
You may put anything in your diary, no matter how personal or inappropriate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try freewriting for a few minutes, setting some objectives for yourself, or writing them down. When we put our thoughts down on paper, it might be a good starting point for our brains to begin processing and solving the problems we’re encountering. It’s a little step in the direction of feeling less overwhelmed and more in command of the situation.
Take the time to practise self-kindness.
Many of us falsely believe that self-criticism would motivate us to work harder, but this is not the case. Building up one’s capacity for self-compassion is a great way to strengthen one’s resilience. It is by focusing on our accomplishments rather than our failures that we may keep a growth attitude and break out of a negative rut. It facilitates self-reflection and the expression of lessons learnt for future use.