Mental Fitness

Are you struggling, like so many others,  in maintaining your emotional health in a stressful world? How is your mental fitness?

Just as physical fitness relates to the health of your body, mental fitness relates to the health of your mind and emotions. So, what are the traits of someone with good mental health? They have

• positive relationships
• choose health behaviors
• set goals they can reach
• have ways to cope during hard times
• enjoy success in school, work, hobbies, sports, or other personal activities. 

Mentally healthy people experience a wide range of emotions, depending on what's happening in their lives. They have stressful feelings during hard times. But they cope and recover over time.  People with poor mental health have trouble coping. They feel so sad, afraid or angry that they can't function. They may need therapy, medicines and/or time in a hospital to recover.

Like a lot of measurements in life, most people fall somewhere between good/excellent and poor mental health. 

Here are some behaviors you can practice to increase your mental fitness.

1. Accept who you are. You know the ways you're different from and similar to others. You value your strengths and respect your limits. Use more of the skills you're good at. Be kind to yourself. Be generous with others. Notice and trust your feelings.
2. Develop strong relationships. You connect with people at work, church, in your community. Share your experiences, joys and fears, even  your problems with others. Be a better communicator, listen more and practice empathy. Be fair, respect and accept others without judgement. Be kind to others, and ask for help when you need it.
3. Be in charge of yourself. Have a belief in your ability to contact what happens in your life. Know and accept the difference between what can and cannot be changed, make changes when you need to. Be willing to take risks to meet your goals. Pay attention to your feelings, notice other people's feelings too. Be honest with yourself. Learn how to solve problems and make informed decisions.
4. Balance the positive and negative. Act in ways that support your values and belief system. Learn to recognize your moods and thoughts that causes you distress. Shift your thinking and negative through negative thoughts. List things you enjoy in life. Reflect on this list often. Don't dwell in spaces that anger you. Develop strategies that allow you to cope with stressful situations. Remember to play. 

Everyone can improve their mental health. Eating well, being active, getting proper rest and sleep are some key areas you can change to increase your mental health. There is no doubt with some practice you can increase your resilience, optimism and overall emotional well being, your mental fitness.