Think of the most mentally strong people in your life — those who have put in the work to become grounded and unshaken in the event of bouts of stress. The truth is that changing your outlook and habits requires more than surface-level work. Instead, it requires intentionality to improve our mental and emotional dimensions of health. Here are a few ways to incorporate this into your everyday life:
1. Practice mindfulness
If you tend to downward spiral, meditating can help you redirect and even re-program your brain. If you put in the work, you might find you experience reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as more restful sleep and lower blood pressure. Meditation is not a panacea but it does have documented benefits. And this practice, when paired with CBD oil maybe even more effective in helping your brain and body return to a state of balance.
2. Get moving.
The mind-body connection is a force of nature. That’s why most people feel and look their best when they follow a consistent regimen. Aim for at least five days of activity per week, with a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
If you’re short on time or don’t have access to a gym, don’t worry. You can still get your heart rate up by walking with your dog, partner or friend. Or get lost in the woods on a hike. It’s important to find an activity you really enjoy so your brain will form a positive association.
3. Protect your peace.
If you have been feeling mentally strained and overwhelmed, you don’t have to continue down that path. It’s perfectly healthy and reasonable to seek support from the caring people in your life. It could be as simple as venting to a friend or requesting a day off at work. The worst thing you can do is keep your frustration bottled up, as you might lose your cool later.
4. Find your tribe.
Friends enrich our lives and can help us see old problems in new ways. Wherever you find your support network — at work, place of worship, school, etc. — you should make them a priority. Such a cohort can really help you become a more confident version of yourself — especially when you’re feeling maxed out.
As you may have guessed, mental strength is not developed in a single afternoon, but we can devote time and energy to boost it. Just like our abs, our brain is a muscle—and perhaps the most important one. Here’s to that!