Discover the power of “Mental Fitness” this October by exploring how reframing mental health as an active, ongoing practice - much like physical fitness - can help us better manage emotions, boost resilience, and normalise the ups and downs of everyday life with insights from Synergy Health, our health and wellbeing partner.
Modern society values physical health and fitness. Whether it is our favourite athletes or feats of athleticism, we tend to celebrate every step towards a healthier body. But what about mental health? Is it time we shifted our perspective on mental wellbeing as well?
The truth is, discussing our mental health is often accompanied by stigma and apprehension. When we have been feeling physically out of shape, we're quick to announce our new gym membership or when we are working with a physical therapist (be it PT or physio). But we're hesitant to admit when we're feeling down or overwhelmed and are seeking help with our mental and emotional health via a therapist specialising in such areas.
This hesitation in being more open about our mental health can lead to missed opportunities for support and personal growth. To overcome this, perhaps “mental health” needs a name change? Let's call it mental fitness- a term that embodies the active and ongoing process of nurturing our mental health.
Much like physical fitness measures the body's ability to function at its best, mental fitness indicates our capacity to regulate our emotions, think clearly, problem solve, and make efficient decisions. By drawing parallels between these two dimensions of health – physical and mental - we can begin to reshape our attitudes towards mental wellbeing.
Consider your typical physical fitness routine. You hit the gym, go for a run, or engage in other activities aimed at developing your physical capacity. You proudly share your progress on social media, showcasing your commitment to self-improvement. But why is it that when it comes to doing something similar with our mental fitness, we often shy away from such open discussions?
Think about it—have you ever questioned whether a gym session truly happened if it wasn't posted on Instagram? Could it be that some individuals use social media, seeking attention and validation to boost their mental state as much as they are trying to boost their physical fitness? They use the display of one to indirectly boost the other, such is the stigma attached to directly and openly discussing their mental health.
The distinction is vital. Going to the gym and engaging in physical exercise is widely seen as a positive and inspiring act. It not only motivates you but also inspires those around you. You receive a boost of positivity, knowing you're investing in yourself.
However, the narrative around mental health is often different. When you're in a bad mood or experiencing emotional lows, it's immediately assumed that you're "struggling with your mental health." Friends and family rush to your aid, attempting to "fix" you.
But here's the crucial point: experiencing these emotions is part of being human. It doesn't mean something is profoundly wrong with you; it means you're experiencing the full spectrum of life.
Just as you have off days at the gym where your body doesn't cooperate, your mind can also have "off days." You may struggle to concentrate or find it hard to stay on track with work. However, we rarely chalk it up to "one of those days" when it comes to mental fitness. Instead, we push ourselves relentlessly to regain our focus.
If you pull a muscle while exercising, you take time to recover, right? Friends or family doesn't rush to fix your injury immediately. You give it time, you trust the process, and eventually you return to your fitness routine. Following that process a testament to your commitment to your physical wellbeing.
So, why don't we apply the same approach to our mental fitness?
Why do we view not being 100% mentally ourselves as a negative?
The misconception that something must be wrong when we're not at our best mentally needs to change. Mental fitness is an ongoing journey, just like physical fitness, and it's perfectly normal to have fluctuations.
It's time we embrace mental fitness as a positive, ongoing endeavour—one that allows us to acknowledge our emotional fluctuations without judgment rather than continuing to focus on the fixed outcome of mental health as we currently know it.
By reframing the way we perceive mental health and adopting a mindset of mental fitness, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our own well-being and support those around us on their unique journeys toward mental strength and resilience.
Source: The Synergy Health Editorial Team via GoodForYou.