5 ways to increase your mental strength

Just like regular exercise is a must for your body, working on your mental and emotional health consistently is so important.

Starting a new fitness program and setting your goals? This is a great time to check in on your mental strength and show your mind some love, too.

How does a strong mind relate to your fitness journey?

The desire to get ‘in shape’ is what first brings many of us to exercise and nutrition, but it’s actually far more important to prioritise how you feel – mentally and physically – during your fitness journey.

The good news is, by working on both your body and mind, you can create a cycle of strength: Being mentally strong allows you to train better and more consistently. Being physically strong allows you to feel better mentally. It's a beautiful thing!

I’m so much happier when I’m healthy and active, and I really believe you will feel this too. I love how training makes me feel: alive, energetic, strong, powerful and like I’m capable of anything! ⁣I want to be the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been, for myself and for my family.

How do you train for a strong mind?

If you want strong muscles, you pick up a set of dumbbells. But knowing how to build a strong mind is less obvious. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Focus on how you feel over how you look
Making how you feel a priority will reveal victories that you can’t see in the mirror: like your health markers, the new exercises and skills you master, and increased energy levels.

I love my body for everything it’s done and keeps doing for my babies and me – the things it’s capable of blows me away! Focusing on this rather than how it looks is what has helped me have gratitude for my body no matter what shape, size or fitness level I’m at. It took me many years to get to this point, but it’s the best feeling!

2. Surround yourself with uplifting people
It’s great to be mindful about what you’re putting on your plate, but what’s your social diet like?

I’m so blessed to be surrounded by so many kind, supportive people who uplift others around them. It makes such a difference to your journey having people around who you can be your true self with.

3. Look after your physical health
Think about what drove you to the workout mat – were you unhappy or at the end of your rope? Exercise and nutrition both have a massive impact on your mental wellbeing.

As you start to build a routine, you’ll notice how much positive change eating well and working out regularly can bring. Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress, and a healthy diet can even offer some protection from depression.