The concept of mental fitness is relatively new to me and the rest of the world.  It means making your brain and emotional health a priority so that you can function more efficiently across various situations.

We have all become aware of the importance of physical fitness – of becoming stronger, having more energy and endurance, and being less prone to injury and accidents. Physical fitness allows us to respond positively to the demands of everyday living – lifting, bending, carrying – and provides us with a sense of independence and achievement.

Creating New Neural Pathways

Increasing our mental fitness provides us with similar benefits. Our brains carry thoughts along neural pathways. Imagine a wagon going over the same path again and again. Eventually, there will be deep ruts in the ground making it easy for the wheels to follow. However, if the wagon wants to move out of the ruts, it will require some effort.

The same is true for our brains. Thoughts that we focus on frequently are carried easily along familiar neural pathways in our brains. Often, we have these thoughts without realizing it. They tend to be automatic. However, we can create new neural pathways that better serve our lives with the same intention that we give to our physical fitness routines.

Reframe your thoughts

1) Become aware that these thoughts no longer serve you well

2) Decide to find new thoughts that support the life you want

3) Begin to exercise your mental muscles by writing down those thoughts and putting them where you can see them

4) Say them to yourself every morning and evening – creating new “wagon trails” in your brain.

5) As you practice, you will find it easier and easier to remember the new thoughts and your confidence will grow.

Practice…

As you practice this skill for several weeks, you will find that you have created new pathways and your “wagon load of thoughts” will move along different ruts in your mind. Once you have mastered this new thought, think of a new one and use it to make other neural pathways for success!

I hope you found this helpful. Stay tuned for other ways that you can increase your mental fitness and move in the direction of your dream life.