HOW TO BECOME MENTALLY STRONG: 10 HABITS THAT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING

Life is as it is. It has a way of testing us, in more ways than we can ever imagine.

Some days, we feel like we have everything together, and on other days, it's like the universe is personally against you, challenging every ounce of the very little patience you already have. Whether it's handling a tough job, navigating relationships, the kids, or just managing everyday stress, being mentally strong can make a lot of difference.

The thing is mental strength isn't about being without any emotion or having to pretend everything is okay when it's really not. It's about resilience, learning how to manage your emotions, and knowing how to pick yourself up when you fall.

As a single mom, I have my own struggles. Struggles that no one knows about except for me. Yes, on the outside everything looks rosy and I may come across like I have my shit together, but in actual fact, I'm struggling. Struggling to find solutions to never-ending issues. But the thing is, I've found that being mentally strong and resilient has helped me in more ways than I thought it would.

Being mentally strong doesn't make the problems disappear but personally, it does give me the strength and clarity of mind to manage any issues that come my way. To help me see the positive and find my way out of situations with a clear plan in place, regardless of how hard things can get. There's a hidden strength in being mentally strong that can get you through even the toughest of situations. You'll find that instead of just thinking about it and burying yourself deeper and deeper into your problems, you'll be able to slowly plan and manage your situations head-on so that you can find a way out.

So, what does it really mean to be mentally strong? And more importantly, how can we build that strength so we can manage all of life's challenges and face them with grace.

What It Means To Be Mentally Strong

Being mentally strong isn't about not feeling stressed or not being affected by anything that life throws at you. It's about how you respond to those emotions and challenges that come your way.

Mentally strong women know how to set boundaries, face challenges head-on, and take care of their mental well-being. They don't let fear, self-doubt, or even setbacks define who they are. They work through their struggles, learn from them, and come out on the other side stronger

When I first became a single mom, everything was overwhelming and literally downright scary. Raising a child, managing finances, to making big life decisions on my own could have drowned me if I had let it. There were plenty of times when I doubted myself and didn't know what I was doing at all, but I had no choice but to push through. Through all the challenges I have faced and am still facing, I realize that mental strength isn't something you're born with, but it's something anybody can learn to build, little by little.

10 Ways To Become Mentally Strong

Now, let’s talk about how you can build that strength for yourself.

Take Stock Of Your Thoughts

Being mentally strong starts with being aware of your thoughts and how you're feeling. Mindfulness isn't meditation though it is a tool that can help you practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about paying attention to your reactions and being aware of them. It's about being aware of your reactions and choosing how you respond instead of just reacting. When you're faced with stress, take a moment to breathe. A few deep breaths can do a world of wonders for calming your mind and helping you think more clearly.

Reframe Your Negative Thoughts

We all have those thoughts, that inner voice that tells us, non-stop, that we're not good enough or we're a total failure. But the thing is, those thoughts are not the actual facts. So next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge it.

You wouldn't talk to a friend the way you think badly about yourself, so you have the power to change the narrative of what you think of yourself.

You lose nothing, but you gain control, of that inner voice and your negative thoughts that are always trying to bring you down. Just don't give in to it. Instead of thinking to yourself, "I can't do this", try "I haven't figured it out yet, but I will."

Set Boundaries And Protect Your Energy

Not everybody is deserving of your time and energy.

Mentally strong people know when to say no and without feeling guilty about it. If a situation or a relationship is draining you, it's okay to take a step back. Protecting your peace is a form of self-care, and it does so much for your mental wellbeing.

Embrace Your Challenges Head-On

When life throws challenges at you, it drains you, you feel uncomfortable, and can often feel like you want to give in. You can't take it anymore. But if you really face these challenges head-on, you come out on the other side much stronger. That satisfaction of being able to overcome that challenge empowers you for any other challenges that you may experience after that.

Think of it like working out; your muscles only grow stronger when they're pushed beyond what they are used to. And the same goes for mental strength.

So instead of avoiding difficult situations, lean into them and see what you can learn from them.

Let Go Of Things You Can't Control

Constantly worrying about things that are clearly out of your control is exhausting, but somehow we do it anyway. Why? I don't really know. I do it all the time until I catch myself and slowly shift my thinking.

Instead of worrying about things you can't control, try shifting your focus to what you can; your attitude, your efforts, and the way you respond. When something stressful happens, before you get all riled up, ask yourself, "Is this something I can change?" If not, let it go. If it's a problem that comes up, don't put too much focus on the problem, but make an effort to find a solution. Yes, you'll be thinking about the problem, but some of us allow ourselves to get stuck there and it can be debilitating. You'll have to act on it, and that's what you can control.

Surround Yourself With Supportive People

The people you spend your time with impact your mindset. I'm sure that you've noticed that there are some people you spend your time or interact with who just add weight to your shoulders. They bring you down and they drain you.

Consciously, make the change. Choose to surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. And if someone constantly drains your energy or is constantly bringing you down or making you doubt yourself, it may be time to rethink that relationship, even if it's family. It's okay to want to protect your energy and mind from the unnecessary.

Practice Gratitude, Even On Hard Days

It's so easy to keep thinking about what's going wrong. It's always at the forefront of our thoughts. But mentally strong people make it a habit to focus on all that's going right.

Every morning, try writing down three things that you're grateful for. It can be anything from the littlest of things, like a good night's sleep, or your morning cup of coffee to the home that you live in or even your health. You'll notice that there are a lot of things that are going right, that you should be grateful for. We often overlook these things and take them for granted but in actual fact, there is so much you have been blessed with.

Really tune in to these blessings, consider how they make you feel, and notice the impact they have on your life.

I heard someone say recently, just shifting from, "I have to" to "I get to" will change your perspective on things. Think about it, when you change from saying "I have to go to work" to "I get to go to work and work on my goals", do feel the same? The latter gives you motivation and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity. So choose well when you notice your inner dialogues, that's something you can control and it'll definitely change your experiences.

Even on the hardest days, there's always something to appreciate and be grateful for.

Learn Your Setbacks Instead Of Letting Them Define You

Everyone fails at something. What really matters and makes a big difference is how you handle failure.

Instead of looking at your failures as proof that you're not good enough, see it as a lesson. What can you learn from it? What and how can you do things differently the next time? Every mistake and failure teaches you something. Instead of beating yourself up, see it as a stepping stone towards your personal growth.

Make Self-Care A Priority

Being mentally strong isn't just about pushing yourself through tough times, it's also about knowing when to take a break, a rest.

Whether it's getting enough sleep, eating well, getting some exercise in, or just taking a moment to relax, self-care is extremely important.

Burnout doesn't make you strong. Taking care of yourself does.

Be Kind To Yourself

Ultimately, you're doing the best you can, and that's enough.

Self-compassion can truly be a game-changer. Instead of beating yourself up for what you should have done, or should have said, treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you'd show a friend or a family member.

You're not perfect, no one in this world is, and that is totally okay!

Building mental strength takes time and practice, but every step you take will make a big difference in how you handle all the different scenarios it brings and live your life.

It's not about never struggling, but it;s about learning to handle the struggles in a way that makes you stronger. Everyone, even those we perceive as 'strong' has had moments of doubt and setbacks. What makes them strong is that they keep pushing through and moving forward.

So, take it one step at a time and give yourself the grace you need. And know that you are stronger than you think!

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