Mind it!

Guest article by Yashmeen Chauhan Manak [FB page]

Mental strength is one of the most important aspect of well-being, which most people are unaware of. Physical strength is often talked about but it is the mental strength which wins the battles, be it life or games. ‘Mind’ is the most powerful muscle which either makes us win/ lose.

There are numerous ways, people can develop physical strength but mental strength is an inside thing; it has to come from within. We are as strong as we want to be- the choice to have a great attitude is something that nobody or no circumstance can take from us. There is seldom which can be done to build it because we already have it, the only difference being, some of us get nervous and give into situations, without listening to that little voice inside us. But, there is one thing which is common to both and that is practice. Just like we need to train regularly to stay physically fit and strong, similarly we need to religiously remind ourselves to stay strong ‘mentally’. Just like the principle of ‘use/ disuse’ or say…’Use it or lose it’ in bodybuilding, where when we stop using/ training our muscles they atrophy (shrink), similarly when we stop feeding our brain for good, we lose mental strength too.

All we need to do is, every single day just spend 15 to 20 mins all alone talking to self. We need to remind ourselves of all the qualities we have, our strengths and how strong we are to overcome every difficulty. We need to look into the mirror and tell ourselves that how much we love the kind of a person we are. Mental strength brings mental peace and vice-versa. At times, we tend to lose our mental peace and it can be regained through several ways- Meditation, introspection, listening to music or reading ‘self-help’ books etc. This list is endless and everything might not help everyone. We need to identify things which bring us peace. Once we identify, the next task is to do more of those things, more often. We need to cut negative people from our lives and cultivate a positive small circle. Letting toxic people go is an act of self-care. We must respect ourselves enough to walk away from anyone or anything that no longer serves us, grows us or makes us happy.

We can get inspired by others, but such inspiration is short-lived, ultimately it should come from within. Nobody can instil/ inject it in us until and unless, we already have that Fire within us. There is no obstacle that we cannot overcome with our determination and meticulous hard work. Our body and mind have infinite ability. Our ability never restricts us, our thoughts do. If we think we can, we can. If we think we cannot, we cannot.The secret is to make our mind, work FOR us and not against us.

We are the result of our thoughts and actions. Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts. Our biggest battle is with ourselves- it lies in our shortcomings, insecurities and fears. If we have not achieved victory over self, all our other victories will fade into insignificance. Every battle is won before it is fought. We need to win the battle in the mind first to continue winning in life! We alone are the reason for our happiness and our peace. Mental toughness gives us the fortitude to conquer the impossible.

Focus on discovering your ‘mental strength’ and realise it’s potential. You will be amazed to see-you can be whatever you want to be!

Yashmeen is an ACSM Certified Fitness Expert, Reebok certified Aerobics Instructor, Gladrags Mrs. India 2005 Best Body Award Winner and the owner of Sculpt Gym.