What Exactly Is Mental Fitness?

When we think of fitness, we often think of physical health, but mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. Generally, fitness refers to a state of health and well-being usually achieved through regular physical exercise, good nutrition and adequate sleep. Based on this definition, fitness includes everything from getting out of bed rested, eating well, exercising regularly and surviving the challenges of everyday life.

People need to exercise their brains as well and thus maintain mental fitness. Mental fitness refers to a person’s cognitive functioning and psychosocial health and well-being. When we are mentally fit, we have a positive sense of how we feel, think and behave in daily life, as well as in public life and the global community. Mental fitness contributes to our innate ability to be emotionally healthy, an essential part of overall health. Mental fitness means keeping your brain and emotional health energized and functional.

People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They cope effectively with life’s challenges. Emotionally healthy people still feel a spectrum of emotions, including but not limited to stress, anger and sadness. But they have developed the skills and abilities to manage their emotions, whether positive or negative, and do it effectively. These individuals build and maintain healthy connections with others. They are able to engage in effective and respectful relationships and communication with others.

The mentally fit and emotionally healthy person demonstrates clear awareness of their own strengths and limitations. Mentally fit people use creativity in problem solving and have the ability to work through conflict. The mentally fit person accepts accountability for their actions and decisions and seeks help when needed.

Mentally fit individuals also demonstrate self-determination. Self-determination theory says these individuals seek control of basic psychological skills, which require mental fitness. These skills include autonomy, competence and relatedness, which build a healthy lifestyle, resulting in psychological well-being and mental health.

by Dr. Thomas W. Miller, PhD, ABPP