Four pillars of mental fitness
The importance of physical fitness in maintaining healthy and vibrant lives has been well researched. What is not as well known is that mental fitness is equally important. In fact, the two are intertwined. Supporting your mental health can make you more resilient to life’s ups and downs and more likely to make positive lifestyle choices. Likewise, if your body is functioning well, you’re in a better position to achieve mental fitness.
What is mental fitness?
Just as there are four components to physical fitness—cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and a healthy weight—there are four components to mental fitness.
- Emotional. This includes self-acceptance, self-esteem, resilience, and the ability to manage strong emotions.
- Social. Friends are important because they bring companionship, support, and enrichment to our lives. Considerable research has shown that people who have friends are generally physically and emotionally healthier and enjoy a better quality of life.
- Financial. A substantial number of people experience stress due to money issues. Financial wellness is not about having a certain amount of money at your disposal; it’s about feeling in control of your finances, being able to handle financial setbacks, and being on track to achieve your financial and life goals.
- Physical. Mental and physical fitness and health are intertwined. You can improve both through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep. You can also reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Taking steps to build your mental fitness can boost your ability to cope with stress and improve your physical health, productivity at work, relationships, and overall happiness. If you would like more support as you work to build your mental fitness, contact Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program or visit https://dallasisd.lifeworks.com/life/employee-assistance.
Source: LifeWorks
