top of page

Self-Care | It's More Mental than Physical

Updated: Feb 6, 2024

lady contemplating, more mental than physical

In the ever-changing landscape of self-care, self-improvement, and personal development, there's a philosophy that consistently resonates: It's mental more than physical. This theory, often simplified as mind over matter, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of our lives, from fitness to professional achievements and emotional well-being. Today, we dive deep into this philosophy, exploring its implications and how we can apply it to our daily routines for a more fulfilled life.


The Power of the Mind

The concept that our mental state significantly influences our physical experiences is hardly new. In modern times, this idea has been backed by psychological research, showing that our mindset can drastically affect our physical performance and overall health. Take, for example, the realm of athletics. While physical training is undeniably important, sports psychologists have shown that mental conditioning is just as crucial. An athlete's ability to stay focused, maintain positive self-talk, and visualize success often makes the difference between victory and defeat. This isn't just about pushing through physical barriers; it's about cultivating a mindset that elevates physical capabilities. The late, great Kobe Bryant referred to it as Mamba Mentality. Specifically, Kobe stated the meaning of Mamba Mentality was a constant quest to become the best version of yourself.  To put it another way, that constant quest is mental more than physical.


Mental Resilience in Daily Life

Moving beyond the athletic side of the spectrum, the it's mental more than physical philosophy is equally applicable in our everyday lives. Whether it's coping with stress at work, managing personal relationships, or pursuing personal goals, mental resilience plays a crucial role. It's about how we perceive and react to challenges, not just the challenges themselves.


Consider the simple act of waking up early to exercise. The physical act of getting out of bed is straightforward, but the mental battle—overcoming laziness, self-doubt, and the comfort of the warm sheets—is often the real hurdle. By strengthening our mental resolve, we empower ourselves to take physical action.


The Role of Mindset in Health and Wellness

Perhaps nowhere is the philosophy more evident than in the area of health and wellness. The placebo effect, a remarkable demonstration of mind over matter, shows us how our expectations and beliefs can physically alter our bodies' responses to treatments. This is not to undermine the importance of physical treatments, but rather to highlight how our mental state can significantly impact our physical health.


Additionally, mental health itself is a crucial component of overall wellness. The recognition and treatment of mental health conditions have become increasingly prominent in discussions about health, breaking down the stigma and acknowledging that caring for the mind is as important as caring for the body.


Practical Steps to Harness Your Mental Strength

So, how can we practically apply this philosophy in our lives? Here are a few steps:

 

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:  Regular mindfulness practices can increase your mental resilience, helping you to remain centered and calm in the face of life's challenges.


2. Positive Affirmations:  The power of positive thinking isn't just a cliché. Reinforcing positive self-talk can transform your mindset, leading to better outcomes in various endeavors.


3. Goal Setting and Visualization:  Visualize your success and set achievable goals. This mental mapping can make daunting tasks feel more attainable.


4. Emotional Intelligence:  Cultivating emotional intelligence helps in managing emotions, both yours and others, leading to healthier relationships and better decision-making.


5. Continuous Learning:  Keep challenging your mind. Learning new skills or hobbies isn't just about the physical or intellectual aspect; it's about conditioning your mind to embrace growth and change.


Final Thoughts | It is More Mental than Physical

The it’s mental more than physical philosophy is a powerful reminder of our inner strength and potential. By focusing on our mental resilience and mindset, we can enhance our physical capabilities, improve our emotional well-being, and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment. Remember, the body achieves what the mind believes. Let's start nurturing our mental strength to unlock our full potential in every aspect of our lives.


Chris Barber, freelance writer

Chris Barber is a freelance writer and contributor to the blog. His desire is to write scripts and pursue his dreams of story telling. If you would like to contact Chris with an opportunity and or feedback, visit our Meet The Team page.





Comments


bottom of page