Building Mental Strength Through Uncertainty

Keeping a strong mental state is an ongoing process. Everyday we have reasons to have our moods be negatively impacted, ranging from small inconveniences to more serious issues. Our state of mind will either be a result of what we let happen to it, or what we make of it. When we have tough days, knowing how to manage your mental state becomes even more important to not let it all spiral down from there.

The fact that the world is in the middle of a pandemic adds to the uncertainty we already had to deal with, and in a significant way. Don’t minimize the impact this could be having in your mental health. We are going through some tips today on how to build a stronger mind to have the resilience needed for times like these without feeling broken.

The First Step is Self Awareness

Being self aware is the first step. When you observe and notice how you feel, where those feelings are coming from and why you have them, as a result you can start managing your mental state. It is not about ignoring or avoiding negative emotions, it is about connecting to yourself choosing intentionally how to process these feelings.

This is naturally easier said than done. The truth is, emotional intelligence is something we should all learn in school in order to achieve more successful lives.

Tips on Building Mental Strength

There are a number of breathing exercises that can be powerful tools to calming down. Taking deep slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth will slow heart rate and help with anxiety.

Meditation is another technique you probably know about that aids with focus and clarity of mind. Even only fifteen minutes per day sitting in silence and allowing thoughts to come and go without holding onto them can do wonders for your mental state.

In addition, practicing daily positive affirmations is another powerful tool I always recommend. These are positive statements you repeat to yourself daily. For example, you can write them, read them silently or say them out loud while looking at yourself in the mirror. You will find a list of affirmations you can use for mental strength at the bottom of this article. These will sink into your subconscious mind and over time, you will start believing the positive statements you have repeated to yourself. Using this method regularly, you can change your thought patterns away from negative and increase your self-confidence and mental strength.

What You Should Not Do

Avoid using alcohol, drugs or other escape techniques. When trying to avoid negative feelings, it is not uncommon for people who want to make themselves feel better to resort to these. However, using mind altering substances when facing difficulties will only magnify negativity and not resolve the issues at hand. Your best bet is to keep in tune with yourself, so that you are able to process your feelings.

Your emotions are valid. There is no need to be ashamed or feel guilty on top of what you’re feeling. Give yourself some grace. Always ask yourself: if a friend came to me describing these feelings, how would I react? Would I shame them, or give them support? Be that friend to yourself.

Remember that intentionally managing your state of mind will result in a more self aware, calm and happier you.

Below is a list of affirmations you can use for developing a strong mind which will act like a deep rooted tree during a storm. No matter how strong the storm, it will bend, but not break. With these techniques, it may lose leaves and a few branches, but will get through, while maintaining its core protected.

Mental Strength Affirmations

I grow more confident and stronger each day

I accept myself unconditionally

I see problems as interesting challenges

I thrive on challenges that bring out the best in me

I have confidence in my abilities and skills

I face difficulty with courage

I am at peace and happy when I’m alone

My intuition and wisdom guide me in the right direction

I have faith in myself to make the best decision possible

I believe in my ability to overcome setbacks

I focus on breathing to ground myself

Following my intuition and my heart keeps me safe and sound

I make the right choices every time

I draw from my inner strength and light

I breathe in calmness and breathe out nervousness

This situation works out for my highest good

I forgive myself for things I have done in the past

I let go of my anger so I can see clearly

I replace my anger with understanding and compassion

I listen lovingly to this inner conflict and reflect on it until I find peace about it

I am a better person because of my hardships and achievements

I refuse to give past events power over my present or future

All that I need comes to me at the right time and place in this life

I give up the habit of criticizing myself

I develop the mindset to praise myself

When I breath, I inhale confidence and exhale doubt

I live in the present and am confident of the future

I am self-reliant, creative, and persistent in everything I do

I am grateful for this moment, which enriches my life

I love change and easily adapt to new situations

I focus only on the good in others

My inner wisdom is my best guide

I find deep inner peace within myself

I fill my mind with positive, nourishing thoughts

I am safe and sound and all is well

Everything works out for my highest good

There is an important reason that this is unfolding now

I have the intelligence and the ability to get through this

I can solve my problems through my diligence

I follow my dreams no matter what

Pick the ones that resonate with you the most, and have them handy.

Share this link with a friend who you think may benefit from this.

Conclusion

We all go through tough times and having the tools to manage our mental strength and develop resilience is extremely helpful. Above you found a few. If you are interested in reading more about mental strength, check this other article about building resilience.

Remember: you are more powerful than you give yourself credit for.