5 COMMON Habits of Mentally Strong People

Hey, Psych2Goers! What does it mean to be mentally strong? Are you often viewed as seemingly unflappable in the face of adversity? When bad things happen to you, how much does it affect your daily life? Is it for the majority of the time? Or do your thoughts and feelings almost never phase you? If that’s the case, you may be a mentally strong person.

Here are ‘5 COMMON Habits of Mentally Strong People’.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional if you are struggling.

#1. You Don’t Ruminate

According to Dr. Gabriella Sadurní Rodriguez: “Rumination occurs when you have constant and repetitive thoughts about something; typically, a problem or situation.” If you’re a mentally strong person, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you never have negative thoughts about your day. It just means that you’re someone who’s able to challenge those thoughts, and is able to push them out of your mind before they ever become overwhelming.

You’re likely bombarded by messages coming in and out of your brain all the time. What if I didn’t study hard enough for my test? What if they reject me after I ask them out? If you can avoid the utterly debilitating need to hyper-fixate on moments in your current sphere, you’re mentally very tough. Well done!

#2. You’re Kind To Those That Are Rude

In a world full of anger and frustration, it can be something of a rarity to be a kind person. Maybe you work at a really hard job where you get yelled at all the time by your bosses and/or ungrateful customers. If you’re someone who’s mentally strong, you know to apply the expression “kill them with kindness”. Don’t worry, it’s much less aggressive than it sounds.

Mental strength is when you’re able to channel that anger inside of yourself, by letting it turn into thoughtful words and gentle ideas that you’re expressing instead. Having the fortitude to not lower yourself to an angry person’s level is something to be greatly admired.

#3. You Can More Easily Accept Criticism

Nobody likes being criticized for what they do, or the person they are. Just because you may be mentally strong, that doesn’t mean you’re flawless. As much as you would probably like to be. Those that are mentally strong will be more likely to accept criticism of themselves. If you’re the kind of person who loves getting feedback on your projects, both good and bad, mental toughness makes this process much easier.

When people critique your own work, it may be brutal. You might get thrown the worst possible of notes and suggestions. Some of it might even be downright mean-spirited. Your mental strength will tell you to not take it personally. You also don’t need to take that person’s advice, if you don’t want to. Being open, graceful and teachable to others is oftentimes a strength.

#4. You Define Your Own Success

In the day and age of social media, it’s very easy for people to compare themselves to others. A mentally strong person is someone who’s able to be contented or even happy with their job, their house and their family. Regardless of what other people around them might have.

Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t have a home, but instead is happy to always be moving from place to place. To you, success may not be defined by being rich and having a big house. Perhaps to you, success is traveling all over the world and meeting new people. Having mental strength can be caused by someone who’s rich in experiences.

#5. You’ve Made Peace with The Past

The past is one of the hardest things you can ever come to terms with. You might have experienced heartache, job losses and/or deaths in the family, amongst many other traumas. If you’re a mentally strong person, you’re able to accept what’s happened, has happened. It’s in the past, so there’s nothing you can do about it.

A mentally strong person is someone who’s able to be mindful of the present moment. You’re living in the present, right now. Whether you like it or not. Hopefully, you’re moving toward the future.

Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.

Final Thoughts

Did any of the points on this list resonate with you? Did you not previously think of yourself as a mentally strong person until just now? You may be stronger than you think. Give yourself a little more credit. These common habits of mental toughness can be accomplished by those who are willing to learn.

Please like and share this post, to help someone out who may need reminding of just how strong they are. Until next time!

References:

’18 Things Mentally Strong People Do’ by Amy Moran (March 27th, 2017) https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/27/18-things-mentally-strong-people-do.html

‘Rumination: When Your Thoughts Don’t Have An Off Button’ by Dr. Gabriela Sadurní Rodríguez https://thepsychologygroup.com/ruminating-thoughts-and-anxiety/