Life can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes there are more ups and downs. When this happens, staying mentally strong can seem near impossible.

But believe me, it’s not.

If you’re struggling to maintain your mental strength during tough times, read on.

Resilience and mental toughness are skills you can develop with the right habits.

In this article, we’ll delve into the eight habits of individuals who manage to stay mentally strong even when life throws curveballs their way.

These habits aren’t just about surviving tough times—they’re about thriving despite them

1) Embrace change

Life is a constant barrage of changes, and honestly, it can be overwhelming.

But here’s what I’ve observed: People who remain mentally strong don’t shy away from change. In fact, they embrace it.

Change, believe it or not, is an opportunity to grow and learn.

It might be uncomfortable, even painful at times.

But it’s only through adapting to these changes that we truly strengthen our mental resilience.

Mentally strong individuals understand this.

They know that change is inevitable and see it as a chance to evolve rather than a hurdle to overcome.

So instead of resisting change, they lean into it.

They accept that life won’t always be a smooth sail and prepare themselves to navigate through the stormy seas.

2) Practice self-care

Mental strength isn’t about pushing yourself to the limits all the time.

It’s just as much about knowing when to pause and take care of your well-being.

People who stay mentally strong make self-care a priority.

They understand that their mental health is as important as their physical health.

This means taking time out for themselves, whether it’s for:

• Meditation
• Exercise
• Spending a quiet moment reading their favorite book

They make sure to replenish their mental energy and reduce stress in whatever way works best for them.

And by taking care of themselves, they are better equipped to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

3) Cultivate gratitude

Now, this is one habit I’ve personally found transformative. Cultivating gratitude.

It might sound like a cliché, but those who remain mentally strong develop a habit of being grateful.

They actively seek out the silver linings, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

They understand that life isn’t always going to be perfect and that there will be tough times.

But instead of focusing on the negatives, they choose to appreciate what they have.

They acknowledge their blessings and express gratitude for them.

This habit of cultivating gratitude helps them shift their focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

It creates a positive mindset, which in turn fosters mental resilience.

From my own experience, I can vouch for the profound impact this simple habit can have on your mental strength.

And it’s something anyone can start practicing today.

4) Set healthy boundaries

Mental strength is often about being able to say “no” when necessary.

People who stay mentally strong set healthy boundaries in their relationships and interactions.

They understand that their time and energy are valuable, and they don’t allow others to take advantage of that.

They communicate their needs clearly and are not afraid of disappointing others if it means protecting their mental health.

I’ve covered this topic extensively in my book “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“.

It provides practical tips on setting healthy boundaries and protecting your mental space, among other things that contribute to building mental toughness.

By respecting your own limits, you’re able to maintain your mental strength even when life gets tough.

5) Accept failure as part of the process

Here’s something that might surprise you: people who stay mentally strong accept failure.

Yes, you heard that right.

They understand that failure isn’t the end of the world. Instead, they see it as a valuable learning opportunity.

Rather than letting failures discourage them or dent their self-esteem, they use them as stepping stones towards success. They:

• Analyze their failures
• Understand what went wrong
• Use this knowledge to improve

This counter-intuitive habit of accepting failure allows them to bounce back from setbacks with even greater resilience.

This mindset is a significant part of what makes these individuals mentally tough, even when life gets challenging.

6) Practice mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.

But people who stay mentally strong understand the importance of being present in the moment.

They practice mindfulness, a habit that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment.

Whether it’s through meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to appreciate their surroundings, they make a conscious effort to live in the now.

Research on mindfulness practice among athletes shows that it enhances sports performance, reduces anxiety levels, and builds mental strength. 

With a regular mindfulness practice, you no longer get overwhelmed by future uncertainties or past mistakes and you’re better able to respond to situations with clarity and calmness.

7) Seek support when needed

This is something I’ve learned from my own journey: you don’t have to face everything alone.

People who stay mentally strong understand the value of seeking support.

They aren’t afraid to reach out to others when things get tough.

They realize that it’s okay to ask for help and that doing so doesn’t make them weak.

This can mean:

• Talking to a trusted friend about their problems
• Seeking professional help
• Joining a support group

They know that sharing their struggles and asking for assistance can provide a fresh perspective and alleviate some of the stress they’re experiencing.

In my experience, seeking support has not only helped me navigate through difficult times but also contributed to my mental strength in the long run. 

8) Maintain a growth mindset

The final habit I’ve noticed in people who stay mentally strong is that they maintain a growth mindset.

They view challenges as opportunities for self-improvement rather than obstacles.

They believe in their capability to learn new skills and overcome difficulties, which boosts their resilience and mental toughness.

They understand that their abilities are not fixed and can be developed with effort, practice, and perseverance.

This belief in their potential for growth empowers them to face life’s challenges head-on, making them mentally stronger.

In essence, maintaining a growth mindset is about embracing the journey of self-improvement, no matter how tough life gets.

Final thoughts

Building mental strength is a journey, not a destination, and adopting these eight habits can make all the difference in how you handle life’s challenges.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you’ll enhance your resilience and equip yourself to face adversity with greater confidence.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, I invite you to check out my book “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“.

It’s packed with practical tips and strategies to help strengthen your mental resilience and navigate life’s challenges with grace.