The Science Behind Becoming Mentally Stronger And Why It Matters
Let's first understand what does being Mentally Stronger mean
In clinical world, mental strength is made up of how you feel (emotions), how you think (thoughts) and how you act (behavior). These three together form the Cognitive Triad and measure one’s mental strength.
Just like how we workout our bodies and build muscles to improve physical strength, we should work out our mind, to be able to cope with our emotions and thought patterns which ultimately affect how we behave.
Science behind emotions, thoughts and behaviors
Every emotion that human being goes through is a combination of various hormonal release. Thus, this simple act of 'feeling' creates physiological and biological changes in our body and brain.
Thinking and behaving is governed by Amygdala ( a part of our brain that is responsible for how we react/respond to situations). But even this part is guided by certain key chemical messengers called Neurotransmitters. Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins are 4 main neurotransmitters involved in these brain and bodily changes.
Given how frequent and commonly we use words like emotions and thoughts in our daily life, it's imperative to understand their scientific significance which determines the quality of our life.
Three Reasons why being mentally stronger matters
-
1) It assures Resilience : Being mentally stronger wouldnt guarantee an easy life. But what it assures is the resilience to face everything life throws at you without losing your core values.
-
2) You will live longer : Increasingly among millennials, psychological factors have become the top contributor to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular illness, chronic diabetes, chronic hypertension etc. Being mentally stronger means keeping brain chemical and hormones in check which further create a long term positive impact on your physical health.
-
3) It fuels life purpose : Being mentally stronger keeps you motivated, gives you the strength to connect better with yourself and others, and helps you be at your optimum level at all times.
- Now that you understand the importance of Mental Strength, find out your score and what is impacting your emotions, thoughts and behaviors in your daily life. You can measure from below.