Evidence shows there are a range of skills that underpin mental wellbeing. And, just like we train different muscles to build physical fitness, we can practise a range of skills to build mental fitness and support our ability to thrive.
Mental fitness reflects our ability to be at our best each day, navigate challenges, and support a state of positive mental wellbeing. It’s our foundation for thriving. In practice, mental fitness involves consistently and intentionally developing the mental skills we can draw upon to respond to setbacks, sustain healthy relationships, navigate change and uncertainty, and make effective decisions. These skills can be proactively developed before mental ill-health arises, and help us navigate life's ups and downs. Everyone can practise mental fitness—it's never too late, or too early, to get started.
Research indicates that mental wellbeing can be looked at as a skill and developed over the lifespan. Over the past few decades, these studies have returned many great insights into the factors that make up mental wellbeing. We’ve been able to interrogate this research to categorise, develop and test a model of Mental Fitness. “We came up with five core elements of Mental Fitness which are grounded in science, can be learned and developed, and importantly, remain relevant to improving mental wellbeing over the lifespan.
— Jed Dib, Senior Research Manager, Smiling Mind
The Smiling Mind Mental Fitness Model has been created by our team of researchers, psychologists and mental health experts. Informed by a two year research and testing project, the model pulls together five key mental fitness skills that evidence shows underpin our ability to thrive. To create our Mental Fitness Model, Smiling Mind undertook a comprehensive process involving:
Literature and evidence analysis
Creation, validation and assessment of the proposed model, including consumer testing and feedback
Intervention mapping aligned to specific skills, cohorts and contexts
It’s designed to support practical skill-building for everyone of all ages and stages, helping us develop habits that will enable us to feel good and support our resilience during life’s challenges.
Skills to help us be present, pay attention and respond well to the things that happen around us.
Skills to help us make decisions, solve problems and be creative.
Skills to help us build good relationships with others and ourselves.
Skills to help us understand our strengths, values and how we want to make a difference.
Skills to support our mind and body through movement, rest, relaxation and sleep.
We know you love seeing the evidence as much as we do, so we’ve made our library of research available to the public.
Building mental fitness can enhance overall mental health and wellbeing—that's why it's central to everything Smiling Mind does. Here are just some of the ways mental fitness can support you...
Have more measured responses to challenges and conflict and improved problem-solving and adaptability.
Learn strategies to calm the mind which can assist in managing and recovering from the symptoms of anxiety, worry or trauma.
Clarify and challenge the negative self-beliefs and expectations you hold through intentional self-reflection.
Develop strong, positive connection with self and others through enhanced social perceptions including gratitude, empathy and compassion.
Reflect on your personal strengths and values to uncover what drives you. Enhancing creativity - Gain new perspectives by developing the skills of open-mindedness, curiosity and a beginner’s mind.
Developed by psychologists
Evidence-based content
For minds of all ages and stages
Trusted by over 8M people
100% not-for-profit
