FITNESS & HEALTH

If your Mind is Calm and Well Concentrated, then the Whole Body is Controlled

The Case for Mental Strength

Cene J.
4 min readJan 24, 2023
Photo by Peter Okwara on Unsplash

Mental Toughness or Mental Strength is a psychological edge that helps individuals persevere through difficult situations. It is a well observed and elaborated case in many occasions on its role at various aspects of our lives, but here we are going to have a closer look at its key role in Endurance performance and how crucial it is.

No Human is Limited

Endurance refers to the ability to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time, such as running a marathon or biking a century ride.

Mental strength can impact endurance performance in several ways.

First, it can help individuals set and achieve their goals. Those with high levels of mental strength are able to set challenging goals for themselves and then work towards achieving them, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. This determination and persistence can lead to improved endurance performance.

Second, mental strength can help individuals manage their emotions during endurance events. Endurance events can be mentally and emotionally taxing, and individuals with high levels of mental strength are better able to cope with the stress and pressure of these events. They are able to remain focused and composed, even when faced with difficult conditions or competition.

Third, mental strength can help individuals manage their pain and discomfort during endurance events. Endurance events can be physically demanding, and individuals with high levels of mental toughness are able to push through the pain and discomfort to achieve their goals.

Photo by Pietro Rampazzo on Unsplash

Follow the Leader

One pure example of the importance of Mind mastery is the two times marathon Olympics Champion and World Record holder, with a time of 2:01:09 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, the one and only Eliud Kipchoge.

Kipchoge can reach exceptional physical peaks in training and in competition which kept various doctors and endurance trainers baffled and left with questions, weather it is with his laboratory test results or at his actual training sessions.

But in reality it’s the power of his mind that has made him one of the greatest in the marathon. He himself attributes his mental toughness to how he has won the tightest of races:

“I always say I don’t run by my legs, but I run by heart and my mind.”

“What makes a person run more is their mind.”

“If your mind is calm and well concentrated, then the whole body is controlled.”

How to Master your Mind

Now In order to improve mental toughness, individuals can practice several strategies, such as visualization, goal setting, positive self-talk, and mindfulness. Additionally, incorporating mental training into their overall training plan can help individuals develop the mental toughness necessary to excel in endurance performance.

Here are some examples on how you can work towards and improve Your Mental strength:

  • Set and achieve goals: Setting challenging goals for yourself and working towards achieving them can help build mental strength. This can include both short-term and long-term goals, such as training for a marathon or learning a new skill.
  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This can help you stay focused and not get overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions.
  • Use positive self-talk: The way you talk to yourself can impact your mental strength. Instead of using negative self-talk, such as saying “I can’t do this,” try using positive self-talk, such as saying “I can do this.”
  • Learn to cope with stress and pressure: Stress and pressure are a part of life, and mental strength comes from being able to cope with them. This can include learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
  • Learn from setbacks: Setbacks and failures are a part of the process of achieving your goals. Instead of getting discouraged, try to learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Practice mental visualization: Visualizing yourself successfully achieving your goals can help increase your confidence and motivation.
  • Be consistent: Building mental strength takes time, and it’s important to practice and implement these tips consistently to see results.
  • Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Make sure to get enough sleep every night and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve your mood and reduce stress, which can contribute to mental strength.
  • Seek support: Building mental strength is a personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a professional therapist if needed.

It’s important to note that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It may take some experimentation to find the best strategies for you to improve your mental strength.

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Cene J.

A devoted father of two and a man in his 40s. Passionate runner and cyclist who also has a keen interest in neuroscience.