My 7 Secrets for a Resilient Mind: Building Consistency for Mental Strength

In a time when mental health is rightly in focus, it’s vital to build habits that nurture not only our physical bodies but also our mental resilience and happiness. As psychologist with autism, ADHD, a history of depression, chronic anxiety, and multiple phobias, I obviously have a unique experience and need for good mental habits. But you don't even have to be a unlucky as me to find a need for these skills. Here are the seven practices I prioritize to maintain a healthy brain and mind.

1. Journaling: Capturing Life’s Moments

I don’t journal every day, but I write down memories or thoughts I want to remember—sometimes it’s as simple as what happened that day. Journaling is a way to revisit my life’s moments, reflect on my experiences, and track changes in my mindset over time. These entries become snapshots of my journey, building self-awareness and perspective.

Checkout our collection of notebooks for your thoughts, feelings and ideas.

2. Exercise (and Sex!): Fueling Both Body and Mind

A strong body feeds a strong mind. Regular exercise—whether it’s bike riding, a brisk walk, or an intense workout—clears my mind, reduces stress, and boosts cognitive function. Physical activities, especially those involving movement and connection like sex, stimulate blood flow and release endorphins, lifting my mood and sharpening my focus.

Check out our sexual wellness collection

3. Therapeutic Tools: Mirrors and Wheels

Understanding my emotional terrain is essential. I keep a mirror handy to observe how I’m truly feeling and use a Feelings Wheel to pinpoint emotions more precisely. By regularly checking in with myself, I can face emotions with clarity and practice navigating them thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

4. Family Time: The Most Potent Brain Booster

Just one family member who you deeply connect with can change your entire outlook. When I tutor my little cousins or we sing in the car, it’s like experiencing childhood and adulthood at once. The calm I feel while tutoring or the joy of those shared moments cannot be matched—they are grounding and uplifting, providing a sense of belonging that positively affects my brain chemistry.

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5. Learning New Skills: Exercising the Mind’s Muscle

The brain, like any muscle, needs challenges to stay sharp. I focus on learning skills that require problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, memory, and organization. Whether it’s a new craft, language, or skill, these activities keep my mind active, build neural pathways, and foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

6. The Art of Existing: Finding Presence

Traditional meditation often sounds stuffy, but the art of existing is simpler. It’s about taking time to just “be.” These moments bring me to the present and reduce stress. Over time, practicing the art of existing has helped me develop greater focus and mental clarity, providing a refuge from life’s busyness.

7. Consistency: The Key to Mental Strength

Consistency is what transforms these practices into habits. Mental well-being isn’t built overnight; it’s a slow journey. By committing to these actions regularly, I develop a sustainable foundation for resilience and mental strength, letting each habit reinforce the others and create a powerful cumulative effect on my mind.

Final Thoughts Mental wellness is about balance, intention, and small, consistent actions. These habits form the building blocks of resilience, helping me navigate life’s ups and downs with a steady mind and a sense of purpose. Remember, a resilient mind is made not in grand gestures, but in the daily effort to nurture it.