Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger?

Happy new year everyone! Most of the people are still probably in the new year mood; still relatively excited and hopeful that 2025 to be kinder to them. The gym that I go to is once again packed with people and their renewed aspirations to hit their new goals/gains.

In terms of improving physical health, the common measurement has always been the ability to do the repetitions harder, better, faster or stronger. The idea being the more we practice, the better we'll become with the certain movement. This method works (most of the time) provided if we have a healthy and fully functional body. However, if we dive deeper into the world of physical wellness, we'll gradually discover that improving physical health is more than just doing repetitions- gotta take into account of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, so on and so forth. In other words, physical health is more than having low body weight/extreme muscular strength. Its the ability to perform daily activities without strain or discomfort, encompassing aspects like stamina, flexibility and overall functionality in everyday life. Health can exist in every size.

Definition of fitness varies for everyone, and there are many factors that affect fitness

The same principle applies to mental health too. A lot of people go to therapy hoping to be able to better coping their emotions, specifically to be able to tolerate their emotional distresses. Whilst its good to be able to endure some emotional stress, it doesn't mean we have to tolerate all our emotions all the time. For instance, some emotions (i.e., anger) may serve as compass to tell us that something isn't right, and perhaps shouldn't be tolerated anymore. Some times it may be worthwhile to take a step back (with lots and lots of deep breaths!) and reassess the situation, taking into account of our needs, the circumstances, the context behind it and etc. While perseverance has its place, many problems demand creative approaches and the flexibility to adjust strategies as needed.

Whilst its good to be able to endure some emotional stress, it doesn't mean we have to tolerate all our emotions all the time.

Buying less coffee may save some money (quick fix), but is not a sustainable solution in dealing with inflation (root problem)

While perseverance has its place, many problems demand creative approaches and the adaptability to adjust strategies as needed.

Dealing with emotional pain or distress is no doubt stressful and often triggers our fight-flight-freeze mode. When we are feeling stressed, we tend to resort to quick fixes (i.e., reacting) instead of addressing the root problem (i.e., responding). Quick fixes usually offer temporary relief but often fail to address the root problems. Therefore, its important to self-soothe ourselves first, then engage in problem solving. Its easier said than done but its worth mastering the skills of self-soothing to be less reactive when stressed.

Life is hard enough. Maybe its no longer a matter of not trying hard enough but a matter of finding new ways in solving new problems. Mental health is a complex state of well-being that involves more than just coping better with emotions and stress. It's also about learning and choosing to honour your physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs.

Life is hard enough. Maybe its no longer a matter of not trying hard enough but a matter of finding new ways in solving new problems.

Work smart, not hard

Some food for thought:

1. Take some time to recognise your personal stressor such as work, bills, relationships, health and finance. What happens (to your body or your thoughts) when you're feeling overwhelmed about any of those? For example, we may have less patience with our partner when we're feeling overwhelmed at work.

2. What are some self-soothing or calming routines that help you keep grounded during stressful times? If you haven't, take some time to try out and connect with activities that can keep you grounded