Mental fitness refers to a state of psychological well-being. It means having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves our ability to enjoy life.
Our mental fitness is improved when our needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness are satisfied. According to Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), the satisfaction of these 3 basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) depends largely on environments (people and social conditions) that support them. When these needs are satisfied, we are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, to sustain them over time, and to experience greater psychological well-being (mental fitness) (Teixeira et al., 2020).
Support for the 3 basic psychological needs is part of the Guiding Principles of New Brunswick’s Wellness Strategy
