When we talk about health, most people instinctively think about exercise, nutrition, or regular check-ups with the GP. But increasingly, campaigners, counsellors, and families are recognising that mental fitness is just as vital as physical fitness.
Former A&E doctor and well-known mental health advocate Dr Alex George has placed this at the heart of his work. His latest book, Happy Habits, is designed to help young adults and parents create everyday routines that strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and emotional awareness. At its core lies a simple but powerful message: building good mental health practices early in life can make a lifelong difference.
What Does “Mental Fitness” Mean?
The phrase “mental fitness” has become increasingly popular in recent years, but what does it actually mean? Much like physical fitness, it’s about actively training and nurturing our minds so they can cope with stress, adapt to challenges, and thrive day to day.
For young adults, this might mean building in small habits that protect mood during study, work, or the transition into independence. For parents, it’s about modelling healthy coping strategies at home and creating an environment where mental health is openly discussed.
By framing mental health in terms of fitness, Dr George helps shift the conversation away from stigma. Just as you’d stretch before a run or eat nourishing foods to feel strong, looking after your mind is a proactive and positive act.
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The Power of Asking Twice
One of the standout ideas Dr George champions is the “ask twice” technique. It’s something that may sound deceptively small but can be profoundly effective.
Many of us have been there:
“How are you?”
“Fine.”
And the conversation moves on. But what if “fine” isn’t the full story?
Dr George encourages us to gently ask again:
“How are you really doing?”
This simple act gives permission for honesty. It signals that the person asking genuinely wants to listen, not just hear a polite response. For young adults, it can help break the habit of putting on a brave face. For parents, it can open the door to deeper conversations with children and teenagers who might otherwise stay silent.
Why Mental Fitness Matters for Families and Young Adults
The pressures on today’s younger generation are significant. Social media, academic demands, uncertain career landscapes, and the aftermath of the pandemic all contribute to higher stress and anxiety levels.
Counselling research consistently shows that resilience is built through small, consistent practices: open communication, learning to regulate emotions, and developing routines that protect mental wellbeing. These habits reduce the risk of long-term struggles and provide tools for navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs.
By reframing mental health as something active, positive, and routine, Dr George is helping young people and parents to see it not as a response to crisis, but as daily maintenance of wellbeing.
Small Daily Habits, Big Long-Term Impact
In Happy Habits, Dr George outlines practical tools that can be adapted for different stages of life. Some of the principles are universal:
- Routine matters: Predictability provides stability for young adults and children alike.
- Movement boosts mood: Exercise—whether sport, walking, or simply moving more—benefits both body and mind.
- Screen balance: Healthy boundaries with technology support better sleep and self-esteem.
- Open conversations: Talking about feelings helps normalise mental health struggles.
- Rest and recovery: Just as athletes need downtime, our minds benefit from quiet and restoration.
The Role of Parents and Young Adults
For parents, the challenge often lies in recognising when a child or teenager is struggling and creating the conditions for them to feel safe to share. Using the “ask twice” approach and modelling your own healthy coping strategies can open space for trust.
For young adults, investing in your own mental fitness—through balance, self-care, and seeking support when needed—sets the foundation for future wellbeing. It’s about learning to spot when you need to rest, when you need to reach out, and when professional help may be useful.
Counselling can play a vital role here. Whether it’s supporting young adults directly, or guiding parents who feel unsure about how best to help their children, professional support offers a confidential space to explore and strengthen mental wellbeing.
Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility
Dr Alex George’s message is an important one. If we treat mental fitness as a shared responsibility—something young people, families, schools, and communities all nurture—we can shift the culture for the better.
Mental health is not just about crises. With encouragement, curiosity, and small everyday practices, young adults and parents can build skills that last a lifetime.
And sometimes, it starts with the simplest of actions: asking twice.
Final Thoughts
The conversation around mental health is evolving, but stigma still exists. By bringing visibility through his platform and resources like Happy Habits, Dr George is helping to normalise the idea that mental health needs proactive care.
If you’re a parent or a young adult, remember that building “mental fitness” doesn’t require perfection. It’s about showing up, asking questions, listening deeply, and modelling the habits that protect your wellbeing.
After all, mental strength is not innate—it’s built, one habit at a time.
👉 If you or someone you love could benefit from additional support, Hope Therapy & Counselling Services offers both face-to-face and online counselling. You can also book a free initial consultation here: Free Consultation with Hope Therapy.