Just like having a workout buddy makes physical fitness easier and more enjoyable, building mental fitness with someone else gives us support, accountability, and can make the journey way more fun! Whether it's a friend, family member, colleague, or even your child, let's develop the skills to thrive together.

Why connection is an essential mental fitness skill

Connection isn't just nice to have—it's one of the five core mental fitness skills, and works hand-in-hand with other essential skills like living mindfully, embracing flexible thinking, acting purposefully, and recharging your body.

Research backs this up: people who build mental fitness with others report higher wellbeing and are more likely to maintain their practice over time. When we practise together, we're not just supporting each other—we're actively developing essential skills like positive communication, empathy, and compassion that strengthen our relationships.

What makes accountability partners work?

This isn't just about ticking boxes together. It's about:

• Making it easier to start: When we know someone's counting on you, we're more likely to show up
• Staying motivated: Celebrating small wins together keeps us engaged
• Learning from each other: Helping us to discover new approaches and perspectives
• Normalising the practice: Talking openly about mental fitness reduces stigma and makes it feel like a regular part of life
  
  
  

How to find a Mental Fitness Partner

Can you think of anyone else who’s interested in building mental fitness alongside you? This could be:

• A family member: Consider a  spouse, sibling, or even your child to practise together
• A friend: Why not turn your coffee catch-ups into mental fitness check-ins?
• A colleague: Start a lunchtime mental fitness routine with a coworker
  
  The key is finding someone who shares your commitment to building mental fitness, even if you're starting from different places or have different goals.

Getting Started: A Simple 4-Step Guide

Step 1: Have the conversation

Reach out to someone and be honest about what you're hoping to achieve. You might say: "I'm trying to build more mental fitness habits, and I think it would be easier if we did it together. Would you be interested in being accountability partners?"

Step 2: Set your intentions together

Whether it’s finding a greater sense of purpose, getting more sleep, or connecting better as a parent, being clear about what you both want to work on from the beginning will help keep you motivated. Not sure where to start? A general goal of better mental fitness is a great place to start! And remember, different goals doesn't mean you can't support each other. Start by deciding:

• What your goals are: It's OK to begin with something generic, or to change this later. But the more achievable the goal, the more likely we are to stick with it.
• How often, and how you'll practise: Will you check in every day, or a few times a week? Maybe you want to work your way through a Smiling Mind collection together, or do you prefer to practise separately? 
• How you'll check in with each other (text, call, in-person?)

Step 3: Start small and build from there

Try starting small to build sustainable habits. This could be 5 minutes a day, or a few times a week. Some ways to start could be:

• Listen to a session together using the Smiling Mind App
• Share one thing you're grateful for each day
• Take a mindful walk together once a week
• Practise a breathing exercise before a stressful meeting

The goal is progress, not perfection. 

Step 4: Check in regularly

Every so often, take time to reflect on how it's going together. What's working? What's challenging? What have you noticed about your wellbeing? These conversations build connection while keeping you both motivated. Take it step by step, allow it to evolve organically, be creative, and have fun!

Ready to start building mental fitness? Download the free Smiling Mind App and explore content designed for all ages and stages.