Spending time working on your mindset is nearly as important as your fitness.

We spend more time thinking and weighing up decisions in life than we do on the training field or in the gym.

Here, we take a look at three ways we can improve our mindset and mental approach to exercise.

Get outdoors

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have many parks and walking routes which are ideal to get out and unwind.

Surround yourself with like-minded people to help you rub off their positive energy and keep your mind active.

If there are people weighing you down or making you unhappy, then spend less time with them.

Yoga is also a great outlet to help you slow down your breathing, increase your flexibility and meditate, releasing the pressures from daily life.

Keep moving forward

Many of us spend countless hours thinking about the past and some mistakes we’ve made along the way.

We shouldn’t regret the past because at that time of our lives we were happy and that’s the reason why it’s important to focus on the present and keep moving forward.

Having a goal is the best way to progress and maintain your focus – whether it’s to run a marathon or join a sports club in a bid to make new friends and boost fitness.

Be grateful for your health and your current situation in life – and realise that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by.

New challenge

Motivate yourself to take up a new activity or hobby outside of work.

We often get bored from doing the same thing over and over again, so getting involved in a new sport or fitness class will help you to have a different focus and distract your mind from the stresses of life.

Keeping the mind active, with a new challenge every few months, is the best way to boost your overall health.