You don’t need to break a sweat to build mental strength — try this sports psychologist’s 5

For a while, the fitness scene has been all about chasing PBs, tackling huge physical challenges, building bigger muscles, and sculpting the perfect physique. The list goes on. But in 2025, it feels like people are leaning more into mindfulness. The term gets used broadly, but at its core, mindfulness is about being present and aware of what’s happening inside and outside your body.

While exercise is often a form of self-care for many, it can also be hugely beneficial for the mind and body to slow down and tap into mindfulness, whether that’s through journaling, yoga, or simply spending a few quiet minutes focusing on your breath and body.

To understand how mindfulness can make us fitter from the inside out, I asked Vladimir Novkov, a sports psychologist who works with athletes and profe