It is true that exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay fit and healthy. A lot of attention is placed on physical activities when it comes to staying healthy. Hence, mental health and self-care tend to receive less attention as compared to your physical well-being.
Unfortunately, discussing mental health in today’s world is often marked out by many individuals due to their hectic lifestyles. However, truth be told, mental health is just as important as physical fitness as being mentally fit ensures that you’re emotionally and mentally stable. There are numerous methods and techniques that could keep your mind fit and health, and the great news is you don’t need to go to the gym to do them!
In order to have a fit mind, it is crucial for you to understand what it is all about and how it benefits you entirely. Fret not, as we share some amazing tips on being mindful.
The gym for mental fitness
Mental fitness is all about keeping your brain, mind, emotions and thoughts in tip-top condition. It doesn’t mean training your brain for Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests.
Mental fitness refers to a set or series of exercises that will help your brain work fast and efficiently. In order to allow your body to be healthy and fit, you’ll need your mind to be fit too! This is because having a fit mind will allow you to achieve a healthy and balanced psychological state of mind with good judgements and a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adaptations.
Mindful exercises
Mindfulness is a technique that is often used to describe and achieve mental health balance. Keeping your mind mentally fit isn’t as difficult as preparing yourself for a marathon because it simply doesn’t take much of your time. Mindfulness exercises are ways to help you pay attention to the present by using techniques some of which you might currently be doing, such as:
- Yoga
- Reading
- Swimming
- Meditation
- Exercising regularly
- Breathing techniques
- Consuming healthy foods
Make simple changes in your everyday life
Tending to mental health is an ongoing process that requires time, patience and commitments and can be improved with simple practices on a daily basis. Apart from the techniques mentioned above, here are three simple things you can implement into your daily lifestyle.
#1 Happy tummy, happy you
Eating a healthy breakfast does not only improve your waistline, but it also boosts your mood up! People with a full stomach in the morning tend to be less cranky than those who decided to skip their breakfasts. Simply start your day with a healthy breakfast and you’re all set up for a more positive and upbeat mood.
#2 Move every 30 minutes
Set aside at least 30 minutes everyday to get your body in motion. Sitting all day in front of your computer takes both a physical and emotional toll on your body. The spending too much time sitting can raise your risk of a host of serious health conditions such as obesity, stiff muscles, cardiovascular diseases and Type-2 diabetes. So, move about your work space or take a small walk in front of your office or home (if you’re a housewife or working from home) and do some gentle stretching.
#3 Digital detox weekly
While there are many advantages to technology, sometimes disconnecting from the digital world gives you a much needed break for your mind.
Make small changes by disconnecting the Wi-Fi or put your phone in airplane mode for a few hours or better still for the whole day. Take this time to focus on yourself by doing something you love or you’re planning on trying out. You could also refer to some of the ideas we’ve listed and give it a try!
Reach out!
Maintaining good mental health is extremely crucial for your overall well-being. Reach out to your friends and family whenever you’re feeling down! If you still find yourself struggling, you may need to speak with a professional to understand the cause of your struggles.
Remember to start small and work your way up by trying out new things that excites you. Improving your mental health is simply about doing anything and everything that you find both nurturing and enjoyable at the same time.
Sources: verywellmind, Healthline, Psychology Today
