Ways To Become Mentally Fit

In todays world it is easy to eat properly, exercise regularly, but we sometimes forget to keep our selves mentally fit.  It is especially important as you age so you delay getting dementia or Alzheimer's and are able to age gracefully.  Today we'll look at ways you can become mentally fit and maintain that fitness.  

When we are mentally fit, we have more opportunity to respond to a specific situation, thus causing us less emotional or relational injury. An example might be when you are with a friend who says something to you in anger.  Normally, you want to immediately respond in kind but if you are mentally fit, you have the opportunity to pause and think about how you will respond so you may not have to mend fences later.

The advantages of being mental fit include being present so we are better able to retain information, listen better and enjoy life more, helps us respond rather than react because we have more control over automatic thoughts, improved cognitive functionality, have a more positive outlook so we are more optimistic, much more positive while developing positive habits, and finally, sleep better at night.

There are several ways we can become mentally fit.  This means we exercise our brains by practicing mindfulness through meditation or other process. Think about doing this about 10 to 15 minutes every single day.  Notice if any thoughts pass by and if you need to reframe them from negative to positive.  In addition, start a gratitude journal where you list things you are grateful for.  It might be as simple as listing 3 positive things that happened during the day.

Start exercising regularly since the mind and body are connected. Working out helps relax the mind while releasing tension and stress. Drink lots of water every single day and include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet as all of these help your brain. Use your mind to determine three things you did during the day such as moving from sitting to standing - knowing when you did it.  This is something we do automatically and it helps us become more aware of our thinking.

Practice savoring your first cup of coffee, the sun rise, eating a meal, or even crawling into bed after a long day.  This is a way to slow down and enjoy something you might otherwise rush through. You might also want to sit down, notice your breath so you are more aware of yourself.  Take your time, enjoy yourself.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.