July 28, 2012
BY Karen Ashley
4 Comments
Keeping a healthy mind should probably be the
prime concern for everybody. After all, all other activities that we do in our
everyday lives is controlled and facilitated by the mind. There’s always
thinking involved in everything, from doing reports and analyses as part of
professional duties, to studying and reviewing as part of the academic
responsibilities of students. There’s also thinking involved even in the most
basic routines in life, like eating and sleeping!
It goes without saying then that maintaining good mental health is key to having a successful and productive life. Just
imagine what a mess it would be if you are nursing an unhealthy mind that last the entire day, let alone a week, a month or even a lifetime!
But what does having a healthy mind mean? What
does it take to develop and maintain mental wellness?
Who is
mentally healthy?
A person who has fit mental capacities is
someone who is cheerful, optimistic, enthusiastic, and blissful. That person
generally exudes a positive attitude which may reflect in his or her
socialization, facial expressions, and speech. Basically, a mentally fit person
is someone whose mood, attitude, thinking, and behavior are always on the
positive note.
One who has a healthy mind is sociable. It
is just so easy for that person to deal with different kinds of people because of
the way the individual thinks--which is--everybody is a friend. And thanks to a
positive mood and attitude toward people, this person belongs to a lot of
social circles which in the long run provides positive support, meaningful
connections, and a good source for favors. There's truth in the saying, “man
is a social animal” after all.
An individual who practices mental wellness is good
at handling problems and challenges. Of course, no one is spared from being
confronted with life’s struggles, but the mentally fit person gets through
all these easily and successfully. For this person, problems and trials are
only a flick away.
Stress, anxiety and depression
are nonexistent in this person’s vocabulary. Well, yes, this person will also
have a fair share of low moments, but is wise enough not to dwell too much on
them, but rather gets on his or her foot, stands tall once again, cheerful and
optimistic as always.
A mentally healthy person is goal-oriented. That
person sets goals and objectives in life and strives hard to make them come into
fruition. These goals are relevant, workable and worthy of every exerted effort.
And when goals are met, the person develops a renewed sense of fulfillment and
self-worth. Such a person doesn’t brag about it, but rather humbly shares it
with close allies to inspire them and spread the culture of positivity and
goodness, the very attitudes akin to possessing mental wellness.
How to
achieve better mental health
Doing exercises and fitness activities is one of
the effective ways to achieve mental wellness. These activities not only
improve the body’s physical condition but also the mental condition as well.
Exercise improves blood flow, thus facilitating the efficient delivery of blood
in different parts of the body, especially the brain. The brain heavily relies
on blood in order to function well. A well-functioning brain is vital to having
improved mood, attitude and behavior.
Exercise also improves one’s sleeping habit,
thanks to its other benefits like improved heart rate, blood circulation, and
metabolism. Exercise reduces tension and stress in the body, which are essential
to have a peaceful and sound sleep at night.
Diet is also a good way to achieve mental wellness.
Yes, the foods we consume greatly affect the processes and functioning of our
mind. Experts advise that we should consume healthy foods like complex carbohydrates,
good sources of protein and fats in low-calorie
selections to ensure good mental conditioning. Other vitamins, minerals, and
supplements including the Omega 3 amino acids, are also helpful in boosting
mental health. This specific amino acid can also be obtained from foods like fish, shellfish
and other fish products.
