WHY HEALTHY M.I.N.D IS KEY TO HEALTHY LIFE? -2020

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Lockdown has led to multiple problems, among others one of the most important problems is of Mental Health. This problem is not visible, much, at present but is leading to an increase in mental health problems. One of the most visible effects is loneliness, among others, which is creating an atmosphere of fear, conflict, and illusion, and resulting into a mind body conflict problem.

Mental and Physical health have lot in common, both benefit from Nutrition and Physical Exercises. These are the basics for maintenance of both –

A Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body.

As we take care of our body and try to look beautiful by adopting many methods, same way we need to take care of our MIND (Brain) also because it sets the thinking faculties including cognitive aspects such as consciousness, imagination, emotions, perception, thinking, judgment, etc.

WE ALL HEAR WE SHOULD KEEP OUR BODY HEALTHY BUT WHAT ABOUT OUR HEALTHY MIND?

Here are some ways to keep your M.I.N.D healthy. Here is how I see it:

M- MENTAL FITNESS

Mental fitness means keeping your brain and emotional health in tip-top shape. It is a personal framework for understanding what we can do, as individuals, to build a happier and more productive life.

Stuck indoors, worried about an uncertain future, concerned for your family or friends the pandemic is a stressful situation for anyone to contend with. Lockdown is to some extent leading towards loneliness.

To combat this loneliness we need to maintain a moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, take time to relax and focus on the present.

• · Read and learn new things, one should never retire mentally. Learning new things keep our brain fit and healthy. Do things you enjoy: If you can’t do the things you normally enjoy because you are staying at home, try to think about how you could adapt them, or try something new. There are lots of free tutorials and courses online.

· Think about your new daily routine: Think about how you can adapt and create positive new routines – try to engage in useful activities (such as cleaning, cooking or exercise) or meaningful activities (such as reading or calling a friend, relatives).

· Plan new goals: Setting goals and achieving them gives a sense of control and purpose – think about things you want or need to do that you can still do at home.

·  Keep your mind active: Read, write, play games, do Crossword puzzles, Sudoku's, Jigsaws or Drawing and Painting. Find something that works for you.

 I – IMMUNITY. Develop IMMUNITY as it’s one of the crucial shields against Covid-19. The brain, like any other organ, needs the right nutrients to function well. Research reports suggest that patients with good immunity levels are able to fight the infection better. A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in staying well. There are many sources of foods that are known as immunity boosters such as Blueberries, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, fish oil or supplements, Spinach,  Broccoli, Sweet potatoes, Sunflower seeds  etc.

N – CONTROL NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. HOW?

"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”  -William Shakespeare

Negative thoughts is the voice in our head, mind is directed by us.

These repetitive thoughts that focus on the negative often called Automatic Negative Thoughts. (ANT) https://bebrainfit.com/automatic-negative-thoughts/

e.g.: Traffic is horrible; I will never make it on time.  

Your thoughts, thinking can make you sick or healthy. So, how to train your brain? Much like any other muscle in the body, our brain is a muscle, and it can be trained. HOW?

·        Become aware of your thoughts, feelings. Some feelings are so common that they go unnoticed. To break the cycle of negative thoughts one needs to become aware that we are doing it. Journal or write down your thoughts.

·        Challenge your thoughts. Ask yourself:

1. Is there any evidence against my thought?

2. Am I worrying about something that I can’t control?

3. Is this thought causing me stress?

4. Will these thoughts matter to me in a month or six months?

 From now?

·        Visualize positive: Visualize positive situation instead: our brain doesn’t know what reality is and what’s imaginary.

·        Declare Positivity : when negative thought come up , say aloud in mind STOP, It’s not true

      Remember, we poison our own minds!

D - DEVELOP GRATITUDE.

Take some time each day to write or think about the things you’re grateful for, like family, friends, pets, food, shelter, health, or the beauty of nature. Be kind to everyone. This includes YOU

As "healthy mind is a happy mind" don't ever forget the importance of a healthy laugh, hence "LAUGH OFTEN", make happiness your attitude - If you take life too seriously, you're going to miss out on a whole lot of good times. Do learn from the past, but don't let it destroy you. Make your own well-being a priority: eat well, stay active, sleep and nurture healthy mind.  A healthy body helps you to grow independently with a peaceful, healthy and positive mind.

Thus, we need to be mentally strong for the coming times.