May is mental health awareness month – worth noting because a healthy mind is every bit as important as a healthy body!
The brain controls all the functions of the human body. While we focus much of our energy on creating a healthy body, we often forget to work on keeping our minds healthy. Sometimes, keeping your mind healthy mind simply means giving yourself a chance to relax – which is not always easy to accomplish in our super-busy, over scheduled lives.
Here are five methods I use regularly to relax my mind, stay positive and refreshed:
1. Meditate
Set aside a few minutes each day to meditate. Keep it simple. Find a comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes. Focus on reciting a positive mantra. “I am present” or “I am healthy”. When your mind wanders, as it surely will, simply refocus your mind on your mantra.
2. Breathe
Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. Find a comfortable place to sit. Close your eyes. Slowly inhale through the nose, filling your abdomen first, then your lungs. Reverse the process as you exhale through the mouth. When your mind wanders to other things, refocus your mind on your breathing.
3. Present-time Consciousness
Put away all your electronics. Be present. Spend time in this moment. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people near you. Smell the air, hear the subtle sounds, feel the rhythm of your own breathing.
4. Stay in Touch
Your social network is one of your best tools for handling stress. Talk to others — preferably face-to-face, or at least on the phone. Share what’s going on. You can get a fresh perspective while keeping your connection strong.
5. Exercise
Exercise reduces stress, tension, and anxiety. Take time each day to keep your body strong and healthy. Your brain will become stronger and healthier, too.
After all, a healthy mind matters!
Yours In Fitness,
Colleen Ketchum
BeyondBarre Creator