Mental Fitness

The term Mental Fitness might bewilder you at first glance. After all, what is mental fitness? How does it remotely relate to fitness? Is there a set workout for our minds? Sets, reps and movements? Not quite. Physical Fitness gets all the rave, but mental fitness is just as, if not more important than your physical health. Our mental fitness has to do with how we feel, how we see ourselves, and how we treat ourselves. This article aims to highlight a few methods you can use to keep your mental fitness in check. Ensuring that you are on top of your game and you are in control of your life.

Breathe

Running through this race called life has us all moving at 200 miles per hour. We often forget to take a moment for ourselves. We often forget to take a moment for a moment. We often feel the need to rush, to finish everything as quickly as possible. The key to having mental clarity is breathing. It might not sound like a lot, but breathing is the cornerstone of all kinds of meditation. You do not need to indulge in a specific type of meditation every day. Instead, take a moment for a deep breath and watch your anxious-self ease up. Give your organs space to breathe, give your soul space to be free.

Laughing

According to JonEun Yim in (Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter in Mental Health: A Theoretical Review): 

“Laughter therapy, as a non-pharmacological, alternative treatment, has a positive effect on the mental health and the immune system. Laughter decreases serum levels of cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone, and 3,4-dihydrophenylacetic acid (a major dopamine catabolite), indicating a reversal of the stress response.”

Believe it or not, laughter is the best medicine as it decompresses your nerves and allows your body to relax. When you relax and declutter your mind, your body follows. Thus, helping your mental fitness tenfold.

Reading

Yes, as boring as it may sound to some of you, reading is one of the most beneficial activities you should indulge in to stimulate your brain. There is nothing more beneficial than reading for your brain. When you read, you should visualize what you are reading. This helps your brain in processing things and improves your cognitive and memory function.

Play

Last but certainly not least, playing. Do not underestimate the benefits of playing in a care-free friendly environment. Playing games, playing with your friends allows you to be yourself without the expectations of society. Having fun decompresses stress and allows your brain to function calmly. Incorporate play in your daily as much as you can. Make sure play is part of your life, for a serious life only ever has serious consequences.

Overall, Mental Fitness is a topic that is not discussed enough, break the taboo, detach yourself from the expectations of others.
Most of all, put your mental fitness first, physical, second.