Mental Fitness

 
The universe is ever expanding, so should the quest for increasing knowledge be expanding. We should all be open to learning something new every day. You can grow new connections to your brain, new ways about thinking about things and new ways of solving problems. If you have fear of doing something, then learn to overcome it, take on the challenge and you will look back and live more of a fuller healthier life.
 
MEDITATION IN THE WEST

Many types of meditation involve focused activity or focused non-activity with the intention of concentrating and clearing the mind. The benefits of meditation are diverse, but it remains something of a fringe activity in the United States and other western countries. One possible reason for this is that the most widely known types of meditation are derived from Eastern philosophies and religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. It can be difficult for westerners culturally to incorporate meditation into their lifestyles due to an increased value on individualism and practical problem solving compared to some eastern cultures. Daily workout routines could submit an improvement in quality of life for many.

http://fitnessandworkouts.info/meditative-cardiovascular-exercise

BENEFITS OF MENTAL FITNESS

"Meditation is a scientifically proven method of training the mind, and thereby of changing aspects of your life," says Patt Lind-Kyle, author of Heal Your Mind, Rewire Your Brain.
 
STUDIES

Meditation and exercise are also beneficial for stress management. The hormone cortisol is released during stress, causes an inflammatory response and may even produce a decrease in immunity. Cortisol also blocks neurotransmitters, halts glucose metabolism (which is needed for proper cell function) and damages cells in the memory center of the brain, says Harold Shinitzy, Ph.D., co-author of Your Mind: An Owner’s Manual for a Better Life.

Physical activity also benefits brain health. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of National Institutes of Health, reports that exercise may be key in increasing brain volume, activity and cognitive function (Reents).

One study they conducted used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests to measure changes in brain activity in older adults before and after a 6-month program of brisk walking. The results showed increased brain activity in specific regions as the subjects’ cardiovascular fitness increased.

MENTAL FITNESS EXERCISE

The brain is the most complex organ that should be exercised daily like other muscles in the body. It needs daily exercise to grow and function just like other muscles. If you were a beginner at the gym it takes time to grow at a good healthy strength, the brain too needs to be warmed up as well. Beginning with basic mental workout to build up your confidence is useful way to start.

 

Try to watch more positive TV programming. Not the negative news such as live court trials that I once spent over a month doing! Even if you want to catch up with world events just do it later. Try substituting this for more comedic TV shows or movies. Humor is especially good at releasing serotonin, the feel-good hormone which keeps depression at bay.
 
STEP BY STEP MENTAL EXERCISE

Simple Meditation Exercise

Getting Ready

By putting aside a few moments to prepare yourself for your meditation, you will be more comfortable and find that you can sit for longer and be able to concentrate better.

To Begin

Give yourself about 20 minutes of undisturbed time. Turn off your phone, television and any other disturbances. Sit on a firm chair with your feet flat on the floor. Make sure you are comfortable and allow yourself to relax completely.

The Process

Sit with your head, neck and spine straight. Relax your shoulders. Allow your arms to rest on your lap with your arms still. Now bring your awareness to the "place" your body occupies. Note the environment, consider where you are and close your eyes.

Your Breathing

Become aware of the "space" your body occupies. Bring your attention to the breath by exhaling through the nostrils. As the breath returns through the nose, fill the lungs completely, always avoiding any strain or exertion. Concentrate on the flow of the air in the nose, feel the temperature of the breath; the warm exhalation, the cool inhalation. Let the rhythm of your breath be even, smooth and unbroken with no jerks or breaks in the stream of air. Eventually you will notice that the breath breathes by itself.

Concentrate on the Breath

Concentrate your mind on observing the flow of your breath. As thoughts, feelings and other mental activity come to you, notice them. Let them remind you to bring the focus of your attention back to your breath. Feel the touch of air in your nose, the gentle out and in of the flow of inhalation and exhalation. Keep your awareness on the experience of your breath.

Internal Silence

Increasingly, you will realize that your body is calm, your mind focused and you will be aware of a feeling of peaceful alertness. You will experience an internal silence as the process of meditation

http://www.diy-stress-relief.com/simple-meditation.html

Summary

Seek the highest level of hopefulness that allows us to heal ourselves spiritually. Choose happiness whenever possible, since this is clearly the state of being that fills our hearts and minds with healing energy. Be conscious of our chosen path, and if there is a persistent lack of growth toward our self-proclaimed goals, be willing to alter and revisit those goals. Changing our energies does not have to be seen as failure.
 

References

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: the path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Kyle, P. (2009). Heal your mind, rewire your brain: applying the exciting new science of brain synchrony for creativity, peace, and presence. Santa Rosa, CA: Energy Psychology Press.

http://www.wellbeingjournal.com/index.php http://healthinformationworld.com/2011/06/why-you-must-start-a-daily-mental-workout/

http://www.diy-stress-relief.com/simple-meditation.html