Mental fitness and health

 The 5 Best Ways to Maintain Mental Fitness and Health

Maintaining mental fitness and health is just as important as maintaining physical fitness, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Fortunately, there are plenty of methods to help keep your mind as healthy as possible, from eating properly to regularly seeking opportunities to challenge yourself. The following five approaches can help you maintain mental fitness and health in no time at all!

1) Have a Balanced Schedule

Stress is a normal part of life, but stress that’s too high or lasts too long can lead to health problems. Take time each day for relaxation, reflection, physical activity, socializing with friends and family, hobbies or any other healthy pastime you enjoy. Seek out ways to manage stress in your personal life, such as talking with a friend or co-worker who can help provide perspective on stressful situations.

2) Talk About Your Feelings

Talking about your feelings with a friend or family member can be difficult, but it’s absolutely essential if you want to maintain mental fitness. If you struggle with sharing personal thoughts and feelings, consider joining a support group or confiding in someone you trust who is trained to assist people in your situation. Studies have shown that talking through emotions can improve your mood—and even help prevent heart disease. You don’t have to talk about everything, but don’t bottle up your feelings either!

3) Exercise Regularly

Exercise not only gives you more energy, it can help reduce stress. The benefits of a vigorous exercise regimen is not just physical, but also mental. In fact, some studies suggest that exercising regularly may lower your risk of depression by over 40%. It’s important that whatever exercise routine you choose—whether it’s running or hiking or yoga—that you do so three times a week for at least an hour each time.

4) Learn Something New Every Day

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine, but staying mentally fit can help you stay curious and connected. Take five minutes every day (or more if you want) to try something new: Learn a language, take up golf, or even just read an entire magazine cover-to-cover. Once you’ve succeeded at something new, you’ll find that your brain is much more capable of tackling difficult tasks than it was before.

5) Embrace New Technology

In modern life, one of our greatest challenges is how best to incorporate technology into our lives. We’re often expected to stay up-to-date with new advances while also staying connected face-to-face with others. One solution that helps many is embracing tech Sabbath: scheduling periods each week where you turn off your devices and spend time (or at least make an effort) interacting with other people.