Cultivating both the mind and body is the cornerstone of a happy healthy life. It seems that nowadays many people get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the world and neglect to take care of themselves. Because of this I would like to share a few easy steps that everyone can take to help insure they are providing themselves with adequate space to grow.
Exercise daily- This one should come as no surprise since the benefits of exercise on the mind and body are well noted. Many people understand the benefits of exercise on the body but many don’t realize that it is crucial for mental development as well; in fact recent research shows that resistance exercise plays a crucial role in the development of grey matter and neuroplasticity. Exercising can be what you make of it- jogging or walking, yoga, and weightlifting all have different benefits, so it's up to you to choose. There is no need to over exert yourself, exercise should be an enjoyable experience.
Practicing Moderation- Similar to exercise, moderation is well noted for its physical and mental benefits. Often people find themselves caught between over indulgence and asceticism, both of these extremes carry their own problems. One should consume what they enjoy consuming, but be aware of how much they are consuming. By practicing moderation individuals can gain a greater understanding of how what they consume affects their mind and body as well as develop greater levels of mindfulness.
Take some time to reflect- Self reflection is incredibly important in cultivating a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. By taking a few minutes each day to think about or write a few of your thoughts you can gain insight into how different events and experiences make you feel, develop a better understanding of you personal goals and how to achieve them, and develop greater awareness of your current situation.
Socialize each day- It would seem that today’s world is incredibly alienating and fragmented, many people go days without meaningful social interactions. This has very obvious negative effects both on the individual psyche; but is also the root of many broader societal issues. Taking a few moments each day to send a message to a friend or family member, exchanging ideas with a colleague or workmate, or even talking to a stranger on a bus can have a plethora of benefits. Clearly having social interactions has many positive mental effects even on the neurochemical level, it also allows you to externalize and process thoughts that you may be dwelling on, finally cultivating a positive social life is crucial in have positive experiences.
Connect with nature- Spending time in nature can relieve stress and anxiety as well cultivate a natural curiosity of the external world around you; it is also a great way to detox from the screen laden world we live in today (which has many negative effects in its own right). Spending time in nature can be done in conjunction with exercise, for instance one could go for a walk in a forest or they might do some yoga in a park. I truly believe that the benefits of regularly enjoying nature can have a dramatic impact on your life.
While these five tips are fairly broad, I believe that they are definitely something that everybody can incorporate into their life, also they are flexible enough that anyone can incorporate them into their lifestyle. I hope that you can take steps to becoming a healthier happier you today.