Achieve a healthy mind with these daily habits.

Losing weight and gaining a healthier body continue to top our new year’s resolution lists, but most of us forget that mental health is just as vital! It’s always a good time to think about ways to keep your mind healthy. People with strong minds live a richer and more fulfilling life. Here are some habits to adopt that help to keep your mind healthy and fit:

Stay well rested.

Your entire body needs rest, including your brain. Whether you’re a night owl or a morning person, getting plenty of sleep is essential for your whole body. Resting your brain can help improve concentration, boost motivation and promote overall happiness. Start by cultivating simple daily habits like getting more sleep or soaking in a hot bath. Stuck at work? Step outside and catch a few rays of sunshine or take a five-minute walk to stretch your legs.

Stay active to build mental strength.

When you work up a decent sweat, your body releases endorphins which not only uplift your mood but relieves stress as well. While you do not need to exercise constantly to achieve good brain health, many experts recommend including exercise in your daily routine to increase blood flow and keep you healthy. You do not have to do anything strenuous if you do not want to. You can simply just take 30 minutes out every day to stretch your muscles, walk around in your backyard or actively participate in household chores to stay active and build your mental strength.

Keep Hydrating

Our bodies need water to function. When we are dehydrated, our brains are not at their best. Your brain is made up of 73% water, so a lack of fluid can have a significant impact on your mood, concentration and even cognitive function. Starting your day with a glass of water and drinking 2-3 glasses of water before and after each meal helps you stay hydrated. Being intentional about your water intake will promote brain health and support the rest of your body, too.

Stimulate your brain/ Mental Exercise.

The brain is a muscle, which means it also needs daily exercise just like the rest of your body. As you age, natural damage will affect your brain, however, actively using your brain can reduce your risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Simple exercises like reading, drawing, even playing a fun board game can all help boost your short-term memory and keep your mind sharp for years to come.

Develop The Attitude of Gratitude

Staying positive, despite tough breaks or bleak opportunities, can help you in maintaining good mental health. There are many things in our lives to be grateful for, and we need to acknowledge that. Gratitude can become a great mental pillar in your life especially in low times. You can try journaling at the end of each day or week and write down what you’re grateful for or what you have been able to. This goes a long way to give you sense of pride and accomplishment for yourself hence reducing stress and giving you a mental calmness.