The best years of life are not behind you. They are right here and right now. Because now is when you embrace the adventures and joys of the approaching days. And to truly enjoy these precious moments, you need a sharp and healthy mind.
Of course, everyone talks about the need to keep their body healthy. However, they often overlook the importance of a happy and healthy mind. They rarely take the time to understand how to care for this valuable gift.
But it’s your mind that keeps your spirit alive. An active mind keeps your heart worry-free. It gives you the strength to plan your trips, pursue your passions and see the beauty in everything around you. And in today’s age, a few simple steps are all you need to maintain your mental wellness.
To get you motivated though, let’s first understand the undeniable benefits of a healthy mind.
WHY PRIORITISING MENTAL WELL-BEING IS IMPORTANT
You may have heard inspiring stories about how an individual overcame the biggest hurdle of their life with sheer willpower. That is the true power of mental well-being.
When you give your mental health the priority it deserves, it enhances your overall quality of life. Here’s precisely how it does that:
- Increased Life Span: Elders who take care of their mental well-being tend to live longer. They practice healthy habits and acquire a taste for exploring life’s depth without ever losing focus on themselves.
- Enhanced Physical Health: The mind is connected to the body. While stress and anxiety weaken the body’s immune system, bliss and happiness keep it hale and healthy.
- Increased Cognitive Functions: Engaging in good mental health practices helps maintain cognitive abilities. Thus, keeping your memory sharp and active.
- Reduced Medical Costs: A healthy mind and body keep medical costs at bay. When you prevent the formation of any mental health issue, you avoid frequent hospital visits and medical consultations.
- Emotional Resilience: Life changes are inevitable. Mentally strong people know this fact by heart. They adapt to these changes quickly and see positivity in their daily lives. They are more grateful and thus open to new possibilities.
- Improved Social Connections: Mentally strong people manage their emotions well. They are more likely to engage with their community, neighbours, friends and family. Thus, fostering a sense of belonging. They are also less likely to isolate themselves from society.
- Greater Independence: Elders with healthy minds are more efficient in taking care of their daily lives. They need less help in making decisions and can stay independent in their choices longer than people who ignore their mental health.
With all these benefits, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that strong mental health will be the foundation of your life ahead. And the best part? Maintaining this mental wellness is extremely easy.
EASY STEPS TO MAINTAIN MENTAL WELLNESS
No, you don’t need to make drastic life changes to achieve an agile mind. All you need to do is follow simple and mindful steps consistently every day. Let’s explore the physical and social ways to nurture your mental wellness:
- Prioritize Physical Health: As said earlier, your mind is connected to your body. Just as a mind can affect the body’s health, the body’s condition too can alter a mind’s wiring.
So practice low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga. All of these are known to reduce stress and improve your mood. For periodic rejuvenation, you can also visit Ayurvedic spa centres or wellness retreats.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: You are what you eat. So eat right. Include brain-boosting superfoods like green tea, turmeric and walnuts in your daily diet. Also, ensure your daily meal consists of proteins, antioxidants and Omega-3 to enhance your brain function.
Get a personalised meal plan from a nutritionist to maintain a healthy body and mind.
- Get Quality Sleep: The quality of last night’s sleep determines today’s mood. That’s why you must follow a stringent bedtime routine. Limit your screen time before bed, and if needed, consume herbal tea or Ayurvedic sleep aids.
To enhance the quality of sleep, invest in ergonomic mattresses and luxury bedding.
- Keep Your Mind Active: Choose a subject, topic or hobby of your interest. Keep your mind engaged in online learning opportunities from platforms like Udemy, Coursera or UpGrad. Read newspapers and books. Play strategic games like bridge, sudoku or chess to challenge your mind.
Make a daily habit of following any one of these activities and watch your cognitive abilities grow.
- Maintain Social Connections: Never lose touch with your cherished friends and family members. Visit them or stay connected via video calls. Stay active in your social circle. Become a part of a religious group, a social gathering or community club. Join hobby-based clubs or travel groups.
Do whatever keeps your spark alive, soul engaged and mind active.
- Give Back to Society: Nothing gives fulfilment like the ability to bring a positive change in someone else’s life. It helps you find a new purpose while granting a chance to contribute meaningfully to society.
And there are various ways to do so. You can join an NGO or offer mentorship to the younger generation. You even have the option to engage in activities like volunteering, mentorship or philanthropy.
- Manage Your Emotions: Unbridled emotions play with your mental well-being. Practice breathing exercises, meditation or mindfulness sessions to handle them. Private therapy is another tool that helps you face emotional challenges better.
You can also opt for relaxing hobbies like learning a new musical instrument, painting or gardening.
While all these steps are essential, we also advise you to seek professional help if needed. The right regular counselling and correct holistic therapies work wonders. You can even consider vacationing at a premium wellness retreat.
Remember, it’s never too late to focus on your mental well-being. Every step counts and every intention steers you towards the right path.
If you have any questions or face any challenges with any advice, share them in the comments below.
