The Essentials of Healthy Living

"Thanks to Zahra for highlighting such useful tips on how to keep our minds healthy. Indeed, only if our mind is at peace will we be able to reach our full potential and achieve our goals in life!"

Looking after your mind

People with a healthy body live a well-structured lifestyle. A good diet, regular exercise and activities, sleeping well and regular physical check-ups are all part of a rich life that makes for a more fulfilling life. In short, a healthy body means a happy life.

People with a healthy mind live productive and fulfilling lives. They are aware of their mind, its performance, needs and development and so taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body. How you think, feel and behave all comes from a healthy mind. I would even say that the condition of your mind can affect your body. It is common to meet people who are aware of the benefits of exercise and regular sleep, but who still make excuses not to start: too busy, no money, no time, of how much benefit would it really be? Science tells us that there is a physiological link between our mind and emotional and rational experiences in life.

There is no need to seek out a cure for any visual signs of illness, such as odd thoughts, unsettled emotions, insomnia and loneliness, which gradually lead to poor mental health. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Here are some great ways to keep your mind healthy:

-    1.Well done — you have already taken the first step by looking for health tips! Remember, knowing the importance of a healthy mind is the basis for everything else.

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   2.Be aware of when your mind is not quite right, when it can’t make sense of what’s happening. Take a moment to consider why.

-      3.Identify your feelings and accept them for what they are. Your mind feels more alive when you express your emotions and joys.

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       4.Create a new lifestyle embracing truth, gratitude, forgiveness and acts of kindness to feel content, fulfilled and at peace.

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     5.The stresses of modern life are one of the biggest threats to a healthy mind. Exercise and let your energy flow! Exercise allows your mind to relax. Accept the present as it is without resistance or judgement.

-      6.Love your body and develop some life-coping strategies. Spend an hour exercising, such as walking, dancing or gardening; get plenty of sleep and take time to relax; eat food that’s good for you; put some time aside everyday for meditation, reflection, or prayer.

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     7.Take up a new hobby which you find interesting. Your hobby is for your enjoyment, so don’t feel the need to do what everyone else is doing — be honest with yourself. For some people it may be the warmth and closeness that come from spending time with family and friends; for others, satisfaction is gained through creative expression.

8.The most important thing to remember is, “Be true to who you are and your particular situation, and do what’s best for you.”