As I've gotten a bit older, and a bit wiser, I've devised strategies to help keep my mind healthy. My teen years and early twenties were an absolute disaster in particular. It's better, but I still struggle sometimes.
Some things I do to keep things in good order in this area:
- 1. Regular exercise - mostly bodybuilding stuff; some swimming and martial arts cross training
2. Adequate sleep - I don't skimp in this area; I try to get no less than 7 hours in an evening
3. Good diet - Eating a high protein diet along with lots of veggies; some fruit and low carbs; occasional treats
4. Trying to maintain active social connections
5. Being engaged with goals and work that are intellectually stimulating - don't just work for the sake of working... or just for money!
6. Semi-regular meditation and mindfulness exercises
7. Minimizing contact with people who would influence my emotional health negatively
What are your guys thoughts on this incredibly important (but often ignored) facet of our lives?
EDIT: Will be adding to the list as people make suggestions. Thank you to dualstow, WiseOne, MangoMan, et. al. for contributions.
- 8. Walking in nature. Have to see a little green, water, and/or a nice sky.
9. No sugary drinks or snacks. (Smith comment: I've heard clinical psychologists mention that this is HUGE when it comes to mental state)
10. I go out with friends every week, minimum of two times.
11. Trying to keep a good relationship with the Mrs. Rule #1, she’s always right. And when she just isn’t, the best I can do is keep my head down.
12. Introduction to Zen Buddhism by DT Suzuki has helped for decades.
13. Nature sounds on youtube.
14. Try to do a good deed once in a while.
15. Cat. (dog? )
16. Avoid unnecessary exposure to situations and information (especially via internet) that has the effect of making us feel helpless in the face of a world spiraling out of control.
17. There are also certain herbs that I've found particularly effective for stabilizing a hyperreactive nervous system, namely ashwaganda root (you won't notice a sedating effect, but it does appear to level things out over the long term; it is referred to as an "adaptogen," which I infer to mean that it has an effect on the physiological stress response) and kava root (works very quickly to settle things down).
18. eliminate clutter.... knowing what you own, why you own it, and where you keep it, is a nice mental health booster.
19. Take time off work, if you are working full time. Ignore the pressures to never take vacation time.
20. Daily quality downtime in some form. Outside/nature is optimal (sort of meditative), actual meditation, cross stitching, reading all work too.