Here are some simple ways to practice mental fitness:
1. Daydream – Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a dream location. Breathe slowly and deeply. Let the comforting environment wrap you in a sensation of peace and tranquility.
2. “Collect” positive emotional moments – Make it a point to recall times when you have experienced pleasure, comfort, tenderness, confidence, or other positive emotions.
3. Learn ways to cope with negative thoughts – Negative thoughts can be insistent and loud. Learn to interrupt them. Don’t try to block them (that never works), but don’t let them take over. Try distracting yourself or comforting yourself, if you can’t solve the problem right away.
4. Do one thing at a time – For example, when you are out for a walk or spending time with friends, turn off your cell phone and stop making that mental “to do” list. Take in all the sights, sounds and smells you encounter.
5. Exercise – Regular physical activity improves psychological well-being and can reduce depression and anxiety.
6. Enjoy hobbies – Taking up a hobby brings balance to your life by allowing you to do something you enjoy because you want to do it, free of the pressure of everyday tasks. It also keeps your brain active.
7. Set personal goals – Goals don’t have to be ambitious. But whatever goal you set, reaching it will build confidence and a sense of satisfaction.
8. Keep a journal (or even talk to the wall!) – Expressing yourself after a stressful day can help you gain perspective, release tension and even boost your body’s resistance to illness.
9. Share humour – Life often gets too serious, so when you hear or see something that makes you smile or laugh, share it with someone you know.
10. Treat yourself well – Cook yourself a good meal. Have a bubble bath. See a movie. Call a friend or relative you haven’t talked to in ages. Sit on a park bench and breathe in the fragrance of flowers and grass. Whatever it is, do it just for you.
Source: http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/mental-fitness-tips/#.UOBdVfWwXmU
