Ingredients of Your Life – Isolation Essentials – A Healthy Mind

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In a period of social isolation, it is important to keep your mind healthy just as you would keep your body healthy. The brain and mind, just like the human body, is malleable and can be trained. There is a close link between our brains, minds and body, therefore in order to keep a healthy mind and brain, a healthy body is key. Performing simple things such as regular physical activity, getting enough sleep, not smoking, having a well balanced diet and good social connections are the basics when it comes to keeping the brain and mind healthy. 

In order to keep a healthy mind, one technique that has been used throughout the ages is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness itself is said to be a state rather than a trait. It can be achieved by having moment-to-moment awareness of one’s self without judgement. Being in this state of mind can help bring mental processes under voluntary control, thereby improving mental well-being by developing calmness, concentration and clarity. 

There is some evidence that exists that reports multiple benefits from practicing a state of mindfulness. These include decreased rumination, reduced stress and anxiety, boosts memory and focus, less emotional reactivity and improved relationship satisfaction. With a long list of benefits, the big question is how do you achieve this state of mindfulness. There are plenty of activities which promote self regulation and therefore achieving mindfulness becomes easier such as yoga, tai chi and meditation. It is now easier than ever now to exercise some mindfulness with many mindfulness applications and videos helping people achieve this at home.

Personally, the area in which I am able to achieve a state of mindfulness is when I am going on a long easy run. During this I am able to focus on self-regulation such as breathing and finding a rhythm whilst running. I am able to let my mind wander to thoughts that enter my mind, however I am focussing on attempting to bring back my attention to my breathing and running pattern. 

There has been some published literature looking at other ways that we can keep the brain itself healthy. One of the most heavily advocated for ways is to keep learning. This can be done by pursuing further education, reading, learning a new skill or taking up a hobby that you have never done before. Starting a novel activity is thought to help stimulate neurons and connections in the brain. 

Another heavily researched area is the use of ‘mind games’ to keep the brain active. This is done via activities such as puzzles, math and word games. This is again believed to help stimulate neural connections in the brain and help keep the brain plastic. Combining mentally tasking activities with manual dexterity such as painting, drawing or learning an instrument has also shown similar benefits. 

There are a multitude of ways in order to keep your mind stimulated and healthy. In order to keep a healthy mind, achieving a state of mindfulness has been shown to provide multiple benefits for the mind and body. Getting the fundamental things right needs to be prioritized first however as it has been shown to provide the greatest benefit compared to other ways such as continued learning or mind games. 

I would like to throw the challenge to you to try to find an activity or way that you are able to achieve this mindfulness state! This can vary from person to person. It could be going out for a walk or run, practicing breathing exercises or doing yoga. Try to find an activity that works for you! 

5 Key Takeaways:

1.  There is a difference between working on a healthy brain and a healthy mind! 

2.  Focus on the fundamentals of healthy mind and body first

• Regular physical activity

• Sleep

• Diet

• Not smoking

• Social connection

3.  Achieving a state of mindfulness has been shown to have multiple benefits for a healthy mind

4.  Use of Apps or videos are an easy way to practice mindfulness at home

5.  Some research to show the benefits of continued learning and mind games

Jordan Shyu PEAK Physiotherapist

To learn more about a Healthy Mind please call (07) 3399 3318 or email info@peaksportsandspinecentre.com.au