Do These 7 Things To Have A Healthy Mind
Here are 7 simple activities you can do to take care of your mind.
1 – Boxed Breathing
This technique is also called square breathing. Now, I don’t do it every day. Instead, I use it when I feel nervous or overwhelmed like the time I had a Parent-Teacher Meeting at school. I always feel calmer and less stressed afterwards. So, here are the four steps:
Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly.
Step 2: Hold your breath for four.
Step 3: Exhale through your nose for four slowly.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 until you feel calm.
So, the next time you feel nervous or overwhelmed, give this a try!
2 – Clean
“Clutter is the physical reflection of a disorganized mind.” – Joshua Becker
I read this quote somewhere a few years ago. And it’s stuck with me ever since. So, whenever I feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, I clean somewhere. Either my workplace, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. Anywhere.
When I do household chores like washing dishes or folding laundry, I feel calmer because I temporarily stop thinking about problems I can’t control. I also get to let my mind wander and mull over ideas. Plus, moving around is always good for your body.
So, the next time you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, clean somewhere!
3 – Do something creative.
I feel happier, more optimistic, and more accomplished when I do something creative because creativity puts me in a flow state. This is when I’m in the zone and completely absorbed in my task. For example, I get into a flow state when I write because:
I enjoy it.
It helps me understand myself and the world.
It helps me reduce intrusive thoughts.
The process and result feel rewarding.
So, try something creative. You can write, paint, dance, play or learn an instrument, do DIY crafts, or take photographs and videos. The important thing is to find something you enjoy.
4 – Cook a new recipe.
Cooking is therapeutic for me because there’s something repetitive about washing and cutting vegetables, stirring the pot, and washing dishes. And this repetitiveness calms my mind. Plus, it makes me happy if I can share what I cook with other people.
5 – Read a book.
I aim to read at least 10 pages a day. I started this habit because of 75 Hard. I haven’t finished the challenge. The farthest I got was about 30 days. But because of the challenge, I built the habit of reading 10 pages a day of physical books.
I prefer physical books over e-books. There’s something romantic about holding a book. The smell of the fresh pages. The feeling of progress and of learning. And the sense of accomplishment when you finish.
6 – Learn a skill.
One of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is to do a new activity that makes you think, learn, and requires ongoing practice. This is why I’m studying for two certifications right now. I’m doing the NASM Nutrition Certification and the Social Media Management Certification on Coursera.
7 – Have downtime.
“We have nothing without our health. Our health is our first foundation. Our dreams, ambitions, experiences, relationships, and passions are all contingent on a foundation of good health. Without our health, we have nothing.” – Steve Bartlett
So, no matter what your schedule is, dedicate time for rest. You’ll notice afterwards, you’ll feel less stressed, more creative, and more productive.
Hope this was helpful!
And lastly, thank you for reading. 🧡
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash