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You are here: Home / Archives for Mental Fitness

Mental Fitness

5 Alternative Health & Wellness Practices That Can Boost Your Mental Health

November 7, 2021 by Joi Leave a Comment

Benefits of Yoga for Mental Fitness

by Nicole McCray

When you think about boosting your mental health, one of the first things that come to mind is probably traditional talk therapy. And while there’s no question that talk therapy can be extremely helpful in many cases, it’s not a one size fits all solution that works for everyone.

Sometimes, you just need some strategies to help you stay grounded and manage daily stress. And sometimes, you need help getting through trauma or recovering from past events. There’s no denying the everyone is dealing with more stress now than ever before and taking care of your mental health is more important than ever.

Taking care of your mental health is every bit as important as taking care of your physical health, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. These alternative health and wellness practices might be just the answer you’re looking for.

Whether you incorporate one or all of them into your wellness routine, they’re all beneficial on their own – or they can be used in conjunction with traditional talk therapy for boosting mental health.

1. Kinesiology

Kinesiology is an alternative therapy that boosts mental health by helping the patient diffuse negative energy and implement positive strategies to overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. It utilizes muscle testing in combination with many of the basic principles of traditional Chinese medicine to assess body function and energy.

The goal is to identify emotional, chemical, energetic, and structural imbalances in the body. Muscle testing techniques are used to create a natural biofeedback system. Information is relayed via the nerve pathways throughout the body and the brain meridian systems.

A leading NYC-based kinesiologist explains that “Muscle testing can be used to identify underlying blockages that are causing mental and physical health issues. When these blockages are addressed, the body can begin to heal itself.”

Kinesiology has been used to help patients work through past and present emotional issues and take positive steps to address the triggers of their anxiety. It can help the patient move away from negative thinking patterns and develop and implement effective stress-management techniques.

2. Mindfulness

When it comes to wellness practices that can boost your mental health, mindfulness is one of the best places to start.

Evidence shows that it can reduce depression, anxiety, and overall stress. But what is mindfulness exactly? It’s actually not as complicated as you might think.

Mindfulness is a simple lifestyle change that focuses on living in the present moment with an attitude of openness and acceptance. It requires monitoring your own emotions, self-talk, and negative perceptions, as well as stress and anxiety. The key is to deal with these emotions positively before they take root.

To try mindfulness for yourself, the next time you feel anxiety, stress, or negative thoughts and emotions beginning to spiral out of control, slow down and take some deep breaths. Observe your thoughts and feelings, then center yourself and explore positive solutions before you move on. It’s kind of like stopping a runaway train before it gets out of control.

Other ways to practice mindfulness include meditation, prayer, deep breathing exercises, and guided imagery.

3. Yoga

Yoga is another mindfulness practice that can be incorporated into daily life to reduce anxiety and stress. It has been shown to improve mental focus, support healthy sleep patterns, and promote an overall sense of peace. It is often used for daily stress management, but it also makes a wonderful accompaniment to talk therapy and many of the other strategies we’re discussing here.

Yoga can benefit your mental health by calming the central nervous system, which relieves anxiety and promotes a state of relaxation. Many people who practice yoga regularly find that it builds self-trust and self-confidence as it strengthens the connection between the body and mind.

4. Nutrition Therapy

Did you know that there are at least 40 different chemicals in the body that play a role in mental health?
Psychiatrists are beginning to take notice of the importance of nutrition for their patients. They are using bloodwork to identify which of these chemicals are out of balance and prescribing supplements to overcome deficiencies.

It may sound like a fad, but there’s actually a lot of evidence to back up nutrition therapy. The use of supplements and dietary strategies has been shown to help patients who suffer from major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and severe mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Of course, holistic and alternative practitioners have been talking about the importance of nutrition for centuries. You don’t have to be under the care of a psychiatrist to utilize the curative powers of nutrition therapy. Many alternative practitioners will be happy to help you develop a diet and supplement plan to support your mental health.

5. Creative Therapies

Creative therapies are an excellent outlet for patients looking to boost their mental health naturally. Art, music, and dance therapy provide a relaxing and invigorating way to relieve stress and shift mental focus away from stress triggers.

Evidence shows that creative therapies have curative properties for both physiological and psychological ailments. They have been used to help patients overcome trauma and promote healing, particularly when used in conjunction with conventional treatments.

Wrapping Up
Of course, you should consult with your health care professional before making any major changes in your health regimen, especially if you think you may be dealing with a mental health issue. If you’re looking for a way conventional treatment or simply support your mental health daily, these alternative therapies and practices can bring some extra joy and balance to your life.

Filed Under: Articles by Various Authors, Fitness, Mental Fitness, Self Care Tagged With: benefits of yoga, kinesiology, mental fitness, mindfulness, nutrition therapy

Try Something New Every Day: You Never Know Where Your “Amelia” is Hiding!

October 20, 2021 by Joi Leave a Comment

Try Something New Every Day GraphicTry Something New Every Day!

Think of a hobby or pastime you love to do – one that brings you great joy. Something you look forward to doing and feel on top of the world while doing it! Maybe it’s watching baseball on tv, cooking, gardening, walking, hiking, collecting Pyrex dishes, watching old movies, golfing, or burning it up on the tennis courts.

Whatever that something special is, it’s such a part of your life it almost feels like recess from the real world!

I’ve always been of the mind that the more interests you have, the more interesting life will be and the cool thing is, the opportunities for new interests are limitless. You can start a new hobby, find a new pastime, or adopt a brand new subject to learn about.

I remember about 12 years ago , I saw an Amelia Earhart special on the History Channel. An interest was greatly sparked and I went down an Amelia Earhart rabbit hole that has led to collecting every article, book, and collectible I can that has anything to do with her! I love looking for new specials about the iconic legend and have even began reading about other aviators (particularly women). On the flip side, there have been other individuals on the History Channel I have followed up on by studying more that didn’t spark any further interest, but there have been more people and subjects who have stuck around and greatly enriched my life.

You just never know when or where you’ll find your Amelia!

Have a great day and, as always, make each moment count double!

~ Joi (“Joy”)

Filed Under: Education, General, How to Be Happy, Mental Fitness Tagged With: happiness, hobbies, how to be happier, pastimes

The Benefits of Reading and a Great Quote About Reading from Dr. Seuss!

September 5, 2021 by Joi Leave a Comment

Quote About Reading

Quote About Reading by Dr. Seuss

In a recent issue of Better Homes & Gardens, I read that the average 15-44 year old spend less than 10 minutes reading each day. Depressing! Reading offers far too many benefits for people to spend so little time doing it.

We all know how important reading is for our minds, to say nothing of informing us about the world around us, but research shows that reading also reduces levels of stress by nearly 70 percent!

The benefits of reading:

  • Strengthens your mind.
  • Teaches you about people around the world, how others think, and other cultures (all beautifully vital things to know)
  • Improves your mood.
  • Boosts your memory.
  • Improves your thinking skills.
  • Teaches you new words, strengthening your vocabulary.
  • Gives you more things to talk about with others.
  • Sharpens your thinking skills.
  • Relaxes you!

One of the secrets to reading MORE is finding the type of books or articles you like to read the MOST. For me, personally, my favorite things to read are the Bible, Agatha Christie mysteries (I read and re-read her Hercule Poirot books and am always in the middle of one), old Hollywood biographies and memoirs, American History, cookbooks, poetry, and anything pertaining to other favorite subjects…birds, animals, health, angels, spirituality, prayer, cooking, photography, Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, etc.

One of the ways to become a more prolific reader is to have more things that interest you. If you can’t think of many… read more and you’ll find almost too many to read about in a year!


Filed Under: Books I Love, Mental Fitness Tagged With: benefits of reading, quote about reading, reading

Improve Your Mental Health With Simple Changes in Your Home or Workspace (Infographic)

August 20, 2021 by Joi Leave a Comment

Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid and Humphrey Bogart - Casablanca

Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid 

Think about one of your favorite movies for a minute. For me, Casablanca comes to mind (as one may expect from someone who is obsessed with old Hollywood!). Casablanca is comprised of an outstanding cast bringing colorful roles to life. Rick, Ilsa, Victor, Captain Louis Renault, Signor Ferrari, Carl, Sam, Major Heinrich Strasser, Ugarte…..

The movie would have been good if you removed one of these roles. It would have been good enough if you removed two of these roles. It would have been okay if you removed three of these roles (I mean, so long as they aren’t Rick, Ilsa, Victor, or the Captain!). BUT… now here’s where the magic hits the stage… when you have all the roles together and in place, what you have is a legend. A masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

It’s the same with many things in life. There are many components that make the hole. If you fall short on one or two… sometimes even three… you’ll probably be okay. But who wants to be okay when you can be a legend?!

When it comes to being physically healthy, there are Rick, Ilsa, Victor, Captain, and Sam roles:

  • get plenty of sleep
  • stay hydrated
  • get plenty of fresh air
  • get enough exercise
  • eat a healthy diet
  • etc..

The same is true with staying mental healthy, in fact, the roles for physical and mental health overlap, don’t they?!

However, when it comes to mental health, there’s an unexpected role (a real scene stealer a la Sam in Casablanca!) but (again, like Sam), it is essential because it sets the whole stage: Your Living Space. We set ourselves up for success or failure by the conditions with which we surround ourselves and the infographic below does an outstanding job of detailing the ways in which we can set ourselves up for better mental health and, in my opinion, better emotional health as well. Both of which will only have positive effects on our physical health.

Enjoy the infographic (click for the larger version) and read more about Optimizing your Living Space for Mental Health by clicking the link.

As for me, I’m going to take a break in my day and watch Casablanca… for probably the 100th time because, what can I say, I have a thing for legends.

Make each moment count double!
~Joi (“Joy”)

How to Optimize Your Home for Mental Health
Infographic Source


Filed Under: Home Sweet Haven, Infographics, Mental Fitness, Self Care

Helping Others: It’s Always the Right Time to Reach Out…

June 12, 2021 by Joi Leave a Comment

It’s Always the Right Time to Reach Out and Help Others

While many things are returning to normal in many parts of the world, none of us are completely back to normal. In fact, for a lot of people, normal may look, sound, smell, and certainly feel different for quite a while.

Maybe forever.

Before you let that make you frown, realize that not all change is bad. In fact, some change can be a very good, positive thing.

What if we all come out of this pandemic more willing to reach out and help others than we have ever been willing before? What if the consideration and concern for our neighbors (very near and very far) that we’ve experienced and displayed lasts… well… forever?

I for one certainly hope so!

I have a great deal of correspondence with others through my e-mail and social media. I have noticed over the past year more of us are apt to sign off with things such as…

  • Stay Safe!
  • Be Well!
  • Best Wishes to You and Your Family!
  • Etc..

I also notice many greetings begin with..

  • I hope you’re well…
  • I hope you’re safe…
  • I hope you and your loved ones are well…

It didn’t used to be like this.

When I’m in stores and restaurants (still riding an emotional high that my favorite Mexican restaurant weathered this storm and is open for business!), I see people smiling at one another these days – the warm smiles aren’t just reserved for babies anymore! People seem to genuinely care for others post-pandemic than they did pre-pandemic and that’s something I very, very, VERY much sticks around.

Many people are struggling today – more, perhaps, than ever before. The pandemic introduced a lot of unpleasantness into our lives. Some unpleasantness we could SEE – lockdowns, less family visits, less income, arguments with family members who view the virus differently than we do, and a total upheaval in our daily lives. Other unpleasantnesses couldn’t be seen, but my goodness are they ever felt.

  • the anxiety that comes with coming face to face with your own vulnerability
  • stress from seeing, daily, others sick and suffering
  • being more aware of death than ever before… I mean, we were given daily numbers!
  • arguments within families due to more stress
  • broken relationships because of other’s views on the virus, masks, and vaccines

Make no mistake about it, this pandemic left its vile fingerprints on all of our lives.

It’s worth remembering that you don’t have to always be strong. You can cry when you darn well feel like crying! It’s okay to feel scared and I’m giving you permission to feel angry about the whole thing. Feel the emotions you want to feel and make no attempt to tell others how to deal with their feelings. We all cope differently and we all heal differently.

Finally, I’d love to encourage everyone to reach out and help others in any way possible. If you know someone who seems to have the weight of the world on their shoulders, either ask them what you can do to make the load lighter or (perhaps even better) step up and do something for them that helps lighten their load.

Ideas include mowing their lawn, giving them a gift card to their favorite restaurant (this way you help them and the restaurant), offering to watch their child/children while they treat themselves to a day out. Simply showing up to their house with a Starbucks drink for you and a Starbucks drink for them and sitting to talk with them for an hour may be just the tonic they (and you!) need.

Many are dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, and other emotional and mental strains right now. If you can be a blessing to someone, please don’t hesitate to do so. You may give them exactly what they needed to hang in there and keep fighting.

As a bonus, helping others makes you feel so good!

Stay strong, stay well, and stay safe. I truly care about each and every one of you. ~ Joi (“Joy”)

Filed Under: General, Make a Difference, Mental Fitness, Positive Thought Tagged With: anxiety, helping others, pandemic, Self Help, stress

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