Benefits and Holistic Wellbeing

Benefits of Mental Fitness What research is available? How can this be beneficial for me?

Steps to improve Mental Fitness What activities can I participate in? How do I get started?

Summary

How do we know that this can help us?

Dr Robert Ader was an early researcher in this field, he used lab rats to show how powerful the mind is in the functioning of the body (Dacher, 2006). Lab rats were given a poisonous chemical in

sweetened water that caused them nausea, the poisonous chemical was taken out of the water after a time, yet the lab rats still had the same response as when the chemical was added.

After the initial response, the rats began to die. The chemical also had immunosuppressant effects and the rats’ minds continued to have a negative effect on the immune systems even when the drug was not present.

This conclusively proved that the mind is so powerful that it can replicate the effects of a toxic chemical if it believes that this chemical is present.

Candace Pert proved that thoughts, feelings, and images produce neuropeptides that alter the body’s response to better reflect our mental state (Dacher, 2006). Pert discovered natural body proteins

(neuropeptides) that carry messages from the mind to the body creating a connection of communication throughout the entire body.

Pert’s continued research in this area proved that the mind’s health is reflected in the health of the body. A mind that is disturbed or stressed is reflected in the body of that person. The body will also show illness in the form of physiological issues.

Dr Peter Schnall conducted a study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association regarding how stress effects certain body systems (Dacher, 2006). Mid level managers that were experiencing job strain

(high responsibility with little control) were assessed for physical health related to job strain.

These managers were prone to feelings of helplessness, powerlessness and mental stress.

These managers experienced chronic hypertension and an enlarged heart.

Mid level managers that were able to process job stress in a healthy, productive way were also observed.

These managers were able to treat the stress as a challenge to be met.

These managers did not experience long term health complications.

How can I get mentally ‘active’?

Meditation Meditation is a process where the participant uses quiet

environments and/or soothing music and sounds to calm the mind and relax or reflect on events and issues in a peaceful enviroment. (If you are unable to initiate any of this process on your own, beginners may want to seek a seasoned practitioner).

First, wearing comfortable clothing, find a quiet area to sit in a relaxing position for the exercise.

Second, begin relaxing by focusing the mind on breathing techniques and the quiet or soothing background sounds.

Thirdly, once your mind is calmed begin reflecting on events, or use the time to sort through thoughts and observe mental peace.

Next, at the end of this exercise, slowly arouse your mind and body using stretching and slow deep breaths to revive your body and mind without causing immediate stress.

Finally, enjoy the relaxing after glow of successful meditation.

Connecting with your environment There are many methods that can be used to

connect with the environment. For our purposes we will discuss walking. Perhaps sedentary reflection is not your style.

Step one: choose a desirable or convenient area to walk. Step two: wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. Step three: walk the area and observe the environment,

pay attention to the surrounding nature, or the buildings and people.

Step four: utilize this time reflect on the beauty in the environment and focus your mind completely on the surroundings and uniqueness of different environments.

Step five: end your walk and consider the mental and cardiovascular benefits of taking personal time and appreciating your environment while exercising.

What have we learned?

Mental fitness activities are an important part of health.

Mental fitness activities have been scientifically proven to be beneficial to psychological and biological health.

There are many activities that can be undertaken to exercise and improve mental fitness.

These exercises are simple and easy to accomplish.

These activities produce immediate and long term benefits for the mind and the body.

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Personal experience and practice (2010).