Keep your MIND as healthy as your body...

When it comes to fitness the first thing we all think about is our physical fitness, and this is for good reason. A good state of physical fitness can help prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and help maintain your own independence as you age.Mental fitness is just as important as physical health and should not be ignored. Mental fitness is exactly what it sounds like: keeping your brain and emotional health in fighting condition. It doesn’t mean training for “brain Olympics” or scoring 100% on an IQ test, what it means is carrying out a number of exercises that help you slow down, decompress, and boost a flagging mind.The more you help your body, the more you help your mind. Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen to your brain and increases the amount of endorphins, (feel-good hormones) in the brain. For this reason, it’s not surprising that people who are in good physical condition also tend to enjoy a higher level of mental well-being.Taking part in a vigorous workout can help you battle depression and gain a more positive outlook on life and yourself. It’s also a great way to beat stress, which can harm you mentally and physically.Keeping your mind mentally fit isn’t as difficult as getting ready for a marathon, but it’s a great way to look at it; you can just add it to the many activities you already do each day.

Here are some tips to help you improve your mental fitness:

• Exercise for 30 minutes every day.

• Read often and read widely

• Boost your levels of vitamin B

• Challenge your intellect and memory

• Take time to relax

• Take up a new hobby

• Actively manage your health

• Engage in stimulating conversations

• Take up a manual activity or craft

• Exercise your brain with others.