Content Provided by Mindwell Labs
Physical fitness has long been prioritized in our society. We’re constantly encouraged to move more, eat better, and stay hydrated. But the truth is, our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
Over the last several years, we’ve made great strides in mental health awareness, but we still have a long way to go. The majority of health-conscious Americans incorporate physical exercises in their daily routines but few incorporate mental exercises.
Focusing on both can greatly improve your overall health and wellbeing. Benefits of mental fitness training include:
Reduced stress
Improved sleep
Enhanced focus
Better mind-body connection
And increased creativity
Here are three ways to be more intentional about your mental health.
1. Practice guided imagery meditation
More and more healthcare providers are recommending meditation to improve cognitive functioning and mental health. However, the thought of completely clearing your mind and meditating might sound difficult—so much so that you may be reluctant to try it.
If that resonates with you, we get it. It’s estimated that our minds are lost in thought nearly 50% of the time, according to a Harvard study.
Guided imagery meditation is a type of meditation practice that doesn’t require you to clear your mind. Instead, it encourages you to tap into your imagination and move your attention away from the things that cause you stress.
And the benefits of it are remarkable.
Practicing guided imagery mediation can help you better manage your mental state, increase your ability to focus, enhance problem-solving skills, improve sleep, and help manage physical conditions such as IBS, chronic pain, and high blood pressure.
Try guided imagery meditation with AQ™, an app that provides personalized meditation training based on your unique biomarkers.
2. Develop a consistent sleep routine
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times; get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. While this is certainly sound advice, there’s more to getting a good night’s sleep than that.
Many of us prioritize quantity—getting as many hours as we can—over consistency. But studies have found that a consistent sleep routine is linked to increased happiness and improved overall mental health. Truly restorative rest requires a consistent sleep-wake cycle.
Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day helps your brain stay active during the day and produce ample amounts of melatonin a night, a hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep.
3. Journal about things you’re thankful for
Practicing graduate is a great way to shift your thought patterns and think more positively. Studies have found gratitude can enhance long-term happiness by 10%, increase our self-esteem, and make us more optimistic.
And there’s certainly something to be said about taking pen to paper and reflecting with each word about the things we’re thankful for.
A happier, healthier you
So, there you have it! Three simple (and free) ways to be more intentional about your mental health. Here’s to a happier, healthier you.