How to train your mind to keep you healthy and happy?

We all live in a very stressful and taxing world, with a hundred different things going on at once and a lot of pressure on us to perform to the required standard. What is more, we now have a much stronger understanding of how the mind works and what the effects of stress and anxiety(चिंता) can be on us.

"Our brain is not designed to create happiness, as much as we wish it were so. Our brain evolved to promote survival. It saves the happy chemicals (dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin) for opportunities to meet a survival need, and only releases them in short spurts which are quickly metabolized(उपापचयी ).This motivates us to keep taking steps that stimulate(उकसाना) our happy chemicals.”

It can seem like a difficult, if not an impossible task, to maintain a steady(স্থির) and healthy mindset. But it is really important that we do. The mind controls our body and its influence on our physical health and ability to go about our lives can’t be overstated. So, you ought to be tending to it well. With that said, here are some ways to do just that.

1.Master of your own happiness 

Maybe you think you’re not confident or talented enough. Always tell yourself that everyone has weaknesses and nobody is perfect. Stop focusing on the things you lack and let go of anything that you cannot change. Give yourself some credit and love yourself.

Trying to please everyone will only leave you with never-ending stress and anxiety. Sometimes, you really do need to put yourself first. Figure out what it is that you really want in life and start working towards your goal. What makes you happy?

When things don’t happen the way you want, take a deep breath and try to stay calm.

Try to help the needy people in worse situations. It will give you a sense of peace and calmness(शांति) even if your life is a mess(गड़बड़).

2. Stay physically active 

The connection between our physical health and mental health are deeply related though we tend to ignore the fact how a half an hour of physical activity every day can bring a positive impact on our mind. There are physiological(शारीरिक) reasons why exercise is so important, for example. Exercise increases blood flow which helps to oxygenate the brain, plus it releases endorphins, the brain’s happy pills.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money and join a gym to do some exercise; walking or cycling to your destination(गंतव्य), cleaning the house while listening to music and gardening are all easy ways to get the blood pumping. After a while you’ll start to find doing tasks easier as well looking better, which in turn will also make you feel better about yourself.

3. Watch what you drink

While a lot of people drink alcohol and caffeine to change their mood, but their effect is only temporary.Most people prefer drinking alcohol or caffeine in moderation(संयम), which is beneficial for our body. However, some people carry on drinking to delay the onset of these negative feelings, or to escape underlying feelings of nervousness or depression.

Make sure you drink eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and mind fueled. Did you know your brain is made up of over 70% water? So not drinking enough water can affect your concentration levels, mood, and overall cognitive(संज्ञानात्मक) function. 

4.Spend some time with nature 

Did you know that spending time in nature can boost the immune system? Plants and trees release “phytoncide” which has a positive impact on human immune function.

A little fresh air, the sun on our skin, bare feet in the sand: spending time outside can bring so many small pleasures, making us feel refreshed and revived(पुनर्जीवित).

5. Eating the right food

A good diet is essential for physical health. A growing body of evidence suggests that it also makes a difference to your mind.

The Mental Health Foundation notes that a good diet is important for mental health. 

The old saying goes: “a healthy body makes a healthy mind”, and we’re huge believers that good food is fuel for the brain. Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Food that is good for your mind includes nuts, pulses, and dark leafy greens such as kale(गोभी). Try to eat whole foods that are as close to their original form as possible, and take joy out of eating a rainbow of colours on your plate. 

6. Wash of pains and problems from life

A happy and positive mind helps to keep the body away from various pain and problems. It has been believed that once you make yourself determined to stay happy and positive, you automatically say a bye to some of the most chronic(दीर्घकालिक) but usual pains like muscle ache, headache, stomach ache etc.