Ten EZ Tips for Mental Armor

These ten tips are not listed in order of importance - they are ALL equally important. Do all of these tips to live longer, smarter,  more impactful, and happier.  

Our life experience is usually molded by others saying "don't" or you "can't."  Indeed, only 10% of our thinking is conscious. That means we have to work harder to reprogram the unconscious/subconscious programming that makes up 90% of our thinking!  Practicing these techniques as "a way of life" will help you have a richer, more fulfilling life. We must continually  reprogram our mind for success. A secret is that no one wins any competition - in any sport or business - without the "visualization of winning." And success also requires a practice of constant gratitude for what good things we do have. Sometimes, we focus on our wants, and forget our needs. We contemplate our "life wins": the wonderful things we do have and how wonderful we really are.

Being in nature and exposed to sunlight is important for our circadian rhythm. (For those on the nightshift, share with us how you cope with this?) Indeed, walking in nature or "forest bathing" boosts our mood, immunity, and attitude.  Nature's plants emit chemicals and oils that we breathe and are absorbed by the skin.  Naturally, this all entails active movement, relaxation, and improved heart rate.  Being about nature is our natural state: not a sterile indoor environment, 

Helping others helps us find purpose, meaning, and new energy.  Many front responders made this their life calling - to help and serve others. Service to our community is reconnecting with the human spirit. There is great deal of satisfaction from helping, particularly those in need. Now if you are already in the helping profession, you can't drink from a dry cup. Rather, volunteer in something completely different from your work - that is fun and a healthful distraction. 

As we age, typical adult brains shrink in mass. However, those who meditate and exercise their brains do NOT lose mass!   Learning information and storing it is what the brain does. As a child, our brain started as a blank slate and absorbed all things new - learning at an incredible rate.  Why stop? The brain is SUPPOSED to keep learning new things... all the time.   And it is true: if you don't use it (and learn), you lose it (and burn). Learn a foreign language, play that instrument you always wanted to as a child, paint, woodwork, create a website!  

As discussed in tip one, we literally have to re-program our minds to make meaningful strides to achieve our life goals. One way to do this is to recite morning and evening your strengths and your positive wants. Write them down.  This too should be a "way of life."  For a worksheet example, click here. 

Personal relationships can define who you are. Positive social interactions have a positive effect on quality of life, longevity, health, and happiness. How about inviting folks for dinner and charades or karaoke?   How about a game of cards? Dinner out?  A golf game? A horseback ride? Being with friends and people who care about you exercises our mind in a positive way and gets us active.  

You must push 200 lbs every day!  Just kidding. Getting your blood pumping at least 20 minutes a day helps bring your body balance. Don't let your desk kill you!  Physical activity - including stretching - is a key pillar toward wellness, and you can choose to get active in a way that's enjoyable to you. If you work at a desk, can you get a walking treadmill? Or runup and down the stairs every hour?  

Actually, we mean before bed for two hours. Avoiding TV and cell phone helps reduce blue light exposure and permits your mind to naturally slow down, giving you better quality sleep. Studies show that just having your cell phone by you has been shown to increase stress! Don't let tech be an excuse not to socialize, dance, play music, and get your muscles tired so you sleep better. 

The importance of sleep cannot be understated. Poor sleep has been associated with significantly reduced immunity, heart issues, obesity, dementia, accidents, clouded thinking, and early mortality. Yes, it is THAT serious. And by the way, don't think about many over-the-counter sleep medications, many cause disturbed sleep and dementia, not to mention dangerous impurities and side effects.  

Focus on eating whole foods when you can, avoid processed foods, eat nuts and legumes, fish (avoid bottom feeders), lean meats, a variety of fruits and vegetables, olive oils, and whole oats. Yogurt and fermented foods are good for your microbiome, which you can have checked! Variety is important as it strengthens our microbiome and reduces nutrient deficiency.