Optimal Health: Mental Health a.k.a. the Root of All Health

We can’t talk about Optimal Health without bringing up mental health. Mental health is the root of all health. For decades studies have shown that our mindset, attitudes, and beliefs have a profound impact on our overall health. Along those lines, things like stress anxiety, and depression can alter brain physiology and immune system function which increases your risk of getting sick, experiencing poor digestion, inadequate sleep and much more. Here are some tips to improve your mental health.

Stay inspired. Inspiration feels good and creates motivation. Our attitudes, beliefs, and emotions are heavily influenced by what we watch and listen to most frequently. To this end, consider a mental diet. Avoid the junk and gravitate towards media that keeps you inspired.

Increase your self-confidence. An easy way to do this is by following through with goals. Being motivated by a goal leads to dedication which then offers gratification after achieving it. Start small and work up from there.

Get in the zone. When you are performing your best you will find yourself in a “flow” state. This is a state of being that requires all of your mental capacity, almost like a meditative state. This state is physiologically very similar to being happy so learning you do this in everyday life can be very beneficial. I recommend starting with things you enjoy and living in the moment instead of in a constant state of “what’s next?”

Constantly cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Being able to reflect and be grateful for everything you have is empowering and motivating. This mindset sets you up to be more optimistic, inspired, and purposeful in all that you do. So when you can throughout the day, try to take small moments to appreciate all that you can.

Reflect. Spend time contemplating what is important to you, what your passion is, and what motivates you are things that shape every decision you make. Spend some time deciding what the answers to those questions are.

Not only does mastering your mental health set you up to succeed in your health related goals but it also allows you to maximize your success in other areas of your life. So no matter your goals, mental health should come first.

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