Mental Strength from Physical Wellness: 6 Easy Tips

Here we are, over half of 2013 is gone.  Let me ask you, how are your physical wellness plans going?

I know…you planned on going for a run this morning, but you slept in. Now you’re late for work, and your mood is low while your stress is high. On your lunch break, you search for an abdominal exercise tutorial that you can try when you get home. But by the time you get there, you’re exhausted. This fitness goal you set for yourself is not going as well as you hoped, but you had a hard day. You’ll do better tomorrow.

Sound familiar?

The road to physical wellness is sometimes a bumpy one.

Perfect balance in life comes from improving your spiritual, emotional, physical and mental strength. But physical growth seems to receive the majority of attention in today’s society. Trying to prioritize our “work-out” time over life and circumstance is a difficult thing.

But what about your spiritual health?

Your mental health?

It is dangerous to leave those behind in the pursuit of an unbalanced goal.

Lucky for you, there are little things that you can do daily to promote true physical wellness. Most can be done right at your desk. In addition, they will help quiet and focus your mind towards an area of healing, allowing you to build up to those overlooked hidden strengths.

Here are six simple mental strength tips to help on your road to physical wellness.

1. Take a deep breath. That simple. Remind yourself often, try to maintain a good slow rhythm, and the physical benefits you’ll receive are an outstanding number. Just by taking a moment to get the air and blood flowing in your system, you’ll see better skin, immune system, and digestion. With every breath you take, focus on condensing your bad energies into the exhale. You’ll clear your mind in no time, and the air to your brain will help you focus.

2. Sit up straight. When you slouch, you’re communicating to your brain that your organs need protecting, and you are in danger. This is cause for more of your stress than you probably realize. Straightening up in your chair will help you breathe deeper and more naturally. You’ll also be communicating to your brain that you are confident, and in turn will feel it. Plus, the image you’ll convey to others with this body language won’t hurt, either.

3. Stretch. You may feel silly, but take some time to stand up and stretch out your back now and again. Stretch your neck, arms, and even your hamstrings if you feel like it. This will help you avoid injury, increase your flexibility, and keep your blood from settling. It’s the mini break that you deserve; it will help rejuvenate your mind and get some energy back. And it just feels really good.

4. Drink water. Keeping yourself properly hydrated will make a difference in any area you can think of. It will ensure your body is running the way it’s supposed to and will keep your mind fresh. By forgetting to drink enough water, your body and mind are in a state where they are running on empty, and the stress of a survival state is not a healthy one. Keep a bottle with measurements printed at your desk, and ensure you drink at least 8 cups a day. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

5. Exfoliate. This may seem strange, but skin exfoliation is not just a beauty technique. Your body builds up layers and layers of dry skin, and it covers the new healthy skin underneath until something forces it off. It may cause you physical and mental discomfort without you realizing it. You can use a louffa in the shower, or get a little deeper with an at home microdermabrasion kit. You’ll feel cleaner and lighter, which will affect your spirit accordingly. Overall cleanliness is a must for physical and mental well-being.

6. Go to bed. Try going to bed a half hour earlier than normal, and wake up a half hour later. If you can’t manage that, go to bed an hour early. During sleep your body heals itself, and prepares you to be able to take on the next day. Your mind also heals itself, and you can only achieve true clarity of the mind with enough sleep. There is no harm that getting more sleep can do, and the benefits you’ll reap will be well worth the lost hour.

It’s difficult even to call these tips, because they are so essential. This is the least you can do for yourself. Start good habits, stick to them, and live a healthy and beautiful life.

Chris Miller is a professional writer, blogger, and English grammar enthusiast. Chris enjoys learning about new health products, procedures, and ideas.