JulieFoxKaplan University

HW499: Professor Eaves

Mental FitnessMental Fitness

What is Mental What is Mental Fitness?Fitness?

Mental Fitness is in reference to a person’s capacity to be self determined.

“Our capacity to make positive changes in our daily routines, whether eating healthy, being physically active, or living tobacco-free is impacted by our Mental Fitness” (http://www.gnb.ca/0131/pdf/w/HERG%20Mental%20Fitness.EN.pdf)

Things you can do to Things you can do to improve Mental improve Mental

FitnessFitnessKeep a journal - being able to express yourself can help you gain perspective and even can help you release tension.

Exercise- Exercising can help you improve you well being. You are around people which can help you be social which is good for you mind. Yoga is a great option for mental fitness exercise.

Find a hobby - Hobbies bring balance to you mind because it is often something you enjoy and it can help release pressures of your everyday life.

Benefits of Mental Benefits of Mental FitnessFitnessRegular Mental Fitness

can help you:

Reduce Depression

Reduce Stress

Live a happier and healthier life

Feel more confident in your daily life

Take a break from the daily mental worries

Herbs to Help Mental Herbs to Help Mental Fitness/Stress- ReliefFitness/Stress- Relief

Rhodiola Rosea

•One of the most promising plants for treatment of depression.

•Inhabits areas throughout Europe. Produces yellow blossoms that smell like roses.

•“stimulates the effects of neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin on the central nervous system” (Etcheverry, 2013)

AffirmationsAffirmationsOne excellent way of doing mental fitness on a daily basis is by doing

Affirmations involve self-talk. “Simply stating to yourself certain positive messages actually activates specific neural pathways that when strengthened tend to promote self-esteem and well-being” (Lazarus Institue, 2011).

Mental FitnessMental FitnessMental fitness is an important aspect of your health. It plays many roles when it comes to the health of your body and mind.

Mental Fitness can help reduce depression and stress

Some herbal medicines can reduce stress and help mental fitness as well.

ReferencesReferencesYoga Tropics (2013).Retrieved on October 12,2013 from http://yogatropics.com/site/2013/07/09/yoga-for-meditation/

Lazarus Institute (2011). Three Keys to Optimum Mental Fitness. Psychology today. Retrieved on October 14, 2013 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/think-well/201105/three-keys-optimum-mental-fitness .

Canadian Mental Health Association (2013) Mental Fitness Tips. Retrieved on October 13, 2013 from http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/mental-fitness-tips/#.UlyVPhZXAb4 .

Etcheverry, Paz (2013) Herbal Spotlight: Rhodiola Rosea for Stress-Relief. Retrieved on October 12, 2013 from http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/cam/Herbal%20Spotlight%20-%20Rhodiola%20Rosea%20for%20Stress-Relief.html .