Mental Fitness: Mind over Matter

Main Points

Mental Fitness promotes wellness Mental Fitness promotes mental health Mental Fitness prolongs life

Benefits of Mental Fitness

Achieves and sustain a state of good mental health

Increases Happiness(refreshes your mind, body, and spirit)

Increases Relaxation(takes you to a place of calmness)

Decreases Anxiety(relieves tension and fear)

Decreases Stress Decreases Depression (Panning, 1996-2009)

Research Studies that have demonstrated the qualities of mental and spiritual focus:Many People practice mental and spiritual activities for a number of reasons

Grounding of the mental focus: The mental forms should be conceived and pursued as Integrated and grounded within the physical, relational and spiritual domains - which it affects and by which it is affected. The emphasis should be on redefining the human being within a larger context and freeing the human being to function within that context. (Mankind,2000)

The Power of Prayer

Randolph Byrd states that “Intercessory Prayer actually does work.”

The Benefits of Forgiveness (Mental/Spiritual Focus)

The University of Tennessee research instructors Dr. Warren Jones and Kathleen Lawler states that “harboring anger and resentment tends to increase blood pressure and by forgiving ; one will have overall cardiovascular benefits.”

Part 2

Exercises/Activities that can improve mental fitness

Yoga means to “yoke” unite the mind, body, and spirit (The Nemours Foundation, 1995-2010)

Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health. (The Nemours Foundation, 1995-2010)

Summary

Mental fitness according to (Healthy People, 2010 promotes wellness by reducing and minimizing stress. I believe everyone should try to incorporate some type of mental fitness activity or exercise in their daily routine if possible.

Mental fitness promotes mental health by reducing anger. So many people experience anger on a daily basis but I am a firm believer of the statement that “anger is only 1 letter away from danger” so if it can be reduced through mental fitness then I am all for it.

Mental fitness prolongs by reducing stress, minimizing depression, and also by increasing happiness and wholeness. “NOW THAT’S GOOD NEWS AND SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT”

References

The Nemours Foundation (1995-2010) http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/pilates.html Mankind (2000) Retrieved April, 03, 2010 from

http://www.laetusinpraesens.org/docs70s/78mental.php The Benefits of Forgiveness Include Real Stress Relief (2009) Retrieved

April 03, 2010 from http://www.gentle-stress-relief.com/benefits-of-forgiveness.html