Strengthening connection

We hear about eating well, moving well, relating well, even dressing well but we probably don't  hear as much about being brain well and what we can do to ensure that we have a healthy mind. By intentionally caring for our minds we actually enhance our emotional, mental, physical, spiritual and social selves. Mental wellness is about strengthening the connections with the brain itself and about reinforcing our connections with others and the world around us. Let's take a look at the  seven daily essential mental activities that help to optimise brain matter and create well being.

Focus time: When we closely focus on tasks in a goal oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.  

Play time: When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain. 

Connecting time: When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuit. 

Physical time: When we move our bodies, aerobically if possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways.

Time In: When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings, thoughts, we help to better integrate the brain. 

Down Time: When we are non-focus, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge. 

Sleep Time: When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day. 

Every aspect of our lives can be nourished by these essential mental activities. They are permission giving for some. They are challenging for many. Hopefully they create an appetite and an increasing awareness in how to nourish our mental being as well as our physical self each day. 

This was a brief introduction to The Healthy Mind Platter which was created by Dr Dan J Seigel and Dr David Rock. Google away to learn more and take time to consider how to incorporate these mental activities into daily life. There are many combinations that work well. We just need to find the best fit for ourselves. 

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