Exercises to improve mental health

Exercises to improve mental health

Studies show that mental health is one of the main factors in the development of a variety of modern diseases: from diabetes, high blood pressure to the onset of malignancies. But apart from the disastrous effect on our physical functioning, stress has a negative impact on the functioning of our mental health. It has been found that chronic exposure to high levels of hormones that the body releases during stressful situations reduces the ability to create new connections between brain cells. This affects the reduction of brain tissue, especially in brain parts that are responsible for memory, learning, and emotional functioning of the person, which leads to reduced ability of concentration, planning and thinking.

However, if we are dealing with mental health in a healthy way, we can preserve our mental health and prevent the negative consequences of everyday often stressful life. We suggest several exercises for the development and maintenance of good brain function.

Exercise 1 - Perform normal actions in new ways. For example, use a weaker hand in performing actions that you use stronger. Wrinkle, wring your teeth, drain, store, phone and dial programs on the remote control. In the beginning, it will be hard, because the brain must concentrate heavily, but that's the point. Every day you will become more and more skilled, as a part of the brain that controls the launch of the weaker hand will develop.

Exercise 2 - Perform well-known closed eyes. For example, get dressed, pull up your shirt, fasten yourself, wash and wash your teeth, look for soap, shampoo, paste, brush and tape handle, all your eyes closed.

Exercise 3 - change the order of the job. We do many things automatically, without thinking, because they have come to us in the habit. If you first wash and then wash, the next morning start by washing first. If you first clean the kitchen, and at the end of the bedroom, start the room first. With this type of exercise, you will leave the mental track and encourage your brain to innocuously tune.

Exercise 4 - Change the routine of normal movement. For example, Visit new places, even in your own city. Visit a neighborhood in which you have not been long or never, go to a park that you never walked. Shop in another store. When you go to the usual places, travel to them with a new route. Do not have time for anything else, walk the opposite side of the street from the one you usually go through. At least once a month, fold items on the desk, shelf or wardrobe.

Exercise 5 - Try new activities. Read the newspapers or sections that do not attract you. Get involved with topics you know little about and while reading, merge new information with familiar ones. If time allows you, register for a foreign language course, cooking, and more. Any new learning, new knowledge and ability will have a beneficial effect on the structure and function of your brain.


If you can not avoid mental health situations, find mechanisms to help you get through them more easily. These exercises are not demanding and do not require a particular time, and your brain will be grateful for new challenges and incentive activities.