Mental Workout

Just like I did not get my abs without working out, a person cannot have a strong healthy mind without giving it a workout. You can train your mind with exercises just like you can your body. Neurobics is a unique system of brain exercises using your five physical senses and your emotional sense in unexpected ways that encourage you to shake up your everyday routines. They are designed to help your brain manufacture its own nutrients that strengthen, preserve, and grow brain cells. Created by Lawrence C. Katz, Ph.D., a professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center, neurobics can be done anywhere, anytime, in offbeat, fun and easy ways. Nevertheless, these exercises can activate underused nerve pathways and connections, helping you achieve a fit and flexible mind (Franklin Institute, 2004). By practicing the Loving-Kindness exercise and taking time out of each day you can strengthen your mind.

The Franklin Institute Online (2004). The Human Brain. Retrieved online February 26, 2013 from http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html

Loving Kindness Practice

I couldn't help but get a little emotional when I was told to think of a person whom I love. I thought of my mother and how amazing she is. As I listened to the water from the ocean I thought of how great it would be to be hanging out with my mom by the ocean. I love my mom dearly and as I was directed to turn those feeling on myself I had a great feeling come over my entire body. I love myself and my life and I felt great! The voice was calming and the background sounds (water) was better than any of the other exercises so far.

The Crime of the Century

Things started going really well. My body and mind were relaxed and I was feeling great. I just experienced a stressful situation so this exercise was very well needed. As I continued to get deeper and deeper into relaxation I head the words "Imagine your body is a prison”. Those words totally ruined this exercise for me. I have never been in prison and there is nothing relaxing about that word. To me that sounds like a very stressful situation. After I he started talking about prison I completely lost it and could not get back into the relaxation mode that I was in.

A little bragging about my physical well being

Goals

Physical goal: To “cheat” more often so that my diet does not become an obsession.

Psychological goal: To set aside 20 minutes per day to just sit and mentally clear my brain to recharge myself from a hectic day.

Spiritual goal: I would like to give more time to my spirituality wether it be going to church more often or participating in a program helping others.

When going out to dinner on Friday or Saturday night I will not longer order a chicken breast and broccoli and instead order something a little naughty. After my workout in the evening I will find a quiet place in my house or at the gym in the sauna to clear my mind and do some meditation. I will start looking up some programs I can get involved in to help with my spirituality.

Grading myself

Wellness is something that is very important to me. About 4 years ago I changed my life from a junk food junkie who had a chaotic life to a health nut whose main priority is to live a healthy life in all aspects of the word. If I had to grade myself I would say:

Physically I am a 10: I work out everyday, I have ran 4 full marathons and countless half marathons, 5k’s and other races. I life weights, run, bike, swim and do yoga. I am well rounded when it comes to physical activity and I like to stay low in body fat : ) See picture of my abs. Sorry I just had to post it! It is part of blogging right?

Psychologically I would say a 9: Mentally I am very strong, I love life and I love people! I have a good balance of work, family, friends and health. I cope with stress well and meditate to help me relax and keep sane.

Spiritually: I would grade myself an 8. This is where I lack a little bit. I have faith and love life. I meditate and pray but I stubborn when it comes to forgiveness and holding grudges which causes me pain sometimes .I am very giving and selfless.

Ahhhhhh....

From the moment the music started I felt more relaxed. I am a go go go type of person and have a hard time relaxing, or should I say just sitting doing nothing. I constantly have to be doing something with my hands or mind or I don't feel right. I guess you could call it A.D.D! The relaxation exercise was very nice and much needed! When I try and relax my mind is going 100mph and I end up feeling worse than I did before I tried to relax. I have a busy lifestyle and so much going on that it is hard to rest my mind. This exercise was awesome because I had a calming voice telling me what to do. It gave me something to listen to instead of my mind wondering all over the place thinking about the next thing I had to get done. After the exercise I felt a lot better. I am going to take some time everyday to listen to a short relaxation exercise. I am so refreshed!

Big Step...

Wow! I never realized setting up a blog would be such a task. I have heard a lot about blogs and thought that it would give you better step by step directions on what to do. Being one of the only people on the planet without facebook page I am not very rehearsed at this online stuff. BIG STEP for me! I am moving forward in this cyber based world, wish me luck!