Mental Fitness Nikki Lewis

HW 420-01

Kaplan University

Professor May

September 25, 2011

What is Mental Fitness?

An Olympic Athlete can have top physical and mental fitness

Being able to train the mind to be positive, spiritual and lose the negative thoughts

Be stronger, healthier and to prevent memory loss or dementia in life

High reaches of human flourishing ban be explored by training our minds

Permanently enhance our well-being by altering the brain’s neural circuitry

Mind/Body Connection

Mind/body approach recognizes role of anxiety, stress and other mental factors in the development, perpetuation and recurrence of illness (Dacher, 2006)

Positive state of well-being-sense of inner control, competence and self-confidence

Dr. Richard Davidson

Began studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dr. Davidson began studying the minds of Olympic Level athletes

Studied the electrical activity of brain and metabolic activity of the athlete

Compared people who were disturbed by negative emotions vs. positive well-being

We are able to “re-train” our minds to be more positive

Dr. Richard Davidson

Looked at left side and right side brain activation and how it can shift from one to the other

Happiness or contentment-left side will be dominant

Negative emotions-right side of brain will be dominant

While working with athletes, used functional MRI to see activation of left vs. right side of brain

Olympians have high activation of left prefrontal cortex-related to positive emotions

Mind can undergo permanent change when properly trained

Can be transformed from ordinary to exceptional

Dr. Candace Pert

1970’s-filled in the missing link between mind/body

Series of natural proteins neuropeptides carry messages back and forth

3rd mind/body communication system

Later discovery– Candace Pert and others-thoughts, feelings and visual images can produce specific neuropeptides

Alters physiology to reflect specific mental state

Dr. Candace Pert

Began the studies at Georgetown University

Now witnessing development of new field of neuroscientific research examining the relationships between the mind and the body

“The mind is the body, the body is the mind.”

The condition of our body is a reflection of our mind

A disturbed mind results in a disturbed physiology and a healthy mind results in healthy physiology

quote

If we could control, dissipate and transform the negative emotions that occupy our mind, we could simultaneously reverse their deleterious effects on the body (Dacher, 2006)

Dr. Elmer Green and Alyce Green

1970 Menninger Clinic

Use of Mental Imagery

Mind can affect many physiological functions of our body

Biofeedback train our minds to voluntarily control blood pressure, pulse, muscular tension, skin temperature and other activities

Autonomic nervous system-controls the automatic physiologic mechanisms of the body such a blood pressure and pulse

Dr. Elmer Green and Alyce Green

Central nervous system moves our muscles when we choose.

Each system depends on hardwired nerve connections between brain and body

Exercises to improve mental fitness

Anything we do that challenges the mind works the mind

Word puzzles-helps to prevent memory loss

Sedentary and solitary-not same benefit as physical activity but in short periods does help to improve mental fitness

Exercises to improve mental fitness

Positive relationships-stay engaged with the world and maintain and challenge mental function

Live with meaning and purpose-find a passion and be involved. Meet people and remain active

Exercise-cardiovascular and strength training inproves mental functioning-enhances memory and improves thinking

Diet-proper nutrients not only important to body, but mind as well

Meditation/yoga-allows the mind to be clear of thoughts and focus on itself

How to improve mental fitness

Meditation-

Find a quiet spot to sit comfortably for a few minutes to allow body to relax

Allow the thoughts to escape the mind and focus on breathing

Allow body to relax and re-center yourself

Do this daily to help improve the mind and body

How to improve mental fitness with physical exercise

Running/walking or swimming are great ways to help the body and mind

You can allow the mind to wonder while out enjoying nature

Focus on the breathing and allow thoughts to escape the mind during exercise

Allow body to become one with the mind

Conclusion

Mental fitness is just as important as our physical fitness if not more so

We need to keep our minds strong to be able to handle the stressors of our every day lives

We want to remain mentally young and youthful for as long as we can

There is plenty of research out there to help us explain the importance of mental fitness and the benefits

Exercise, diet, meditation and mind games are all important in our daily lives

References

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, INC.

Green, E., & Green, A. (1975, April). New Age Awareness-A Timely Warning. Retrieved September 25, 2011, from The Society: http://www.thesociety.org/pasadena/sunrise/24-74-5/ot-green.htm

Tannen, S. (n.d.). Mental Fitness-exercises for the brain. Retrieved September 25, 2011, from mental fitness: http://www.bellydoc.com/articles/article7.htm