The mind is naturally geared towards negativity because it is a means for protection and survival. From the earliest beginnings of humans, the fight or flight responses triggered an adrenaline rush that helped us to avoid life threatening dangers. In todays world however, there are not nearly as many physical threats but we still experience a large amount of stress due to limiting thoughts.

Gradually shift worry, fear and negativity by practicing gratitude. Every day write down at least 5 things you are grateful for. If you already do this, write down 3 more things you are grateful for throughout your day, perhaps at every meal or when you take a break. These actions literally shift pathways in the brain and allow you to tap into more joy and peace in daily life!

Mind Fitness is all about enhancing brain usage. Parts of the brain may never be used unless we challenge ourselves in different ways. Changing your approach to life from stress and struggle to ease and flow can be very easy and a natural process.

For instance, if you normally jump out of bed in the morning and launch into a stream of set tasks, try staying in bed for a while and allow yourself to meditate, reflect and focus on setting a tone of positive energy for your day. Alternatively, you may also choose to start your day with a casual walk, allowing the moment to reveal your route and plans for the day. A glowing sky, melody of songbirds or vibrant summer blooms may draw you in surprisingly new directions. Also, word on a sign or glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead may provide insights to a problem you’ve been pondering solutions for a long time. Open your mind to possibilities!

The brain is the most adaptable organ in the human body. It can generate new cells and form new pathways throughout your entire lifetime. Like a grassy field with well worn paths from years of routine usage, new pathways can be consciously created in the brain to build more flexibility and options in life. This is the very basis of Mind Fitness as having a variety of approaches to cope with difficulties and changes are essential.

Observe habits you regularly engage in. Challenge yourself to do things differently. Perhaps you have been habitually following endless to-do lists for decades. Break away from this pattern by allowing yourself one hour, half a day, or a full day with no plans. Allow experiences to unfold moment by moment. Follow your intuition and what arises, then take action on what you value most. Enhanced vitality awaits!

The human brain works 24/7, non-stop, around the clock. Science reveals the brain uses 25% of all the blood our heart pumps. Therefore, the more blood our heart pumps, the more efficient our brain’s functioning. Heart health is vital for mind fitness.

Tip #2: Ensure a proper diet and regular exercise. These are the foundation for vitality. A proper diet ensures optimal performance while exercise increases the amount of oxygen red blood cells carried to the brain. Any type of exercises that elevates the flow of blood is beneficial. Make sure it is something you enjoy though! Walking, dancing, swimming and cycling are a few examples that are easily accessible and affordable.

Mind fitness requires not only positive thoughts and beliefs but also physical nurturing. Over the next several weeks, essential tips for enhancing the mind’s capacity to function at an optimal level will be covered. To begin with, it is helpful to understand some basics about the brain.

The mind and brain are two sides of the same coin. The brain is like a CPU, the central processing unit of a computer, while the mind is equivalent to software, selected programming for applications. The brain is a 3 lb cantaloupe sized mass of wrinkly jelly that is comprised of 80% water. Science reveals that inadequate fluid intake impairs brain functioning in significant ways, impacting one’s memory and ability to think and process information clearly.

Tip #1: Ensure adequate fluids daily, especially during the warm summer months. Be aware of foods and drinks that have dehydrating effects including those that are high in sodium and alcohol. The rewards of adequate hydration are far reaching, enhancing not only mental functioning but also physical, emotional and spiritual vitality!

Defensiveness is another source of power drain. Not being able to accept feedback and make positive changes significantly impedes the flow of natural energy. Like a fish swimming upstream, life remains a struggle.

Mindfully shift from the habit of reacting defensively to responding wisely. Shift from needing to be right and justifying a perspective to openly accepting and respecting one another. Honour both yourself and the needs of others. For instance, shift from rationalizing your stance to embracing an open mind. Receive the words of others without taking it personally. Remain objective and await a wise response from within. It may be as simple as saying “That’s interesting. I will think about it.” This powerful shift maintains the flow of your natural power.

Drama is a natural part of life. Unfortunately, drama has become a regular part of daily living for many people. Those who focus on external chaos, by either creating it or using it to avoid feelings within, disempower themselves with continuous distractions.

Are you hooked on dramas? Do you make sense of external drama as a necessary part of daily life? Focusing on and rationalizing life dramas maintains a heightened sense of alertness within and therefore drains ones sense of personal power. Reclaim power by bringing awareness to physical and emotional feelings within. This is where restoration, healing and rejuvenation begins, allowing the return of authentic power.

Feelings of inadequacy and dependence on others are significant blocks to personal power. Deeply entrenched beliefs that one cannot succeed without aid from another impedes the natural flow of energy. These erroneous belief systems most likely developed during childhood where fear-based discipline prevailed.

Break free from illusions of inadequacy and reclaim personal power by shifting any negative inner dialogue from “I can’t” to “I can!”, and from “I’m afraid …” to “I am willing to …” Commit to personal power, moment by moment and very naturally, vitality, freedom and authenticity return!

Negativity is an immense power drain. Repetitive thoughts containing doubt, criticism, or obsessive worry impede the flow of natural energy in significant ways. Also, over disciplining oneself to the point of neglect amplifies low self-worth and feelings of disempowerment. Bring awareness to negative energy within and take action as soon as you notice its presence.

Release negative mental chatter by focusing on your breath and practicing mind/body meditation. Calm your body and mind as you let go of physical tension and mental chatter with each exhale. This allows you to directly experience the transient nature of thoughts. Know that negative thoughts are not the ultimate truths and that you can shift these through positive affirmations. Give no more energy to the inner critic and instead, focus on positive, rejuvenating thoughts and activities that  evoke feelings of joy, gratitude and love. Doing this regularly will shift your energy in powerful ways and help you to reclaim your authentic power!

Perfectionism drains personal power. Striving to meet high, self-imposed standards and ideals in order to control external experiences is exhausting. The constant push combined with on-going dissatisfaction depletes the human spirit. There is only so much energy we have on any given day, so it is vital that we use our energy wisely.

Have you been relentlessly pursuing perfectionism in your work? Are you constantly seeking ideals for your body, home, or personal relationships? Do you feel frustrated or hopeless over not having achieved certain things in life yet? Let go of struggle and allow your natural self to emerge. Ground yourself in the present moment and appreciate all that is currently present. Life happens in the moment and that is where your authentic power lies.