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.

Although our world has evolved in many ways, scarcity still prevails in many people’s minds. Beliefs that there is not enough remains entrenched despite an abundance of resources available in our modern world. This fear extends beyond food, money and time to include love, success and personal wellness.

Do you worry that someone else will suffer if you succeed? Do you believe you need to hold back from spending time or money on yourself? If so, you are draining your personal power. The truth is, there are enough resources for everyone to be successful in the world. Nature reveals this through its ecosystems where there is no lack, but only life supporting one another to survive and even thrive. Shift disempowering beliefs surrounding scarcity to connect with your own true nature. Abundance is available to all!

Forgetfulness is like having a small hole your tire. Air gradually leaks until the tire is completely flat. Then we are forced to deal with it, however inconvenient it may be. Putting regular maintenance out of mind has its consequences. The same applies to our physical body. Forgetting self-care drains ones sense of power.

Bring awareness to habits of inattention, whether it be prioritizing tasks, achievements or other people’s needs. Remember that stress accumulates in subtle ways. Shift to living more mindfully in the moment and becoming more aware of bodily sensations. Perhaps you need a break, something to eat, a visit to the washroom, or to simply stand up and stretch or sit down and relax for a few minutes! Turn off the active thinking mind. Focus on breath and transforming forgetfulness to mindfulness. Shift to naturally reclaim your authentic power.

Confusion inhibits power. Whenever lack of understanding, doubt or not knowing prevails, there may be an energy leak. Reclaim power by grounding and centering self in the present moment while opening the mind to possibilities. Build your capacity to become a detached observer when confusion arises. Seek alternate ways of perceiving the situation and returning to clarity. Often wise insights arise when we reconnect with our true nature and authentic power!