Ensuring holistic fitness of mind and body

The truth is that our body and mind are not separate identities, they are one. Our mind is our subtle self while our bodies are the gross self. On an average we have sixty to seventy thousand thoughts in a day and a large percentage of these thoughts are stressful especially during the current times, points out Reebok Mind Coach Vrinda Mehta.

This excessive stress energy is connected to almost all lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, depression, anxiety and much more, she says. We cannot always control what happens around us but what happens within us can be brought under our control with true knowledge, diligent practice, and patience.

Just like we follow a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine for physical fitness we need to have a healthy mental diet of positive thoughts, emotions and regular breathing exercise or pranayama to ensure mental wellbeing. As the World marks Mental Health Day on October 10, she shares a few simple tips on how mental health can be kept in check through positive life habits.

Begin your day with the 5 basic Pranayama or breathing techniques: The Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, Anulomvilom, Bhramri and Udgeeth Pranayama. According to the yogic science, our mind and our breathing are directly connected.Include positive affirmations in your pranayama routine. Become aware of your breath. Get into the habit of taking slow deep breaths especially when you are stressed out.Surround yourself with positive people.

Think and talk about positive things.Keep a gratitude journal. Make a habit of writing down 5 things that you are grateful for each day.Connect with nature. Get some sunshine as it is a powerful electromagnetic energy that helps in cleansing and rejuvenation. Reconnect with mother earth by walking barefoot on grass/sand to destress.

Listen to calming soothing music to relieve stress.Get proper sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and staying away from electronic gadgets before bedtime. Consciously develop a habit of being positive in any given scenario and truly grateful for all that you already have.