When there is talk about exercise and health we generally
think only of our bodies. We think about working out, exercise and what we eat.
This is all important but there is another aspect of wellbeing that we tend to
neglect and that is the health of our minds.
The mind is a powerful tool. It holds your memories, your
feelings and your experiences and controls your impulses. The body is the
vehicle through which our mind interacts with the world. Making sure that it is
in good health is important for your overall wellbeing. One thing you should do
is give it plenty of exercise. Do memory runs, solve simple puzzles, read and
absorb new knowledge so that as a tool your mind remains sharp even as the
years wear on.
When we talk of keeping your mind healthy is not just about
making sure it is functional. This concept also encompasses your state of mind.
How you can sort your impulses, thoughts and feelings so that they do not crowd
around for your attention but are well organized and stowed away. By learning
to calm your mind you can reduce stress levels, anxiety and avoid panic. If you
have a calm mind you will respond to situations in a more productive way and be
a better person.
Yoga is incomplete without meditation. People often get
caught up in the physical aspect of yoga that is the various asanas but
meditation is also a very important part of yoga. It is only by having a
healthy mind and a healthy body that a person can achieve wellbeing. How you
think and what you think will influence your decisions and the direction of
your life.
Lao Tzu said it best:
