What is the concept of "mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster your psychological health?

I exercise daily physically to keep physically fit and try to read an entire book of 100 pages or more throughout a month and play games that keep my mind sharp. Therefore, I can understand the concept of “mental workout” as a way to maintain to exercise this part of the mind and maintain your psychospiritual wellness. We all understand that in order to create wellness and health dealing with the whole body, we must not only deal with a part, but deal with the whole body and mind. Therefore, I can see how the concept of “mental workout “plays a great role. It is like trying to reach the road to happiness, health, and wholeness with daily exercise and commitment

Research indicates that it can release tension and we can better focus on more positive thoughts. There are proven benefits of mental workout that mental training can alleviate anxiety something that I deal with sometimes and has both long term and short term benefits.

 In order to implement mental workout in my own life which I am in great need of. I will try to also incorporate this meditation into my weekly activities because meditation so far has helped me renew my energy and feel more at peace with myself and my surrounding.

Describe your experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you recommend this to others? Why or why not?

I was able to feel some calmness mostly after such an exhausting weekend and feel a bit energized and peaceful. However, it was very hard trying to focus. Part of my mind was focusing on the waves which were so relaxing and trying to focus on the words were a bit challenging. As in everything in life” practice makes perfect” I will keep on practicing. I will definitely recommend it to others mostly my sister because she has deal with a lot at young age and has been trying to become pregnant for a few years but has not gotten lucky. I think this type of exercise will help to relax and find peace within and maybe she will be able to conceive.

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MY REFLECTIONS

(Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why? )
Physical Well- Being
I would rate my physical wellbeing at a 5. I am a little overweight but I have great physical capability if I can turn off the pain that I feel daily. I can run two miles under 16 minutes, do as much as 50 push-ups within 2 minutes and about 70 sit-ups within 2 minutes. I have had  a spinal injury in my c-5 and c-7 that has been gradually worse and these past few weeks, I have been feeling more pain than ever. With the help of a tens unit, steroid shots, nerve pain killer and muscle relaxer, I can live an almost ok life. I was preparing for a half marathon coming up in September and my doctor has recommended stopping running for a while. I do a lot biking and elliptical at the gym for the moment.
Spiritual Well-Being
I would rate my spiritual wellbeing at a 9. I am not religious, but I strongly believe in the Christian God. God has always been there for me. I can feel his protection on a daily basis. I know I am in physical pain which sometimes can have a negative impact on my mental. But I never give up hope because I know that God does everything for a reason. Therefore, I am able to keep a smile on my face and keep moving.
Psychological Well-Being
I would rate my psychological wellbeing at a 9. I am a typically optimistic person by nature. I enjoyed certain obstacles because I see them as challenge to overcome and I love a good challenge.
(Develop a goal for yourself in each area physical, spiritual, psychological.)
Physical Goal
My physical goal is to get back to running and to actually complete a full marathon by next year and climb Mount Fuji next summer.
Spiritual Goal
My spiritual goal is to attend church in order to meet with other people that share my beliefs even though I know it will be hard.
Psychological Goal
My psychological goal is to make sure that I continue to maintain a positive outlook at life. My job is very challenging and I need to know when to take a breath and go for a small walk before I go on the next task.

(What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?)

I will continue to take my medicine daily and learned new way to exercise to achieve my goal. I will also start to hike every other week for a few hours without putting too much strain on my body. I will attempt to go to church once a month.
Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)

I think I might have enjoyed this exercise more if I was not on a time constraint at the moment. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wondering to different places. I was more relaxed after the relaxation exercise and even found a better solution to deal with an issue we have been having at work. I think the exercise allows me to relax enough and free my mind and allows new ideas to come in. I will definitely make time this weekend to try it. I work about 10 hours a day, I am currently taking two classes, I have two young daughters and a husband. I live oversea at the moment and I am constantly in physical pain. I need this type of exercise in my life. Therefore, I am making it my duty to do these exercises weekly.

 

One of my classmate posted this week that aging is not avoidable, but aging gracefully is possible and I believe that.