How to improve your mental health

They say that humans only use 10% of our brain power. Whether it is a myth concocted by jealous aliens, there is no haste in debunking this ‘fabrication’ just yet. If indeed we are only engaging our brains in such a miniscule percent, we should then strive to find ways to invigorate our minds on a daily basis.

It is amazing how our productivity level improves when we take the time to exercise our minds. Lethargy can greatly impede our work performance, our sex drive and it affects our behavior. If you perpetually find yourself to be tired, perhaps you should take this cue to perk up your mental health! Do not allow your brain to atrophy.

As men of swagger, it is imperative that we wield minds over bodies. With an active mind, we perform up to speed and we can surpass any work expectations. A healthy mind also equates to a happy and highly esteemed self.

1) Exercising

To empower the mind, we first need to work the physical body. Sure, exercise may just be listed on to-do chore list. It’s probably better if we stay at home and lay reclined in our couch while watching TV. We’re “resting our brains”, right? Ostensibly, we also do not have the time to run or hit the gym after a 14 hour work day. We sit at our desk and we feel lousy about our protruding stomach.

Get off your ass and put on those running shoes! Always make time (20 minutes per day) for some cardiovascular exercises or iron-pumping repetitions. Though arduous during the process, a good workout has its many benefits. Exercising sharpens your mental abilities. It kick starts your brain functions. Feeling energetic and in the zone? Go for a run during your lunch break! Your brain will thank you for it.

2) Laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine and it is not without reason. The act of laughing releases endorphins in the brain. These chemicals help to reduce pain. That is why after a good laugh, you always feel good and relieved thereafter. Laughing also takes away the stress in your life. So be sure to watch your Emmy-winning comedies and LMAO! We recommend Family Guy, 30 Rock and The Office. You’re a natural? Crack some jokes and amuse your colleagues and family members! While you’re putting your brains to good use, you are sweeping someone off his/her feet with your witty jokes too!

3) Sleep




Machines need some timeout lest they get overworked and break down and the same goes to humans. It is common knowledge that one needs to take a break in between his hectic lifestyle. We have been taught since young to adhere to a lavish, uninterrupted 8 hour sleeping pattern.

For a successful man, however, sleep is a form of elusive luxury. Some people have to work 14 hour work shifts periodically. This can be mentally taxing on you as your brain cells begin to waste away. Looking at the computer screen for many hours straight can take a toll on you. It can also strain your eyes. The best way to get around it is to have power naps. Take a 20min nap in intervals of 4 hours. When you wake up from your naps, you will find that you feel rejuvenated. That’s because your brain is well rested.

4) Eat well

Nourishment is of paramount importance if you want to keep an active and healthy mind. While junk foods are the best to indulge in, it is best to moderate the amount of intake. Research has shown that regular intake of these items helps you reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: oily fish, fortified cereals, green vegetables. Fruit juices also contain much of the antioxidants that protect our body cells. So it’s time to slap on these foods onto your platter! You don’t want to achieve all the success in the world and then forget all about it when you’re in your golden years!

5) Play mind games

Of course, we’re not asking you to give false hopes to your secret admirer. There are many brain games in the market right now; some are even available free on Facebook. Need a break from Microsoft Word? Play Scrabble! For a more holistic experience, games like Brain Age and What is the size of your brain can be easily accessed on iPhone and DS Nintendo. Consisting of fairly simple brain-training activities such as 2^nd grade mental sums, pictorials match and swap games, many adults think of these games as “no brainers”, ironically enough. However, these games help to train your mind in the simplest ways and the beneficial results should not be undermined.

Perhaps, it is a little gratifying knowing your size of your brain is bigger than your colleague!