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You probably spend a few hours every week to keep yourself physically healthy and active. You do cardio, weight training, or maybe just walking to keep your muscles active and running. This keeps your joints fluid and helps your physiological processes function adequately. But how much time do you spend working out your brain? We know what the follow-up question is! “How do I exercise my brain, and how does exercise help the brain?” Well, the logic is simple. If you want to lift heavier weights, you need more physical strength. Large biceps and a sturdy back can go a long way in helping you achieve your weightlifting goal. The same can be said for your brain, too. So, if you want to overcome bigger obstacles and tackle bigger challenges head-on, it is important to practice brain exercises. Brain exercises are not a new concept. The idea of sharpening your brain to retain more information and increase your cognitive functioning has existed for years. As per federally sponsored research, brain exercises and training can help older adults increase their cognitive functioning for over ten years after the training has ended. Wondering how to do brain exercises? Well, we have got […]
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In modern times and the multiple commitments it brings along with it, many people are increasingly facing memory issues and difficulty in focussing on a task. This is due to endless to-do lists, increasing competition, peer pressure and workload. Brain health can also get affected due to unmanaged stress, lack of sleep and excessive screen time. It’s important to slow down and engage in activities that are meaningful, mindful and de-stressing. Adopting Yoga practices in daily life can help your body and mind transition into a peaceful state. Various yoga postures and pranayama can soothe nerves, release stress and calm the mind which can in turn enhance your cognitive function and memory. Dr Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute shares everyday Yoga tips to enhance brain health and improve memory: 1. Mindfulness meditation Mindfulness can bring clarity and peace at the same time. When you are more aware of the present moment, your mind is at ease, and this helps you focus on a task well. Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. Sit in a comfortable posture with your eyes closed and focus on your breath. This practice calms the mind, reduces mental chatter, […]
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Here are a few strategies to create a supportive and healthy work environment for employees to enhance their well-being and overall productivity. In the fast-paced corporate world, the importance of employee mental health is often underestimated. However, the repercussions of neglecting this crucial aspect of well-being can be severe, with significant financial implications for both individuals and companies. According to Inc., an employee grappling with mental health challenges can cost an employer around US $1,600 annually. Additionally, depression and anxiety cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year predominantly from reduced productivity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The same WHO report also asserts that about 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety alone. According to Shumita Kakkar, Founder & COO, of United We Care, “The major factors that contribute to poor mental health at work include — excessive workload, long hours, inflexible hours; limited support from colleagues, unclear job roles, and discrimination, among others. The good news is that businesses can mitigate these issues through a few tried-and-tested methods. Open communication, stress management seminars, employee assistance programmes, empowerment initiatives, designated relaxation spaces, and fair workload distribution play pivotal roles in fostering a […]
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Boost your strength and balance with a personal trainer’s top stability movements. Whether they admit it or not, everyone wants to feel strong. But not everyone has the time, desire, or ability to spend countless hours lifting weights in the gym. The good news is there are other ways to quickly and effectively build your strength, with stability exercises being one such approach. We chatted with Nadia Murdock, CPT, a certified fitness instructor at Garage Gym Reviews, who shares her top 10 stability exercises to build strength that you can seamlessly work into your workout routine. No matter where you are on your fitness journey, mastering these stability exercises can take your strength training to the next level. Stability exercises pack a ton of potential health benefits beyond boosting your strength. According to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Physiology, core stability exercises can enhance athletic performance and improve balance, coordination, and functional fitness (your ability to perform everyday tasks). “Focusing on exercises that improve your stability is key for many reasons, including improving balance, injury prevention, building core strength, boosting athletic performance, and improving posture,” explains Murdock. “Remember to use these exercises as a guide and start with […]
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Give your fitness routine a boost with a trainer’s top-recommended exercises. There are a lot of changes that happen to a man’s body as he ages—some of which are not for the best. That’s why it’s a necessity to establish healthy habits when you are young, so you can lead your best, fittest life as you grow older. Not doing so can lead to the loss of lean muscle, unwanted weight gain—especially in your midsection—and potential health issues. One healthy habit you can do in your 50s to support your overall health is having some sort of physical fitness routine. Being as physically active as you can when you age is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise can push off or help you avoid many age-related declines, and it keeps your muscles strong. This is integral in order to live an independent lifestyle, keeping you in check for daily chores, to-do’s, and activities. It’s recommended to get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, along with two days of strength training. The good news is […]
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Full moon meditation is a guided form of meditation that uses visualization as a way to encourage healing of the body, soul, and mind. A full moon is considered an auspicious occasion across many cultures in the world. It represents completion or fruition in nature. Spiritually, it is believed that the illumination intensity of the full moon allows the release of powerful energy from the cosmos, and provides spiritual energy for the one practicing full moon meditation. In this article, we will delve deep into the benefits of practicing full moon meditation, and how to do it effectively. What Is Full Moon Meditation? Full moon meditation incorporates chanting and breathing practices, mainly practiced when the moon is full and bright. It has several positive effects on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. The main reason behind the positive effects of full moon meditation is that the moon shares a natural rhythm with water, being the force behind high tides, and our bodies are primarily made up of approximately 75 percent water. Full moon meditation is a practice that has been embraced across cultures since old times. Its roots go back to ancient yogic traditions, and this practice plays a […]
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A well-rested mind feels refreshed, alert and focused. In our fast-paced society, we are constantly surrounded by numerous stimuli, and our minds race with a multitude of thoughts — ranging from what to have for lunch to pondering others’ opinions of us or whatnot. You get the point. Science says brain breaks are important. Several studies have shown that your brain needs rest for various reasons. Firstly, the continual influx of information and tasks that we put our brains through can lead to mental fatigue. Even a computer cannot process data 24/7; and just like you don’t want your computer to crash, similarly, you should also give your mind some rest. A 2010 LexisNexis survey shows that our habit of being constantly busy doesn’t necessarily equate to increased productivity. In fact, by taking adequate breaks, our brain can contribute to better attention, motivation, productivity, creativity, and memory formation. Before going into how to give your brain a break, let us understand what exactly giving your brain a break means. Dr Manish Kumar, a neurosurgeon at Venkateshwar Hospital in Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that when we say brain break, it does not mean that our brain is not working, as it […]
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Mind-muscle connection (MMC) refers to paying attention to your body while moving. MMC does more than just promote progress with purpose. It also entails thinking about directly engaging the core muscles as you move. The mind-muscle connection is an intentional and conscious type of activity. It refers to the capability to direct the tension created during exercise to a muscle group or area of muscle throughout the body, which differs between passive and active strength movement. When concentrating on the use of muscle groups to generate contractions, the brain recruits a higher proportion of muscle fibers to accomplish the task. This also prevents muscle fibers that are not in use from being innervated. The body can gain size and muscle strength in all the correct spots if you create tension in the correct muscles. What Is The Importance of the Mind Muscle Connection? According to research, thinking more deeply about muscles’ movement stimulates the muscle tissue more than conducting the exercise without paying attention to it. In other words, the more you focus on the target muscle while going to perform an exercise, the more strength and memory you will gain. When we direct our thoughts and attention to […]
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Here we discuss a list of self-care tips you can follow for better mental health. Self-care plays a crucial role in maintaining and boosting mental health. These can help boost not only your mental health but your overall health and quality of life. Self-care tips ensure you get the treatment you require to function well. In this article, we discuss a list of self-care tips you can follow for better mental health. Here are 10 self-care tips that can positively impact mental health: 1. Regular exercise Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also helps reduce stress hormones. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, yoga, or dancing. Start with small goals and gradually increase intensity. 2. Adequate sleep Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function and emotional well-being. It helps in managing stress and improving overall mood. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable. 3. Healthy nutrition A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for brain function and emotional stability. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals. Stay hydrated and limit processed foods. 4. […]
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Workout helps you in more ways than one- from bursting with stress to keeping you fit and active. It’s hard to imagine that there could be any downsides to sweating it out. Well, turns out, it can. Not on the body but it can ruin your skin especially if you work out outdoors in the colder months of the year. Skin expert, Dr Manasi Shirolikar, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder of the online consulting brand (drmanasiskin.com) says “Winter air tends to be not only colder but also drier. If there is some wind, it can also lead to drying your skin out. This can cause irritation and barrier impairment.” She also laid down some important tips to keep in mind while working out in low temps so your skin doesn’t pay the price of your workout session: 1. Don’t Skip Sunscreen People mistakenly think they won’t get sun damage during winter but that is not the case. Use sweat-resistant sunscreen not just on your face but also on your body if you are working out during the day. Opt for SPF 30 or higher. A cream-based sunscreen will moisturise, whereas a gel-based one would be better for oily skin. […]