Health | Brain Booster | Life Hacks
2 Hacks That Will Give Your Mental Health a Big Boost
I tested both hacks to see if they work
I am not going to share black magic or an ancient secret you don’t already know.
In reality, we know too much stuff, but the real issue is the lack of action.
The path to success is to take massive, determined actions. — Tony Robins
The secret is in taking action.
I am going to share an anecdotal-based approach. I am an experimental guy; if someone says something interesting (productive), I go ahead and take action. I don’t believe in generic advice since I started my 30-day challenges.
The two hacks I am going to share are:
Hack Number ONE
In my experience, nothing gives you peace of mind than running followed by a tall glass of water with fresh lemon.
If you don’t like running, start walking for at least 45 minutes. I don’t run in winter due to obvious slippery trails. However, I don’t think I ever missed a 45–90-minute walk in the past few years.
It’s not wrong to say that running or long walks is the ultimate mental wellness hack.
You start running to improve your cardiovascular health, loosen that extra belly, build muscle, and sometimes make up for that extra dessert.
Running has a strong connection with your brain health; as you start to run, your heart pumps harder and pushes blood at a much faster rate.
As you may know, as your heart pushes blood, your body releases endorphins.
These hormones work as a natural high.
Running high is the same thing but on a much bigger scale.
Running or any other kind of strenuous exercise helps to release endorphins.
Here are the least benefits of running for your mental health.
- Manage stress levels
- Fight Alzheimer
- Boost brainpower
- Increase productivity
Next time, remember these mental health benefits if you feel lazy or are thinking of skipping the running or long walk session.
Hack number TWO
Hiking is really closer to my heart than running or long walks.
I want to be candid; I have never been that active (runner) in my life.
I have been hiking for more than a decade but did not know the hiking benefits of mental health rather than physical health.
I do hikes to enjoy nature and to spend time outdoors.
As I said, I have been doing hikes for over a decade; now, I educate people around me, friends and family, sharing my thoughts to go out and have fun on the trails.
I feel there is a greater need to do hikes when almost everyone is stressed and working constantly to meet end needs. Here are the least hiking benefits for mental health.
- It helps us to unplug the technology and connect with nature
- It helps the body to improve sleep.
- Improve our memory — natural brain booster — align our internal clock (circadian rhythm)
- Boost our creativity
When you become part of your natural surroundings, it allows your mind to make new connections — in the same way, that everything is connected in nature.— Trimble
Takeaways
Studies show that running and/or long walks at a moderate or vigorous pace help to improve mental health and memory.
It also helps us to improve our ability to learn.
Running is strongly correlated with reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.
If you are skeptical about running, start with hiking; it’s easier and slow-paced than running. Like some people, many people think running is bad for joints. It’s true, but every good thing in moderation is fine.
Hiking will give your brain instant peace and control, reducing negative and obsessive thoughts.
Keep moving!
Book recommendation:
365 Health & Happiness Boosters by M.J. Ryan
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