It’s quite amazing how much our mental health is related to our physical health and vice versa. We often overlook how fortunate we are to have the richness of health until we fall ill or discover we just aren’t functioning as well as we should be.

But it’s crucial to remember that the two go hand in hand - When we’re feeling our best physically, it’s only natural our mental health is glowing too. The important thing, then, is to keep both of these incredible essences of life as fit as possible. That means going the extra mile to enjoy optimal vigor and supreme mental attitude.

Try these tips to keep a sharp mind and healthy body:

• Work out!
  Sure, you have great intentions, but without follow-thru you’ll end up feeling guilty that you didn’t stick with your work out plan. Do something everyday. Get up and walk, or do some aerobics. Drag your bike out instead of taking the car. Find a work out program that appeals to you and make certain to participate at least three times each week.
• You are what you eat… bacon?
  Without proper nutrition, we end up tired and unable to do our regular activities, let alone follow an exercise program. Get accustomed to eating foods that are packed with vitamins and other important nutrients. Try tipping your food scale in favor of some natural, raw foods. Remember a good diet gives our body everything it needs to fight off illness and keep a healthy weight
• Get enough ZZZZzzzzzzs!
  A lack of restful sleep depletes our energy and gives us that burned out feeling around mid day. Not to mention what it does to our thinking ability and emotions. Ideal sleep patterns are developed by sleeping a minimum of eight hours, preferably at night.
• Schedule a check-up
  See your physician while you’re feeling healthy - don’t wait until you have symptoms of illness. A good physician that you admire and feel comfortable with can help you avoid a number of health problems that fare best when detected early.
• Kick the habit
  Whether it’s too much alcohol, eating too much, or indulging in any form of nicotine, it’s a guarantee that once you’ve overcome it, you’ll be feeling better than you have in years, not to mention how you’ll prevent many serious illnesses from developing.
• Yoga body, yoga mind?
  Yoga is a terrific form of gentle exercise that really pulls a punch with fitness. Just because it’s not a rigorous form of exercise, doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best. The flexibility and strength attained through Yoga rivals even the most strenuous workout in terms of benefit. Plus, it puts the mind in a tranquil state; bringing a marvelous, free sense of feeling well.
• Meditate
  You’ve heard that expression, ‘take time to smell the flowers…’. Meditation is a great way to slow down your mind and release all the junk we tend to accumulate in our heads as we move through the day. Clear thinking, which is the primary benefit of Yoga, helps you to view life as it should be. Peaceful, tranquil, with joy.
• Have fun
  Whatever you do; have fun doing it. Make sure you pick activities that you enjoy. If you’re not sure; then try out a few new ones. Approach physical and mental fitness with a joyous attitude. Think of the results as the gift of health.

Sure it takes a bit of work to get our mind and body in a state of good health. But keep in mind that every moment spent doing something good for your body insures extra time for you to feel happy and productive, knowing you’re working at being the best you can be.