The
concept of a mental workout is similar to that of a physical workout. It is an
aspect of the human self that has to be exercised on a daily basis to perform
at its best. Just like a physical workout, daily practices can add up and it
isn’t long before results are seen or experienced mentally. The concept of
exercising our minds and consciousness provides us a closer possibility to
developing and expanding our psycho-spiritual life. Nothing is obtained without
effort and practice. In order to strengthen our mind we must learn to condition
or thoughts and feelings while persevering to achieve human flourishing. Some
research studies about mental workouts indicate proven benefits such as a boost
in memory, an increase in intellectual levels, an improvement of memory processing
speed and the decline of memory loss in older or middle aged individuals. Mental
workouts may additionally ward off specific mental diseases or illnesses.
Mental
workouts can be implemented into my life to foster psychological health by the use
of daily exercises such as the loving kindness audio or millions of other
puzzles, teasers, riddles, and mental exercise programs. When I tried to find
some additional mental fitness workouts to perform by searching on Google the
websites were in the millions of various ways to stay sharp and achieve closer
levels of the integral approach. However I did find one website that impressed
me and went along with our reading material for this unit, it was by Dr. Jason Selk
(author of 10-minute Toughness: The Mental Training Program for Winning Before
the Game Begins) and his five steps to taking an individual to the next level
of mental success. They are as followed; center breathing, identity statement,
personal highlight reel, identity statement, and ending again with center
breathing. By
making mental workouts a habit, you will set yourself on a trajectory toward
developing mental toughness and focus as you have never experienced. (Selk,
2012)
References:
Selk, J. (2012, February 27). The
mental workout:100 seconds for game-changing performances. Retrieved from http://www.enhancedperformanceinc.com/archives/1308
Great work Heather,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reference on Dr. Jason Selk and his website. I saved a shortcut to my desktop for further review and I will investigate his approach. I already have an extensive list of Guru’s and websites to boost my attitude and strengthen my resolve but I think you can never overdue it with this kind of information. My most valued approach is of course person centered. Personal experience and seeking is at the apex of my journey. It is good to have great advice, so I seek it in nature. I attempt to retreat from society at least twice a week, to plug-in to feel the energy all around us and about us. I usually go hiking and exert much physical energy to reach a pinnacle. There I rest because I am more susceptible to the earthly vibrations when I am tired. Going within, in this state of exhaustion, is easy. I immediately jump-in and can focus on my intention. Concentration and calmness are the benefits but also peace and caring is fostered under this condition. I can close my eyes to limit my senses and feel waves of energy all around my body. I can hear the wind, birds and earth talk to my soul. At that point, I can sense within that I am not alone and am connected to all that exist.
I enjoyed ready about your experience with the exercise, as well as your description of how mental training prepares us for greater ways of thinking. I am interested in the 5 steps to mental success, they seem to be insightful. I will take a look at the reference sight, as the exercises from class thus far have not inspired any form of relaxation for me. I have 4 kids (3 with behavioral and learning disorders), bills I can't pay, too many physical ailments, and depression that I can't seem to control. I have come into the habit of saying prayers throughout the day just to keep me sane; if I can find any further sort of mental exercises to help sustain my sanity I will be forever grateful, lol. :)
ReplyDeleteI had very little exercise with mental exercises until I began taking this course. I now understand that taking that ten or fifteen minutes to start your day calmly and find a focus for your day can bring your days mission into clarity. Many of us wander through our days and do not fully capitalize on all the possibilities that are available to us.
ReplyDeleteI listed the exercise that Dr. Selek has created.
Step 1: Centering Breath; a controlled breath where you breath in for 6 seconds, hold for 2, and then exhale for 7 seconds. The Centering Breath will control your heart rate and allow your mind to work effectively.
Step 2: Identity Statement; essentially a personal mantra that reflects who you are and what you hope to achieve. An example of an identity statement is “I am confident and I thrive on pressure, I am the most focused and successful CEO in the country ”.
Step 3: Personal Highlight Reel; The Personal highlight reel is 60 seconds worth of visualization in which you spend 30 seconds remembering 3 things done well in the previous 24 hours and then imagining 3 things you are going to do well in the upcoming day.
Step 4: Identity Statement; Repeat to yourself again your identity statement further driving home your self-image of success
Step 5: Centering Breath: Take another centering breath to remind yourself of the feeling of being calm and in control.
Thank you for the information.