2. Mental fitness is having the psychological
strength, ability and freedom to efficiently and
successfully manage the stresses, problems,
adversities, painful emotions and frustrations in
daily living(2008). “Mental Fitness – What is It?”.
Retrieved August 1, 2013, from
http://www.safety.army.mil/knowledge .”
2
3. Living
Stress-Free
Part I: Benefits of Mental Fitness
Calm and
Rested Mind
Longer
Lifespan
Yoga
Guided
Meditation
3
Part II: Mental Fitness Improvement Exercises
4. What are some benefits of stress-free mental fitness?
The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on
Children’s Health ranked 23 health concerns for children, and stressed ranked in
the top 10.
Being happy with life: feeling like life is worth
living.
Less risk of cardiovascular problems caused by
having high levels of stress.
Better memory: stress causes forgetfulness.
Headache-free: stress causes high blood
pressure which leads to headaches
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5. Why is my mind racing?
5
A new study shows that GABA levels are reduced by 30 percent in adults
with chronic primary insomnia. This study was published in the Nov 1, 2009
issue of the journal Sleep.
Being Overworked
Not taking vacation time
Working too much overtime
Not delegating responsibilities
Not Getting Enough Rest
Getting less than 6-8 hours of sleep per night
Watching television before bedtime
Emotional Instability
Lacking self-confidence
Hidden medical illnesses
Depression
6. Who’s at risk for shorter lifespan?
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People with mental health issues have a lower life expectancy,
according to a large-scale population based study published July
31, 2012 in the British Medical Journal. The findings may prompt
further research into the way doctors treat patients with even mild
psychological problems.
Who’s at risk?
Those exhibiting symptoms of anxiety or depression: higher risk
of death from major causes such as cardiovascular disease.
Exposure to carcinogens
Risk Factors
Tobacco use
Alcohol consumption
Lack of exercise
Diabetes
7. Improving mental health through exercise
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Types of Yoga
Anusara (purist form of yoga)
Bikram (yoga poses in a sauna-like room,
nearly 105 degrees; 26 basic yoga poses)
Kripalu (3 part practice; teaches to know,
accept, and learn from your body.)
Restorative (4 to 5 poses; each pose held
as long as 20 minutes each)
8. Improving mental health through exercise
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Guided meditation and visualization brings about
calmness, serenity, healing, and balance.
Find a comfortable place and get in a comfortable
position.
Keep the consciousness steady and softly close eyes.
Inhale taking in deep breaths.
Visualize a place or person that makes you happy.
Visualize yourself in that happy place
Visualize yourself with that happy person
Slowly open eyes!
9. Benefits of Mental Fitness
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Living a stress-free lifestyle
Having a calm and rested mind
Increased lifespan
Mental Fitness Improvement Exercises
Doing Yoga
Doing guided meditation and
visualization
10. Healthwise. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-
causes-of-stress
Holtz, C. (2008). Global Health Care: Issues and policies. Boston,MA.
Jones & Bartlett Publishers
(2008). Mental Fitness – What is It?. Retrieved from Knowledge –
Official Safety Magazine of the U.S. Army website:
https://safety.army.mil/knowledge_online/december2008/MentalFi
tnessWhatisIt
Scott, M. S. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://stress.about.com/od/research/a/Stress-And-Health-
Research.htm
Wellcome Trust (2012, July 31). Poor mental health linked to reduced
life expectancy. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 7, 2013, from
http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/07/120731201257.htm
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