I have been told plenty of times that when you have a healthy mind, your work ethic and performance becomes better. It is the average human’s perception that a “workout” generally means going to the gym, lifting a few weights or spending your time on the treadmill. Generally, they are correct. But it may come as a shock that working out does not necessarily have to be done at the gym or has to be in an outdoor setting. What may come, as an even more shock is that “working out” does not have to be physical in any shape or form.

Many people do not understand that our minds need as much attention as our physical bodies. A healthy mind is just as beneficial as having a healthy body. We can work out our mind by doing logic exercises or playing memory games. By paying attention to the news so we know what is happening in the world. By writing down our thoughts, so we do not have the unhealthy habit of keeping it all to ourselves. By playing games such as chess and Sudoku. By having healthy conversations with those closest to us. By being outdoors, even if it is just for a simple walk or sitting on the steps watching the world go by.

We can even work out our mind, in the same way we work out our bodies, by challenging ourselves. By doing something, that we are sure is impossible for us. By creating goals that seem absurd to others. In order to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle one must pay attention to three things: our physical bodies, our diet and our mind. By giving one more consideration than the other, the balance between the three is gone. Balance is key in everything we choose to do in our life. Whatever we love doing is good, however only in balance. Even our unhealthiest habits are okay once in a while, as long as there is balance. For example, there must be a balance between dreaming and realistic thinking. Without one or the other, we might start to lose our touch.

It is a big benefit to pay specific attention to our mind and bodies, and it is something that everyone should make it their life’s biggest goal. We get so busy in our day-to-day lifestyles, with work and school and the hundreds of other things we commit ourselves to. It can help with our stress management as well, to work our both of these aspects of ourselves. By eating healthy, working out our mind and body, and remaining fit we treat our bodies the way it should be. No matter our age, we have a chance to sustain our bodies and learn to take care of them. Whatever little you do, can help in the long run. It might seem increasingly difficult while you are doing it, but will leave you feeling refreshed and good afterwards. Do not give up on yourself! It is never too late to start a healthy and fit lifestyle.