Staying Fit: Your Mind Body Connection

Your physical and mental health are interconnected. One benefits the other and both work together to make up your overall health. Physical fitness gets discussed more frequently, but mental fitness is just as important. The more you help your body, the more you help your mind. The reverse is also true – helping your mind stay healthy through activities such as meditation, playing games, or reading contributes to your overall health.

Your physical health

In addition to improving your strength, physical activity increases the flow of oxygen to your brain and can help improve your outlook on life. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help increase your energy level, perk up your mood, and reduce depression. Generally, 30 minutes of physical activity a day is recommended. Depending on your age and ability you may want to talk to your doctor before starting an activity program, but there are many ways to incorporate activity into your lifestyle such as walking, cycling, gardening, and working around the house. Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan members can use their Wellness Allowance to save on a variety of fitness classes, wellness programs and more.

Yoga is a particularly good activity because it works to strengthen your mind and your body at the same time by incorporating stretching and breathing techniques. Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan members can use their Preferred Extras to save on yoga classes from home.

Your mental health

Similar to physical activity, there are many ways to stay mentally fit that don’t require a large time commitment. Just a few minutes each day can help. The good news is relaxing your mind is just as important as more challenging mental activities. Activities such as reading or even daydreaming engage your mind in a calm manner. Other ways you can improve your mental fitness include:

• Learning meditation - By improving your ability to stay in the present moment, meditation is a simple way to calm your mind, relax your body, and improve your outlook and concentration
• Being nice to yourself - Positive affirmation, talking to yourself in a positive way, can help improve your well-being. Allow yourself the same level of kindness and patience you give to others.
• Trying new things - Changing up your routine and trying new things helps your mind stay alert and engaged. You can easily incorporate small changes into your daily routine such as trying new foods, visiting new places, or just taking a walk in a new location.
• Playing games - Games are a great way to exercise mentally. Crossword puzzles, board games, and sudoku are particularly good because they engage logic, reasoning, and memory.

Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan members can use their Preferred Extras to learn meditation, save on mindfulness programs and much more!