“The things that you think about (and do) determine the quality of your mind. The soul is dyed by the thoughts. Dye it then, with a continuous series of such thoughts as these – that where a man can live, there – if he will – he can also live well.” – Marcus Aurelius
Mental Health is of utmost importance.
As with much of the Universe, it’s often the things we cannot see, such as oxygen, love, or our interpretation of God, that have the most impact on our lives.
An unhealthy mind can fester behind traumatic experiences or events in our lives that we avoid addressing and instead fill the void with other debilitating activities.
Before we begin, here is a little disclaimer; I am not a doctor, and these methods should not be considered a cure to any mental health disorder. Having a trusted medical professional that you can openly discuss any health issues with is encouraged.
All right, onward we march.
This one’s going to be more of a list-style or routine that you can build into your daily regimen. I suggest adding 1-2 of these habits each month, record, then tweak and gauge to suit your goal set.
Firstly, we have to cut off the fat and get to the meat.
Habits to let go of:
- Alcohol (Subdues the mind and poisons the body.)
- Drug Addictions (Learn to find pleasure in your journey.)
- Porn (Understand a sense of control over yourself.)
- Debt (“Debt is normal. Be weird.” – Dave Ramsey.)
- Smoking (Cigarettes do absolutely nothing for you.)
- Gambling (Your money should be invested and tithed.)
- Household Junk (Cluttered life, cluttered mind.)
- Tell-A-Vision (Throw away your TV programming.)
- Video Games (Life is enough of a video game. Level Up.)
- Smart/Dumb Phone (Turn it off for daily/hourly intervals.)
Habits to embrace:
- Meditation (“Think with your whole body.” – Taisen Deshimar.)
- Walking (If you have time for it, get a dog.)
- Reading (Believe me, it will take you places.)
- Writing (The pen is mighty. Utilize its power.)
- Journaling (Action in accountability.)
- Volunteering (Gratitude brings happiness. Pay it forward.)
- Exercising (Your body is designed to move.)
- Personal Hygiene (Clip your nails. Trim your beard.)
- Drink Tea (Steep it yourself, slow down.)
- Daydreaming (This is your Sacred Ground.)
- Call Your Family (Tell them you love them.)
- See Your Friends (Enjoy the moments.)
/
Daily Regimen:
Wake Up Early. Time waits for no man; early to bed, early to rise.
Drink Water upon waking. Visualize Gratitude.
Meditation/Prayer. 10-20 Minutes. Do what feels right for you.
Floss & Brush Your Teeth. “Teeth are always in style.” – Dr. Seuss.
Body Brushing. Your skin is an organ that reflects your health.
Cold Water Therapy. Study The Wim Hof Method.
Income Sources. Passive/Active Income Streams (Time = $$$$)
Daily Fasting. Curb emotional eating. Eat to live, don’t live to eat.
Eat Nutrient Dense Foods. “Eat closer to Nature.” – Tommy Caldwell.
Resistance/Cardiovascular Training. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
Stretch Your Body. “You are only as young as your spine is flexible.” – Joseph Pilates.
Be Humble And Kind. Perform a daily act of kindness.
Read A Good Book. Discover a world within your mind.
Spend Time With Your Family. Be a supportive and caring Man.
Journal/Reflection. Writing down your goals helps make them real.
Retire Early. 8 hours of sleep. Prepare yourself for the following day.
/
Maintaining health isn’t always easy.
It’s simple, but it’s not easy. You have to be resolute in your goals and honest with yourself. Many small steps combined make up a staircase. Adherence to routine and accountability to yourself are the keys to unlocking the cages we build in our minds.
Some people take better care of their car than they do their health, then they wonder why their mind/body is falling apart down the road.
Maintaining your health is your responsibility. What you fill your head, heart, and stomach with should be conducive to your goals.
It’s okay to fall off the wagon, but it’s not okay to stay there in the ditch. Pick yourself up and keep moving forwards. Surround yourself with people who hold you to a higher standard. Lay a strong, capable foundation that enables you to be the best man you can be.
In closing, I’d like to leave you with a profound quote from one of my coaches who recently passed away and left behind a legacy for other endured men to follow.
“The world is a beautiful place; I wish to add and further immerse myself in its beauty.”
– Terence Mitchell.
King Of Swords 