Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Even though my basic educational background is mechanical engineering, my curiosity and interest in “Matters of Mind” often take me to the depths of the subject of psychology. Therefore, many pages of my travel diaries are filled with the rough analytical notes of situations related to “mind.”
It’s important to analyze how to select the right food for the mind. Because only in a healthy state of mind can the brain function with higher performance and at a faster speed.
You will see many discussions on what type of food we need to eat to keep our bodies healthier. You will easily find the customized diet charts. But there seems to be less priority or awareness of the importance of the right food for the mind. Let’s try to gain insights on this.
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
The mind may be composed of different waves produced by the neurons in the brain, and the state of the mind is the outcome of the electrical waves that travel through the neurons. If the waves are slower, then the functions of the mind will be sluggish. On the other hand, if it goes faster, then the mind will be overactive. Both states are not signs of a healthy mind.
So, we need to find ways to keep the balance.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
The right food for the mind:
The right food for the mind will help maintain balance, which we are going to discuss below:
The right physical food for the well-being of the mind:
The brain is one of the most vital physical organs in the body. So, we need to be very careful when choosing the physical foods for the brain. The golden rule is to choose foods that contain healthy unsaturated fats, proteins, vitamins, folic acids, lutein, beta-kerotene, carbohydrates, and sufficient drinking water and oxygen, etc. You may collect your chart of foods required for the brain, along with information on the recommended quantities and natural sources, from a relevant qualified medical or diet professional. Those physical foods are, in turn, foods for the mind, as those foods help keep the brain healthy and nourished and the neurons in a well-activated state.
Positivity and motivational inputs:
Positive and motivational inputs help generate balanced pulses of waves in the neurons.
In a good environment, the brain can release dopamine, oxytocin, endorphin, and serotonin. These are the happy hormones, e.g., dopamine is the “feel good” hormone. Inspiring and creative books, audios, videos, poems, songs, mutual support, etc. help release those happy chemicals.
Yoga and meditation:
Yogasanas, pranayamas, and meditation, if done on a regular basis, help maintain the balance of the brain waves. Those help keep your mind stable, strong, and healthy.
Nature' Grandeur:
Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels
Nature is an unlimited open book from which we can gain as many inputs as we need for the mind.
The open sky teaches us to be as broad as we need to be; the great earth teaches us to be as tolerant as we need to be; and the magnificent lotus in the dirty mud teaches us to be as adjustable as we need to be. And the balanced co-existence of the beautiful scenes, colors, designs, diversity, depth, perfections, and natural fragrances teach us how limitless and diverse we can be in our levels of achievements in a balanced way.
Spending quality time with serene nature will definitely enhance the health of the mind.
Concluding Note:
To have a healthy mind and a healthy brain, we need a variety of foods, both tangible and non-tangible. Food with a balance of those tangible and non-tangible components will be the right choice for a healthy mind. Such balanced food for the mind is an all-time need, as we need to maintain both physical and mental health for a better tomorrow.
