WEEK ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY :: How Can You Keep A Healthy Mind?

[the_fake_webmaster]

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* Note: How can I win? 1. Answer all questions in the order that they are asked. 2. Go over reviews (located at the bottom of past TOTW articles) and see what was said about those that did not win. Good Luck!
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TOPIC: How Can You Keep A Healthy Mind?

For the week of: April 25th - May 1st
Tuesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

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It's not the number one concern for bodybuilders, but maybe it should be. The mind is what keeps us dedicated, strong and fierce.

How can you keep a healthy mind?

What are some everyday tips for keeping a healthy mind?

What are the best supplements for mind health?
Which are best for memory?
Which are best for stress reduction?

Why would one want to use supplements for mind health?

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Don't discuss any other topic in this section. ONLY discuss the question above.

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Webmaster
Bodybuilding.com

[mad_villan]

I would say that keeping a healthy mind starts with staying healthy and feeling good about yourself. But if you are having issues, i would say to look everything in your life, and finding everything that gives you stress and that bothers you. Once you figure out the things that bother you, try to focus on why they are bothering you. Most likely you have been through rough patches before, and you have overcome them. Tell yourself that no matter what is bothering you at the moment, you wont even remember it in a few years. Whether its school, work, relationships, or you are having problems with depression/anxiety, i believe that they all have similar roots, and can all be taken care of. I have had issues with anxiety lately, and excessively worry about unnecessary things. I am taking medicine for it because it got pretty bad, although i dont recomend that. I am planning to get off it soon, thought. Im also working out alot and that has always helped with anxiety, especially lately. I feel like a new person after a good workout.

my bad i just realized i didnt answer any of those questions really lol... im not even doing this to win, in fact i didnt even no there was anything to win... but thats just my 2 cents... sorry guys

[corple]

Never done this, but what the hell, ill give it a shot:P Well..in my personal experience, ive made pretty drastic changes in my life to keep a healthy mind and body, cause they definitely go hand in hand. Like you said, keepin a healthy mind isnt my main concern, i dont really go day to day thinkin about my drive or dedication, i think it may just come natural for people who want it as oppose to those who dont. But i used to be in the drug scene, and a while back id just blow all my money on drugs, namely marijuana...sad but true. Until i was able to just stop that **** cold turkey, i straight up cut off the 'friends' who i did it with, i dont think ive ever felt better; Not in a long while. When i put some of my money towards buying a few extra plates instead of a sack, that made me really proud of myself, and my dedication grew. Passing my first drug test with my own pee was pretty cool too:P Anyway, that really helped my mind set towards weight lifting, ALOT. Over the months i felt like i wasnt growing at all, even though my lifts were getting progressing. Not self-centered, but when i got compliments on my physique, that really brought up my spirits and drive. i dont know if you would consider that under the category of cocky or what...but i definitely know it made me feel better, alot better. Just made me want to get in the gym that much more. Knowing im going to progress next week in the gym keeps my mind pumping, always thinking how i can change my routine, thinking of ways to change my diet, all of that is exciting to me! Waking up and making some chicken and rice for breakfast, or drinking my protein shake with oats at work while everybody around me eats burgers and pizza and ****...that makes me feel so good, if you know what im talkin about, you know...

On the subject of supplements, im not an advocate of supplements:P I honestly cant tell you any good supplements for mind or memory, along side a good ol multivitamin. And as far as i know, those mind pills are basically just a bunch of vitamins. So i cant really help there, but as for stress reduction, a good cardio session...Me, my ipod and my bike on the streets for a good one or two hours. You release endorphins when doing cardio, so...it literally relieves stress:P Makes you feel good, and if you dont feel good after a good cardio session, youre fawked up!

Well...to end this. Why would someone want to supplement for mind health? Well, the worst it could do is give you a nice placebo effect:) And the best it could do is improve your mind health! Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear:P Anyway, im not the most articulate person in the world, so im outttttt

hope you enjoyed the read

[andy92187]

Here mine is attached.

[yoyohomieg5432]

There are many ways to keep a healthy mind. In my opinion, having a positive attitude is the best way to keep healthy. However, sometimes the everyday stresses in life, such as work, taxes, kids, etc. can preoccupy the mind, and increase stress levels. It is hard to stay in a positive mind when you have so many different things on your mind. So, in order to keep a healthy mind, there are many other things that can be done.

First, is a good diet. Everybody knows that in order to be healthy, you need to eat healthy. One of the keys to keeping a healthy mind and body is eating good sources of carbs. Sure eating candy and sweets may taste good, but they are loaded with sugars and fats. Sugar causes a spike in insulin levels, making one feel good for a short period of time, but then the sugar crash sets in. You begin to feel tired, lazy, and just want to sleep. Having this mindset certainly will destroy the thoughts of living healthier. So, the secret is in complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates consist of brown rice, vegetables, wheat pastas, whole wheat breads, and many more. Consuming complex carbohydrates keeps you full for longer, which in turn will decrease the desire to eat alot. This will help in losing weight, or keeping healthy. Along with being full longer, complex carbs can also "help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. They also help fight fatigue, mood swings, stress and obesity." (1)

Another good way to keep a healthy mind is exercising. Being confident in your appearance is a big factor in keeping mentally healthy. If you are unhappy with how your body looks, it can bring you down in every way, even lead to depression. Exercising will help you attain the body you want, making you alot happier of a person. Along with changing your body's appearance, working out can also relieve stress. When working out, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins help to reduce stress by keeping you energized and happy. There is more than physical exercising. Mental exercise can also contribute to a healthy mind. Picking up a good book can get your mind off of your every day stresses and indulge you in a world that excites you. "Reading will keep your mind stimulated and increase your comprehension and cognitive skills. It will also add to your vocabulary and your knowledge of the world." (2). Also, things such as crosswords, sudokus and other mind puzzles help. Despite the fact that they are interesting and fun, they also stimulate the mind. Sudoku's are challenging, and involve lots of thinking. Finishing a sudoku is a tedious process, but afterwards it feels very releaving and brings a sense of self-accomplishment.

One of the most important ways to keep a healthy mind is getting an adequate amount of sleep. I've seen many in school, and in the work force that just don't get enough sleep. Alot of people i know get about 5 hours of sleep a night because they like to stay up and watch t.v. or other things. Also, my dad isn't able to get much sleep either because of the high demand of his job. I've noticed these people, and many others cannot function their best without enough rest. The student's grades suffer because they have trouble staying awake in class. Anyone in the work force needs to be attentive to what their boss expects of them, and being tired slows people down. Not getting enough sleep also increases stress levels, the opposite of what we want. People should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be at their best.

Finally, supplements can help achieve a healthy mind. Fish oil, otherwise known as omega-3's are a very popular supplement. Many people, including myself, take them for their effects on reducing cholesterol levels, preventing ourselves from getting high blood pressure, and other heart health reasons. However, many people may not know that fish oil also has many effects on the mind. Omega-3's are also found in real food sources, such as fish. "A high intake of fish has been linked to a significant decrease in age-related memory loss and cognitive function impairment and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease." (3). Consuming 1-2g daily can also prevent people from getting depressed. Along with fish oils, Controlled Labs' Yellow nEuphoria also claims "to improve central nervous system / oxygen function, reduce stress, and improve mood / vigor during training and all day long" (4). Although i have not tried it, i have read very promising logs from many members in this forum who have.

Mainting a healthy mind is one of the best things that one can do. Having a healthy mind will keep you positive in life, and help you become who you want to be. Becoming a better person starts with determination, and a positive mindset. Without a healthy mind, your life will suffer in all other ways

Works Cited:
1. http://www.azcentral.com/home/takeout/articles/1001goodcarbs01.html
2. http://www.thesoko.com/thesoko/article-print-138.html
3. http://www.pinc.com/healthnews/fishoils.html
4. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/clabs/yellow.html
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This is my first time in this section of the forums. I thought I would give it a try. Thanks everyone!

[runningtherack]

Here is mine
Enjoy

[bigcalves]

nice topic!!

[bigcalves]

How Can You Keep A Healthy Mind?




Everyone has heard the phrase: Bodybuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. But what exactly does it really mean? Let's look at the analogy real fast. Sprinters require a short explosive second movement, while marathon runners can run for hours. In order to be a great marathon runner you need to have a solid mindset on what you are doing. You need to have your goals clear in your head so when the time comes when you are faced with burden or it gets hard, you will keep pushing and pushing. Bodybuilding is one big marathon. It's a journey that is sometimes nice and enjoyable and on days it's hard and brutal. Not everybody can be a bodybuilder, and certainly not everyone can finish the journey. In my opinion, the mind is the most important aspect in bodybuilding. Since bodybuilding is about a set schedule and repetitions day after day to be the best, the mind will play an important role when it comes down to goals and achievements. Your mind is the best muscle you have. Since you have to make tons of goals on variety of subjects such as rest, training, supplements, goals.Your mind will be the deciding factor in your success. It's very important and it should be the number one concern for bodybuilders.


Imagine being up in the gym and trying to get 12 reps. You already have 10 and it's burning. Your body is telling you to drop the weight. You know that you can physically get 2 more reps. It's hard and it burns, but you know that you can do it. After having set a goal before the set, your mind is focused and you push yourself to the limit and get those 12 reps. Let's say you are in the kitchen and your girlfriend Jessica made a fantastic chocolate cake that looks delicious. You have a contest in 4 days. You are hungry. It smells fantastic. Your meal is a dry microwave chicken breast. Your mind is the deciding factor if you either eat what you are supposed to have, or jump on the cake and get instant satisfaction but ruin your entire plans for the upcoming contest.




How can you keep a healthy mind?


Keeping a healthy mind set involves a lot of factors. First you have to have set goals and know what you want to do for sure. Once that is out of the way you can focus on all the little factors that make or break your day. Once you have figured out what makes you go motivated and strict you can use that to the best of your knowledge to fulfill your goals. Find something that drives you to the edge and makes you focus. That something can be anything from a motivating movie to a place that gives you certain memories. Keeping a healthy and focused mind involves staying stress free and dealing with as little as stress as possible. Being rested and not stressed will give you a nice healthy mind.



What are some everyday tips for keeping a healthy mind?



SET A SCHEDULE

Set a schedule and be organized. Most people would not even know the benefits of this until they try it. It shouldn't take you 30 minutes to pack your gym bag, or 2 hours to get to the gym. Don't stop at your girlfriends house before you workout or go see your mom at work. You have to be focused and determined. Set aside a time for you and that way you will avoid stress and trouble in your mind.



FIND MOTIVATION

Motivation is the drive that makes us succeed. Without it, it's hard to focus and go the last mile. Find stuff that motivates you and focus on it. It can be a movie, a place a person. Personally I liked watching pro bodybuilders? workouts before I do mine. Just a short video clip for a few minutes of Marcus Ruhl doing shoulders will set me off on delt day. On back day I always watch Ronnie Coleman and his lifting style at Metroflex Gym.



STAY STRESS FREE

When you are stressed out about something, the cortical levels in your brains skyrocket. That makes you loose muscle, go into a catabolic stage and it also leaves you depressed and unmotivated. Keep yourself away from stress, or do anything to prevent it as it can lead to destruction in your mind.



SET GOALS

Before every workout I lay down on my back in my bed. I close my eyes and take 5-10 minutes to visualize the workout ahead of me. It could be back or it could be chest and tri?s. I focus and try to feel each muscle without moving it. The mind-muscle connection is there you just have to learn to use it for your advantage. So I visualize the muscle that's about to be worked. I set little mini-goals in my head, such as get X amount of reps on X movement. That way I keep my mind relaxed since it knows what to do, and it's easier to focus when I'm in the gym since I've already familiarized myself with the workout.




SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE MIND



ZMA

ZMA is a unique blend of zinc, magnesium and vitamin b-12. It is mixed in such a way that it promotes the body to fall asleep faster and stay in a calm state of sleep. It is excellent for all bodybuilders. It raises natural testosterone and promotes good sleep which in return would yield a higher production of hormones throughout the night. All of this is linked to less stress and clearer mindset.



GABA

By calming the brain and giving you good night sleep, GABA is a good choice for everybody that wants less stress and easier night?s sleep. This amino acid is perfect for people that want more calm sleep.



GINKO BILOBA

"Studies show that it can support brain and memory function by enhancing oxygenation, support the heart and maintain blood circulation already in normal range, and help preserve general vitality and health. Good blood circulation is essential for good health." It supports brain function and memory. Perfect for people that want to get their mindset right.



MELATONIN

Melatonin sends a message to the brain that it needs to go to sleep. In humans and animals our highest melatonin content is late in the evening. People take it after long flights to help with the jet lag, but melatonin is perfect for those that can't fall asleep on time. It promotes deep and calm sleep.



VALERIAN ROOT

Valerian root helps promote sleep. It puts you in a deep sleep state and your body is able to produce a high amount of hormones. It improves the sleep cycle. It aids relaxation and promotes sleep the natural way!



VITAMINS

Everybody needs vitamins. A,C,D,K,E. And the list grows on. Vitamins are needed by the body to maintain a normal state. Production of hormones, immune system, the mind, stress, it all can be helped and improved by taking your daily dose of vitamins. Everybody should be taking multi?s, especially bodybuilders.



EFA's

Essential Fatty Acids are needed by the body for normal brain functions. They help with hormone production and testosterone production. EFA's also keep you healthy and stress free. They further help with the lubing of joints so that also lowers the chances of injuries in the gym.





Why would one want to use supplements for mind health?


Today's research clearly proves that supplements work. All the studies done on variety of supplements and subjects prove that if we take supplements we are out performing ourselves and improving to a new level. In order to fully understand how good supplements really are we should take a look at the athletes in the 60's and 70's and compare them to the ones in the 21st century. A lot of things have changed. Supplements have clearly proven that they work and that if you want the edge you should take them.


This brings us to today's topic. Mind health. There are tons of supplements our there that are proven to work and help you with stress, energy and the general mental health. Why not take them is beyond me. If you have the financial means, I strongly suggest that you buy supplements for mind health. After all, I don't know about you, but before I buy something that will improve my pump in the gym I will buy something that will help me recover, be stress free and produce natural hormones to the max. It's stupid not to take advantage of the wonderful supplements that we have for mental health.



Good Luck!

[bigcalves]

Good Luck to Everyone! :D

[LJ57]

Here's mine

[Mtguy8787]

heres mine

[yoyohomieg5432]

when do we find out who wins?

[sleepy_dragon]

well the law of attraction or the famous rewrite - "The Secret", suggest that what you think is what you do, so if you want to be healthy then you must think healthy because think make things.