Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

We too often hear that sustenance of a healthy mind is highly dependent on its encompassing physical body. Despite the frequency of repetition in this statement, too many of us ignore the potentially detrimental consequences of physical inactivity/inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tonight, I don't have much to write except to promote exercise and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. The idea for this blog occurred to me earlier today when I came across a scientific research study that demonstrated the effect of running on the generation of new neurons within the brain of mice, suggesting that exercise could alter brain structure in a beneficial manner. Perhaps it's an overstretch, but I seem to associate "mind" with "brain". In that regard, the aforementioned study would provide scientific evidence for the positive effects of physical activity on the mind. In addition to changes within the brain anatomy, exercise has been shown to change mood by increasing the levels of various neurotransmitters associated with a feeling of joy and euphoria. Further, exercise could act as an anti-depressant, reduce stress and anxiety, and elevate productivity. It goes without saying that all of the effects of exercise on brain/behavioral function are, of course, accompanied with its effects on the physical body- all of which we are all too familiar with, and a subject not within the scope of this blog. My goal here is simply to promote physical activity as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle and thus a more relaxed, optimistic, and sharp mind.

At a Crossroads

Life is constantly presenting us with challenging moments and how we choose to handle those situations is primarily left up to us. In fact, I think that one of the prominent differences between us and other primates is our free will, which enables us to dictate and even change our own destinies. In that regard, when we come at a crossroads where we have to select one path or another, how can we make sure that we make the correct decision? In fact, what exactly is "correct"? Is that not a relative term and does it not vary on an individual basis? If there is not one right answer for every decision, then how does one make the appropriate decision for him/herself?

I want to argue that making the correct decisions for oneself is a learned process, meaning that it is directly related to our past experiences and our degree of self-knowledge/knowledge about our surroundings. I think that the more experienced and mature (mentally) we are, the better our odds at making the correct decisions for ourselves. This maturity is not easily obtainable and requires a process that involves making mistakes and learning from those mistakes- key word being, learning. The more receptive we are to understanding the circumstances around us, the more wisdom we will develop. Eventually, we will learn our personal likes and dislikes, as well as those of others, and based on that understanding, we can make more suitable decisions for ourselves. I think that the practice of this methodology will, in turn, lead to the abolishment of the concept of regret, altogether- for how can one regret a thoughtful decision that has led to the development of a greater understanding?!