Are you mentally fit?

The weather turns colder and visions of roaring fires and cozy sweaters begin to occupy our minds.

It’s that time of year.

At least it does for me. I live in Minnesota – land of 10,000 lakes and long cold winters.

When the weather changes, I make the shift to exercising indoors.

You’re committed to a healthy body, too. You exercise regularly. You eat healthy foods. (Yes, wine is considered healthy. I know you.)

While that is all good and I applaud you for doing what you’re doing, I have a question for you:

What are you doing to benefit your mental fitness?

Have you ever thought about that?

You do all the physical things because it feels good and you can see the difference. It’s an action item that you can check off your list.

Taking care of your brain? 

That’s when the real fun starts – and you don’t need a gym or special equipment to do it.

You just need to slow down and notice.

Notice. Your. Thoughts.

When you’re tired and don’t feel like getting out of your warm bed to move your body, notice what your brain is telling you.

When you’re stressed because your plate is once again overflowing with commitments, notice what your brain is telling you.

When you need to have a difficult conversation with someone at work, notice what your brain is telling you.

When you want to go for that promotion that feels like a stretch, notice what your brain is telling you.

When Judgy McJudgerson shows up with all her companions to derail you – perfection, procrastination, people-pleasing and proving – notice what your brain is telling you.

I’ll bet there’s a lot of “shoulding” going on.

Most people don’t bother to pause to question what they are thinking. Autopilot is always in the “on” position, so they go about their day at the mercy of their brains.

It’s like your brain is sitting on the couch, eating nachos and bingeing Netflix all day – every day.

No effort to change the channel.

No chance of growth.

You don’t have to do that.

You get to pay attention to what you’re thinking and decide whether those thoughts will get you to where you want to go. 

You can clear away all the extras – the stories – that your brain is telling you and focus on the facts. What you really know about a situation.

Then, you get to decide what to think about it.

You get to choose useful thoughts.

Think of it like starting a new workout routine.

Step 1: Choose what you are going to do. Weights? Treadmill? Cycling?

Step 2: Begin slowly and consistently.

Step 3: Increase your distance or weight until that new routine becomes easy.

It’s the same with your brain.

Step 1: Notice what thought isn’t useful.

Step 2: Choose a new thought and practice.

Step 3: Once that new thought becomes habitual and has replaced the old thought, go back to Step 1.

The holidays are coming and you’re going to need to get your brain in shape to handle the little – and sometimes large – dramas that inevitably come with spending time with family.

‘Tis the season for transformation.

Noticing is the first step.

P.S. If you’re ready to give your brain the attention it deserves, schedule your complimentary Discovery Call with me today. I can help you get your mind in shape without breaking a sweat.