“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”  -Irish Proverb

Are you looking forward to having a healthier and happier New Year? Feeling healthier and being happier have everything to do with how mentally healthy you are. In addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise, there are some simple brain enhancement methods that you can put to use today that will help you keep your mind nimble, healthy and strong for the rest of your life.

Let’s take a look at some simple brain enhancer methods you can put to use today:

1. Find Ways to Relieve Your Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can affect your health in a big way. Excessive stress and anxiety can cause problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, and can even result in depression. Finding ways to relieve your stress and anxiety lets you enjoy life more. Try to set aside a few minutes every day for engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or listening to soothing music. Both of these are simple but effective ways of relieving your stress and anxiety.

2. Develop and Maintain Healthy Relationships

Studies are shown that people with a strong network of support not only are happier they also live longer. Develop a strong network of support with people you care about. These are people with whom you can communicate with openly and respectfully, who add depth and quality to your life.

3. Watch What You Think

Most people make a habit of thinking negatively. That’s because we have taught ourselves to think that way. Teach yourself to think positive. Focus your attention away from nonproductive worrying by brainstorming creative solutions to challenging situations. Look for the good in your life.

4. Practice Positive Self-Talk

This is highly related to number three. After figuring out what you’re thinking, decide to practice positive self-talk. Self-talk is that conversation that goes on in your mind on a continuous basis. Pay attention to what you say to yourself. Most people look for their faults. Instead, find the good in yourself and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. This is a wonderful way to boost your brain power.

5. Learn to Forgive   

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn to forgive. It is also a great brain enhancer. When we hold onto past perceived mistakes and wrongs, those memories can keep us from becoming who we were meant to be. It can also slow down your thinking. Learn to forgive yourself and others. It will remove a great burden from your life.

6. Learn Something New

Learning is one of the best brain enhancement methods you can engage in. Make lifelong learning a regular part of your life. This will help to keep your mind flexible and sharp. Challenge your mind by taking adult education classes, learning a new language or instrument or by listening to self-improvement recordings.

7. If You’re Unhappy with Where You Are – Get Help

From time to time we all get stuck and need help finding our direction. If this is where you’re at consider counseling. All of us need help from time to time and it’s wise and courageous to ask for help when you need it. Professional counseling or spiritual practices may help you bounce back from unfortunate events like the death of the loved one, an empty nest, divorce or unemployment. They can also be useful for smaller things like if you’ve just had a rough week or two.

There you have it, seven brain enhancement techniques not only for the New Year but for the rest of your life. You probably don’t need all of these, so just use the ones you do and your New Year will be the best one yet. Improving your mental health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family this holiday season. Make it a great one!

Wil Dieck is founder of Total Mind Therapy a system that has been used by thousands of people, just like you rewire their minds and transforms their lives. If you like what you have read, you can CLICK here to sign up to receive these mind enhancing tips weekly.