Having a Toned Body and a Good Mood Helps Maintain Balance. A toned body and a good mood are closely intertwined, both essential to maintaining balance. Physical activity strengthens both muscles and the mind, boosting self-esteem. A good mental balance, combined with a fulfilling social life, stimulates the desire to work on physical fitness and endurance.
Physical and Mental Balance Depend on Each Other
We often attribute good physical balance to our bodies, our diet, and the activities we engage in… That’s true, but not only! Our mental state also plays a key role. In fact, our bodily experience and mental health are deeply interconnected. Taking care of your body, living an active lifestyle, enjoying sports—these are just as beneficial to our health as they are to our mood. It gives us a sense of well-being, boosts self-esteem, encourages optimism and action, and enhances cognitive functions. With this balance, both physical and mental, we can adapt to aging, continue feeling good, and, of course, avoid falls.
How to Maintain Your Mental Health?
Our mental abilities (such as concentration, memory, problem-solving skills…) evolve over time and vary from person to person. But don’t worry, these changes are not irreversible because connections are formed between neurons, even at advanced ages. That’s why it’s important to keep maintaining cognitive functions at every stage of life, particularly when transitioning into retirement. For example, based on your preferences, you can play word games or card games with friends. Organize sightseeing or cultural visits, or try creative hobbies like DIY projects. Mindfulness meditation helps reduce stress, calm the mind, and focus on your breath, body sensations, and emotions. It can also improve learning, memory, and emotional and fear management. Music and singing are other activities that positively influence our mental abilities.
Social Relationships: A Stimulus for Body and Mind
Another way to keep the body and mind alert, stay independent, and fight against melancholy is to have an active social life through various activities: volunteering, neighborhood councils, shared gardens, orchestras, choirs, or community involvement. These activities stimulate the desire to restore physical balance. Social life helps us maintain our ability to manage relationships with others. It’s about resolving conflicts, assessing risks, or gaining wisdom. All these social interactions have a very positive impact on our body, self-esteem, and aging process. In fact, at every stage of life – especially after children leave home, during retirement, or after losing a loved one – we may find ourselves forming new social connections and expanding our circle of friends.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO) definition: “Mental health is a state of well-being that allows an individual to realize their potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and successfully, and contribute to the community.”
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