Modules for Mental Aid
Yoga as a Therapy Model
In my own life challenges, Yoga has been a true gift of healing. It's so expansive and began with the physical practice of Asana. Yoga, however, is not limited to Asana or Stretching Poses. There is a systematic routine that addresses almost every aspect of human existence. That is why it is first on the list for Mental Empowerment. When Yoga is taken to a deeper level, it becomes a form of self-therapy. It is best experienced to truly understand the value.
If you are interested in learning more about Yoga as a therapy practice, take a look at two great sources:
1.) Integrative Yoga Therapy: https://iytyogatherapy.com/
2.) Inner Peace Yoga Therapy: https://innerpeaceyogatherapy.com/
Sandplay as a Therapy Model
Sandplay Therapy is a unique model. It was created by Dora Kalff who was a student of Carl Jung. I was exposed to this when I was a small boy struggling with various inner battles. It was fun, magical, and very therapeutic. I practice on my own to this day and it is an inspiration for my art business, Zenwood LLC. The basic premise of Sandplay is to fill a small dish with sand or a similar material. Water can be included or left out. Figurines and natural elements such as stones combine to create sandscapes. It is best experienced.
To learn more about this excellent therapy model, visit the Sandplay Therapists of America Website:
Somatics as a Therapy Model
"Somatic exercises are gentle, intentional movements that help you focus on your body's sensations and how they relate to your thoughts and emotions. They can help relieve stress and pain, improve your posture and balance, and increase your emotional awareness." -Google AI Overview
A great, free resource to begin exploring somatic exercises is courtesy of the John Hopkins Medicine Website:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/office-of-well-being/connection-support/somatic-self-care
Video Games for Enhanced Cognition & Reflex Honing
Modern science has proven on many occasions that video games can actually be helpful. They are helpful on many levels, which makes them unique. First off, they are fun. There is a tremendous value in fun. Second is cognition & reflex. Any kind of similar task that requires good 'hand-eye' coordination will create a similar effect. Third is ambience through artistic visuals, sound, theme, and other players' engagement. Despite the intense stimulation; many games can create a calming effect. Paradoxes are perfect!
My favorite video games for Console (old & new) + Desktop (Mac & PC):
1.) World of Warcraft (Activision):
https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/
2.) Myst:
3.) Alto's Odyssey:
4.) Shanghai Mahjong:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shanghai-mahjong/id283619399
5.) Secret of Mana:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_of_Mana
6.) Legend of Zelda (Ocarina of Time): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Ocarina_of_Time
7.) Final Fantasy VII:
Board & Card Games for Mental Stimulation
These type of games were the precursor to our modern video games. Generally speaking, there is an automatic 'social element' as the majority require multiple players. Just like video games, there is an artistic element with a generous use of colors/symbols/words. This is stimulating and calming at the same time. Even solo games like solitaire can be highly satisfying.
My favorite board & card games:
1.) Magic the Gathering:
2.) Risk:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_(game)
3.) Dungeons & Dragons:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons
4.) Sorry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorry!_(game)
5.) Monopoly:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game)
6.) Cashflow 101:
https://www.richdad.com/products/cashflow-the-board-game
7.) Solitaire:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Solitaire
8.) Chess:
Proactive Research Into Topics of Interest
This seems a bit 'outside of the box' when thinking about how to create robust mental health. It also seems very orthodox and traditional. Go to school and do your homework. That is the basis of this but it takes on a self-disciplined element. Why? Because you don't 'have' to do it. You are doing it because it interests you. The learning will take on a whole new dimension when it's not mandatory. You can take it a step further by pursuing a certificate or degree in a field that actually interests you. Consider writing commentaries or summaries of topics you research to enhance learning.
Examples of Study Topics:
1.) Major Religions:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups
2.) Sanskrit Language:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Sanskrit/
3.) Astrophysics:
https://physics-astronomy.jhu.edu/research-areas/astrophysics/
4.) Exercise Science:
https://www.stthomas.edu/academics/undergraduate/exercise-science-major-and-minor/
5.) Celebrity News:
6.) World News:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world
7.) Sports:
8.) Gambling:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/gambling
9.) Investing: Stocks, Crypto, IRA's, Fine Art, Real Estate, Crowd Funding, Loans:
https://www.investopedia.com/investing-4427685
Juggling Multiple Projects for Mental Ambidexterity
We have all heard of the term, multitasking. What does multitasking really mean? The official definition is, performing multiple tasks at one time. This isn't really possible though. Most of us can go back and forth between several projects but we are only doing them one at a time. There is a great benefit to taking on multiple projects at once. It really stretches your capacity to deal with stress while accomplishing goals.
There are many blog articles and even courses on how to multi-task or juggle multiple projects at once. Here is one that stood out to me: