If there are ways on how to keep us physically healthy, there are also ways on how to keep our mind sharp. As they always say, our mind dictates our heart and our body. Whatever we do, we feel and we think, it all starts with our mind. So, for us to have a nice start for the day, we have to keep our mind always on the go and excellently active.

I came from a family with 8 siblings and most often, I was considered as the poor one as far as mental alertness is concern. I always thought that I am inferior and that I cannot have the same mind sharpness as what my brothers and sisters have. But I was totally wrong, for I was able to discover that it is just a matter of determination and mind setting that makes our mind sharp. After several strategies I did to keep my mind sharp, I ended up graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors! You want to try? Here are some tips for you:

First, you have to do mind setting by making yourself believe that you can improve, improve and improve more. Psychologist says, it is the mind that dictates our body. Therefore, if we kept on thinking we will improve, our whole body condition as well as our feelings will positively be better.

Second, treat yourself to some valuable hobbies like games and books. Choose games and books that sound interesting to you. It is best to have interest on something you do to stay away from being bored. Once the person is bored, his whole mind will negatively response to it. As for me, I always play strategy games and puzzle games as these will not only help enhance mind alertness but it will also increase my IQ. Books like romance novels, jokes and tricks, and some light mystery stories help my mind to relax and relieve stress but in some ways will also help in acquiring additional knowledge.

Third, I always make sure that I rest my mind by taking a good night sleep or a short nap. To be able to have it and avoid scary nightmares, I do have a short prayer before I sleep and I condition my mind by erasing all worries and negative thoughts. Instead, I start thinking of my dreams and fantasies until I fall sleep. A complete nice sleep will help recharge my mind for the next day.

Fourth, I engage myself to some activity like watching TV or movies particularly shows that are informative and interesting. Listening to nice music like ballads and acoustics are fine, for it won't add stress to mind unlike loud hard metal or rock music. Remember, what is perceived by our eyes and ears will directly go to our brain. Soft, informative and enjoyable shows or sounds will help our mind relax and work smoothly.

Fifth, I do some stress-free exercises like going to spa, gym or taking a nice stroll or walk with someone dear to me. I usually go to places that are less noisy, polluted and crowded like parks, or beach shore. Being close to nature will surely refresh our mind.

Sixth, eat healthy foods for this will give energy to our mind. Take vitamins if possible to stay physically alive for our mind can work well with a full stomach than with an empty stomach. Remember, brain is a part of our body that will function well if fully nourish with nutrients.

Seventh, I do lots of learning practices like solving one math problem in a day or read 5 pages of book in a day. Constant learning exercises can become a habit and before you knew it, you are already solving several numerical problems and reading cover to cover books, just like what I did. Before, mathematics for me is traumatic and I find reading sort of boring. But since I am determined to make my mind sharp, I tried solving at least one mathematics problem in a day and read at least 5 pages of book per day. It becomes a daily habit until my mind was used to it and ask for more. Before I knew it, I have already solved all problems in our mathematics book and have read cover to cover of several books.

Eigth, I joined some interesting discussions, friendly debates or mind games with friends and family. In this manner, my mind will be more enhance particularly on speed thinking.