[audio:http://www.buriedlogic.com/audio/episode2-oxygen.mp3]
Welcome to Day 2 of the 7 Keys to a Healthy Mind. One week to a Smiling Outlook here on Buried Logic.

How Exercise and Oxygen make all the difference in the World.

There is one number, I believe, that is terribly important when it comes to our overall health and mental fitness.  20.

We’ll get back to this in just a moment.

That exercise is tremendously beneficial to your physical and mental health is a clinically supported fact that is beyond debate. No reputable doctor or scientist doubts the evidence. Exercise, oxygen and endorphins are proven to be meaningful antidepressants as well. When you are on the move, your mental outlook improves. Move your Mood.

This is probably also a great place to, once again,  insert my disclaimer. ** I am not a doctor, a psychologist or psychiatrist.** Now, for those of us that suffer from a diagnosed, major clinical depression or chemical disorder, only the valuable time spent with your doctor, will hash out a plan, best suited for you.

Exercise, an idea loathed by many, along with increased oxygen (The BIG O) is not as difficult to achieve or accommodate into our daily schedules as one might believe. The exercise and oxygen needed is far from the gut-busting-sweat-slinging-lung-burning-leg-cramping, head-aching….OK, you get the picture.

Moderate exercise, a brisk walk, a bike ride, a sunrise hike, a set of stairs every so often, is all we are talking about. No herculean marathons, no Mount Everest, no oceanic swims, no out-sprinting a speeding bullet. (Though it worked pretty good for Superman).

Your brain digs oxygen. Plain and simple. Think about it. You have one brain, yet two huge lungs created for the sole purpose of supplying that brain with oxygen. Pretty straight froward.

Back to the number 20.

A twenty-four hour day has 1,440 minutes. Let’s say we grouped those minutes in such a way, that it actually made it easier to schedule your “Brisk Breathing” session. Bottom line for your brain, you need about 20 minutes, five days a week to jump start your personal mental health program. All I’m suggesting is that you donate 1/72 of your day, or 20 minutes to Moving your Mood. I call them 20 Minute Victories.

It only takes 20 minutes to get your brain the oxygen it needs to thrive and survive.

Now, as you progress, you’ll be moved to combine some 20 Minute Victories and perhaps head out for a 40 or 60 minute walk; totally up to you.

Remember to start out at a comfortable pace and “progressively adapt” as you go. One last tip; I find it beneficial to inhale through your nose, get two full lungs of air as you do and exhale FULLY.

Your brain, body and mind will thank you for it!!

Tomorrow – Day 3 of the 7 Keys to a Healthy Mind: One week to a Smiling Outlook…

How Interaction and Exploration Elevates your Mood and your Mind.