Mental Health: An Opportunity for Emotional and Rational Training

Today, mental health is often discussed mainly in terms of diagnosing a condition that explains certain behaviors and states of being. However, much less is said about mental health in the context of prevention and brain training, particularly regarding the emotional aspect.

The brain is an extraordinary organ, capable of developing both emotionally and rationally. Being able to understand the relationship between behaviors, sensations, and discomforts is fundamental. But, in my opinion, this awareness should be paired with a form of prevention that trains the brain to perceive and manage events, recognizing their influence on emotions to prevent the onset of mental health disorders. While some conditions are unavoidable due to genetic or sociocultural factors, just as we can improve our physical health, we can work on our mental health, engaging in exercises that allow us to recognize our state of mind and improve it.

I believe the brain can be trained to keep the rational sphere active, preventing degeneration and aging, while also strengthening the emotional sphere to learn to react constructively and mindfully to life's inevitable events.

Despite the importance of emotions, in human development, attention is primarily focused on developing the rational part, often relegating social participation to an almost mechanical function. This approach, however, fails to consider the complexity of human relationships and our capacity to contribute to the evolution of our species.

There are various practices that can enhance this aspect of the human mind: meditation, physical exercise, mindful walking, therapy, spending time outdoors, and many others, which I plan to explore in future articles. The key element, however, is becoming aware of the different functions of our mind and how they impact our daily lives, so we can make the most of these practices to achieve our goals.