I frequently speak about the mind-body or mind-muscle association here on That's Fit, pointing to the importance such interconnectivity plays in your total health. More or less, what this relationship requires is a connection between your emotional/mental health and your physical well-being.

That's all well and good, but in today's busy world it may not always be a realizable goal. Oddly enough, the side of that relationship that most times gets neglected is our state of mind. We rush around all day long, only to then spend an hour or so hammering away at our bodies in the gym. When do we make time for our mental health?

To that end, here are five easy ways to help both your body AND mind stay as healthy as possible.

5. Be Positive - I've mentioned this poem before; two men looked out from behind the prison bars, one saw stars and the other saw mud. A positive outlook can protect and improve your health in both the short and long term.

4. Be Calm - If yoga does it for you, great. Meditation works? Great. Exercise let's it all out? Awesome. Whatever you need to do to release stress, do it. High levels of stress can be extremely debilitating, leading to free radical damage and an increase in the muscle-ruining hormone cortisol.

3. Be Sharp - Doing crossword puzzles and playing stategy games can challenge and help your brain to function at top form. Just like your body, your brain needs activity in order to be healthy.

2. Be Social - Keep in touch with friends and family, or even just members of the community in which you live. Social contact can improve how you feel and frequent interaction with other people can protect mental acuity.

1. Be Active - Exercise naturally causes the production and release of endorphins, helping to lift your spirits if you are in a bit of a dour mood. Conversely, a lack of exercise can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.