Thoughts are what's behind all of our feelings and actions. Thoughts are one area of our lives where we have the most control, if we know how. Choosing which thoughts to focus on can impact our lives for better or worse.

Play is a good measure of one's quality of life. We never outgrow our need for play. The more senses and movement involved, the more we benefit. Make play a part of your routine and feel yourself becoming more productive and focused.

Meditation provides us with a way to regulate physical and mental functioning. It calibrates the mind and body to function in unison. It clears out mental clutter and helps us to resist automatic negative thinking. It has the potential to help heal from illness and injury as well.

Goals give us hope and a sense of empowerment. Even though life can be unpredictable and the best laid plans can be shredded by fate, having goals can keep you anchored to a consistent course and thereby provide stability and predictability through life's upheavals.

Curiosity leads to novelty, and the brain thrives on novelty. Novelty creates learning, which physically stimulates growth in the brain's nerve pathways. New ideas add to our repertoire of solutions to problems. Novelty can distract from depressive thoughts as well.

In the same way fences provide structure and boundaries, so do we need similar fences in our lives. Knowing where the parameters are helps regulate our minds and bodies are. Boundaries and structure include; scheduling, possessions, money, sleeping, eating, etc. Being aware of our needs and limits helps us balance our priorities with others' needs.

While structure and goals and self-regulation are important, so is rest. Rest does not just include naps, but mentally taking a break from the usual. Especially when there's been trauma, and it's said that posttraumatic stress disorder IS a closed head injury, decreasing stimulation to the brain is important in recovery. Try to have one day a week where you slow down or maybe even banish plans or scheduling altogether.

Just like with Army, committing to a healthy diet can make you be the best you can be. Processed foods have much of the nutrients taken out and are replaced by empty calories that only cause damage on a cellular level. Check with your doctor or nutritionist on the best diet for you. For most healthy people, a diet that includes whole foods, lean meats and limited starch, such as Mediterranean or South Beach diet, provides the best health benefits.

A healthy brain needs exercise, just like a dog needs to be walked. Exercise increases circulation and nutrients to the brain to promote flexibility in thought and mood. Exercise promotes physical wellbeing which in turn improves mood.

Having a sense of our values gives life meaning, directs our goals and strengthens our sense of self. Sticking to our values improves self-esteem and keeps us feeling in charge of our lives and connected with others.