Mental health is the foundation of a healthy body. While nutrition and exercise often dominate wellness conversations, Vladimir Ingerman reminds us that a well-functioning mind may be the single most important factor in preserving youth and extending life.
In Living a Good Life: Longevity Redefined – The Science of a Vibrant Life, he presents mental hygiene not as a side note but as a pillar of true vitality.
We live in a world that undervalues stillness and reflection, yet these qualities are exactly what keep the mind resilient. Negative thoughts, unchecked anxiety, and prolonged stress act like toxins, slowly eroding both mental sharpness and physical health.
A calm, focused mind not only protects the nervous system but also supports immune function and heart health. Mental fatigue can appear long before physical decline does, often unnoticed. It slowly limits clarity, motivation, and the ability to enjoy daily life.
It is also very important to have a challenging goal. Without it, one risks merely existing rather than truly living. The brain’s highest function is creativity and actively engaging in creative pursuits can rejuvenate the mind remarkably. Researchers from the British Medical Research Council concluded that people who engage in intellectual work throughout their lives have a mortality rate four times lower than those who do not adequately stimulate their brains.
It is not necessary to be a famous scientist, everybody has their own challenging tasks stimulate the brain, keeping the entire body, including the endocrine system (which regulates aging), in optimal condition. To maintain youthfulness, pursue ambitious goals that genuinely excite and challenge you, and engage in lifelong learning.
Ingerman integrates mental hygiene techniques, sets ambitious goals, and engages in lifelong learning—practices drawn from both experience and the principles laid out by academician Natalya Bekhtereva.
These aren’t abstract theories. They are applied mental practices that enhance cognitive clarity and emotional regulation, offering long-term protection against the aging process. These techniques train the mind to resist negative patterns and remain engaged with life.
His approach goes beyond meditation or mindfulness alone. It’s about choosing the right mental diet—surrounding oneself with truth, beauty, purpose, and order.
This practice nourishes the brain and strengthens its ability to recover from emotional challenges. Over time, mental hygiene cultivates a balanced, alert, and purposeful way of living. It is a daily act of renewal, accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background.
Longevity is not just about how long one lives but also about how well the mind functions in those later years. Clear thinking, emotional stability, and focused awareness can prolong youth more effectively than external treatments ever could.
Ingerman’s emphasis on psychological discipline and inner balance is a vital message for anyone seeking to live with clarity and peace well into their later decades.
