5 Daily Habits for a Healthy Mindset

We all have developed habits that we unconsciously follow to help calm us down, be productive, or generally make life easier. But how do we know if these habitual practices are good for our mental health?

In his life-changing book, Idowu Koyenikan  states, “The mind is just like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets, and the more it can expand.” The beauty of the human mind is captured in this statement, in that, with determination and effort, we can shift perspectives from negativity to positivity.

Once we establish the right daily habits for a healthy mindset, we can reap endlessly from our mind – because our mind is like an amazing and wonderful gift … that keeps on giving!

Before we can start establishing healthy mindset habits, it’s important to recognize that every person is uniquely different! Some of us may need to exercise more while others might need a regular good night’s sleep … point is, whatever habits we engage in daily, they are likely to affect our mental well-being. The question is, what best works for you and what doesn’t. Following are some options for you to consider.

Meditate

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal to keep your thoughts in check. Even if you only manage to squeeze 30 seconds of meditation into your day, it could make all the difference when things get tough.

Meditation helps cope with the stress that comes with our daily ongoings, be it at work or home. By focusing inwardly on our consciousness or awareness, we can reach a point of deep relaxation and inner peace. For a moment, we are removed from a tumultuous world into one that is peaceful and divine.

Meditation doesn’t cost you a thing. Better yet, you can find free apps and websites like Headspace, Insight Timer, ready to offer you meditation sessions on various levels.

There is no better way to rid your soul of any negativity, regain control of your mind and start your inner healing process than by meditating. Do this consistently, and on a daily basis to reach your goal of a healthy mindset.

Exercise

may not seem immediately obvious as a means of improving mental health, but interestingly, it has many proven benefits on mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.  Did you know that with a little daily physical activity, you are left feeling more energetic? That your memory is sharpened? That you’re more optimistic, cheerful, and relaxed? That you can sleep better?

It is recommended to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, a minimum of three times a week. Choose from a variety of sports, such as aerobics, running, walking, cycling, skiing, jogging, and dancing. Anything to get your endorphins going.

Remember the words of Buddha, “To keep the body in good health is our duty … otherwise we are not able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

Let’s build up enthusiasm for exercising, on our own, or with others – not just for the physical benefits, but also to achieve a healthy mindset.

Eat Healthily

You are what you eat. Making healthy food choices directly influences all spheres of your life, including your mental health. Good food provides an incessant source of energy, boosts your mood, and sharpens your mental capacity.

In your daily meal plan, ensure an intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fiber, beans, poultry, fatty fish, lean meats, and dairy. It goes without saying that drinking enough water throughout your day is just as important.

Avoid food that quickly depletes and leaves energy levels low, causing you to feel deflated and drained. Examples are unhealthy fats, highly processed carbs, and sugars.

There is no doubt that healthy eating is an integral part of a healthy mindset.

Practice Acceptance

One of the most important – and challenging – things to learn when struggling with anxiety or depression, is how to accept reality and, at the same time, keep moving forward. You are not always going to like what you must deal with, but that does not mean that you cannot find ways to work through it effectively. Try to deal with things one step at a time.

There is no way to completely avoid stress and pain in your life, but learning to overcome these negative feelings will make you a better, stronger and happier person.

Instead of letting struggles define you, funnel them into your goals and move forward with strength. Steve Maraboli says, “The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”

Be Compassionate

Though it may not seem immediately obvious, one of the best ways you can improve your own life is by improving the lives of those around you. Showing compassion towards others is one of the best ways to improve your own mental health and mindset.

You might be feeling unfulfilled with your achievements in life, resulting in anxiety or depression. Coming to a mental place of understanding charity means that you have realized and acknowledged that you are better off than many other people, in one area or another. Being charitable impresses upon you your privileges, and you start feeling grateful – and begin to feel better about yourself. Helping others in need always helps to put things in perspective and fills you with gratitude and joy.

Give without expecting anything in return and share from a place of genuine compassion. Princess Diana famously said, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward – safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

The bottom line

It’s important to remember that we are creatures of habit –  good and bad habits. Good habits will help us better manage our time, make us more productive, reduce stress in the long run, and generally have a positive impact on our lives. Bad habits, on the other hand, can slow down life without adding any value to it, and may even be very counterproductive at times. So let’s make sure that we acknowledge our bad habits, identify and work on changing them. And, when you realize that you are about to start a new bad habit, start actively going against it before it even has time to take hold of your subconscious mind. Finally, focus on and be proud of the good habits you have already developed, so that you feel encouraged to continue on your quest for a healthy mindset, while applying these above mentioned points.