It's all too easy to get caught up in the chaos or even mundane daily to do’s and lose sight of what truly matters: our mental health, our families, and our productivity. As someone who has experienced firsthand the toll that stress and negativity can take on these spheres of life, I've made it my mission to discover simple yet powerful habits that not only boost happiness but also increase productivity. In this article, I'll share with you some of the positive practices that have transformed my own journey – ones that are relatable, practical, and capable of bringing a profound shift in both personal fulfillment and professional success.
1. Be Kind and Gentle With Yourself
It is imperative that you implement a kinder and gentler approach towards yourself in every aspect of your life. This has been an area where I personally struggled but practicing self-compassion, granting yourself ample time and space, and refraining from excessive self-criticism can make a significant difference. Stop punishing yourself for not ticking off every item on your never-ending to-do list or for failing to go beyond expectations. Similarly, do not dwell on those moments when you had a difficult day and snapped at someone; let go of the guilt associated with such instances! Remember that you are only human; embrace your emotions as well as the common experiences that come along with being human.
2. Identify Your Triggers
We all experience difficult moments in life, but some of us may find ourselves feeling worse than usual due to certain triggers. Triggers can be anything from a stressful event to something as simple as spending too much time on social media. Whatever it is, it might leave you feeling sad, anxious, and like your brain is foggy. To help identify your triggers and better manage your emotions, it helps to take a step back and analyze your experiences, then create habits in your day that allow you to avoid these triggers as much as possible. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
People who always make you feeling upset, sad, or worthless
Feeling a particular way after using social media
Being in a depressed mood after watching sad or depressing movies
How you feel when you are in bed for too long
The way your mood or emotions change based on what you eat or drink
The more you pay attention to your triggers, the easier it will be to develop habits that help reduce them in your life.
3. Know When It’s Time to Take a Break From Social Media
Social media can be like a best friend you want to stay in touch with or your worst enemy whom you want to avoid at all costs, when you are working on positive mental habits. While social media can be a source of light entertainment, it can also be very triggering, depending on what you are most sensitive to.
If you've noticed that you get really anxious or feel on edge after checking social media, then it might be time for a break, or to at least limit how often you check it. Doom scrolling is very tempting and can become an automatic impulse, so removing apps from your phone might be necessary.
What gave me my power back was to turn off all social media notifications. Without the notifications, I didn't feel like I was missing anything and because I didn't feel like I was missing anything, I started to check it less often.
4. Write in Your Journal
One of the best positive habits you can incorporate into your routine is writing in a journal. Your mind is full of thoughts, feelings, worries, stressors, memories, and plans. When you struggle with your mental health, it can feel very overwhelming and like you don’t have a healthy outlet for it.
Journaling allows you to release those thoughts as if you are releasing burdens. It gives you a safe space to let it out in an honest and open way, without worrying about having to speak it aloud. When it comes to journaling for mental health, the most important thing is that you remove all rules and expectations. Journaling is exactly what you need it to be, nothing more and nothing less.
5. Be Mindful Throughout the Day
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that enables us to fully engage with the present moment. It's about being aware and attentive, without judgment or worrying about insignificant things. By embracing mindfulness, we can save our energy by not dwelling on trivial matters that only drain us mentally and emotionally.
The impact of cultivating mindfulness can be truly transformative, especially for those who battle anxiety or deal with overwhelming stress. When we practice mindfulness, we learn to acknowledge our thoughts and feelings without being overtaken by them. Instead of getting caught in a spiral of anxious thoughts or stressing over every little thing, mindfulness allows us to observe these thoughts from a distance, creating space to respond rather than react impulsively.
This positive habit also helps us regain control over our mental well-being. As we become more mindful, we develop increased self-awareness and the ability to identify the triggers that lead to stress or lack of productivity. With this knowledge, we gain the power to proactively manage our emotions and navigate challenging situations with greater ease.
Moreover, mindfulness brings us back to the present moment and frees us from meditating on past regrets or future worries. It promotes a sense of calm and inner peace that transcends all external chaos or pressure. We learn to appreciate the beauty of small moments – the warmth of sunlight on our skin, the sound of raindrops falling gently outside our window – which often go unnoticed when our minds are tangled up in unnecessary thoughts.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily habits doesn't have to be complicated; it can start with simple practices such as focused breathing exercises or taking a few minutes each day to disconnect from digital distractions and simply immerse yourself in your surroundings. The more you practice, the more you'll notice positive changes in your overall mental well-being.
Remember, incorporating mindfulness into your life is a journey that unfolds gradually. Be patient with yourself as you make room for this invaluable practice that has the potential to bring peace, clarity, and renewed energy into your life daily.
6. Boost Your Serotonin With Regular Exercise
When you are in a good or bad mood, when your energy levels shift, and when you feel more joy, it is likely due in part to your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that we produce naturally, and can go up and down quite a bit.
There are many different ways to boost your serotonin in order to improve your mental health, but exercise is definitely one of the best. This probably comes as no surprise since exercise can also help you to release endorphins, another happy chemical in your brain.
If you want to improve your positive mental habits and be a happier person in general, try to get at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity every day.
7. Be Social in Whatever Way You Can
During times when you're feeling low, it may seem tempting to withdraw from others. However, isolating yourself can actually make your positive mindset decline even further. It's important to remember that social interaction plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy mindset and overall well-being. Even if we can't physically meet people, there are still numerous ways to engage socially from a distance.
A simple gesture like giving someone a genuine compliment can go a long way in brightening their day and enhancing your own positivity. Consider setting aside time each weekend to catch up with a friend over drinks, whether it's through video chat or by phone. This regular contact not only helps you maintain your connections but also provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
Similarly, using technology to stay connected with family members through platforms like Facetime can significantly uplift your spirits. I can speak personally for this. Now that my sisters and I all live in different states, we set up video calls for the whole family to catch up. Being able to see their faces and hear their voices creates a sense of closeness that transcends physical distance. These little interactions, though seemingly small, contribute greatly to cultivating positive habits that enrich our lives.
Remember, the key is not to completely isolate yourself but rather find balance in social interactions that accommodate your current circumstances. By actively engaging with others in whatever capacity we can, we are nurturing our emotional well-being and building resilience during challenging times. So, reach out, connect, and embrace these joyful moments of human connection as they serve as nutrients for our positive mindscape.
8. Give Yourself a Break
You deserve an opportunity to unwind and allow your body and mind some breathing room to restore and recuperate from stress and pressures you put on yourself. Find ways so you can practice self-compassion by realizing that you re not perfect, and you do not need to live up to any unrealistic expectations you may have. If you sense your mental health is suffering due to the pressure you are placing on yourself, now is a good time to take more breaks and remind yourself that you are human and you have flaws.
How to Empower Yourself with Positive Daily Habits-Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating positive daily habits into your life is an important way to empower yourself and cultivate a sense of well-being. By infusing your day with kindness, journaling, taking breaks, surrounding yourself with positivity, and exercise, you can create a positive mindset that will carry you through each day.
Remember, learning how to empower yourself with positive daily habits is a journey, and it requires consistency and commitment. So don't be discouraged if you stumble along the way – embrace those setbacks as opportunities for growth. Start implementing these habits today and witness the transformative impact they have on your life. You have the power within you to create the life you desire – so go forth and empower yourself!
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