If you want to improve your mood, and don't know where to start - or believe that it's going to be too hard or complicated - this blog post is for YOU! Mental Health should be one of the most important priorities in life (it definitely is for me). My philosophy is that it doesn't matter how perfect your physical health is, your relationships, your career, or how much money you have*, if you don't have the mental health to ENJOY those things!
*Of course those things all matter and please don't ignore any of them especially pertinent health issues :)
But today, I’m sharing five simple yet potent strategies that are accessible to everyone at this very moment, to get a healthy mindset. These strategies are do not require overturning your daily routine or financial investments. Rather, they are acts of mindfulness and self-care, while only taking a few moments of your time. These are things you can do immediately after reading this article to start improving your mental health TODAY!
1. Move your phone charger for better sleep & mornings
This is the first tip because it's the simplest change with the biggest benefits: just move where you charge your phone at night! It might seem like a small change, but it's impact is significant.
Leaving your phone on your side table while you sleep can disturb your rest and tempt you to scroll late at night or check messages as soon as you wake up. This habit can significantly affect the quality of your sleep and, consequently, your mental health.
Plus, if you’re someone who uses the alarm setting on your phone, you get an additional benefit from moving it across the room! Moving your phone will help you avoid staying up late using it and make you get out of bed to turn off your alarm. This can stop you from hitting snooze and help you start your day sooner. Waking up with your first alarm can lead to better sleep habits, improve your well-being, and give you more energy for your day.
Moving your phone charger can improve your sleep and help you start your day better. It's an easy, free change that can greatly benefit your mental health and overall well-being.
2. Write down 5 things you are grateful for to cultivate positivity
Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget to notice the good stuff. That's why the second step to feeling better mentally is really simple: just write down five things you're thankful for.
This reflective exercise helps us see all the good around us. Consciously expressing gratitude reminds us of the positive things in our life, making us feel happier overall. It could be gratitude for having friends and family or just enjoying a yummy snack.
All you need is a few minutes to think about what makes you happy and write it down. This small action can make a big difference. It helps you focus on the good things and makes every day a little brighter. Try to do it every day, and you'll start to feel more positive and thankful for everything around you.
3. Go for a walk to refresh your mindset
When you wake up tomorrow morning, you’re going to have all that extra time from moving your phone charger! Why not use this time to take a 10 minute walk? You don't need any special equipment—just your feet and a few minutes of your time.
When you walk, you get to step away from whatever is bothering you. It's a chance to breathe fresh air, see different things, and maybe even meet a friendly face or two. Walking helps your body stimulate endorphin release, uplifting your mood!
You can walk anywhere. It could be around your neighborhood, through a park, or just up and down your street. The important thing is to move and give yourself a break from sitting or staying indoors.
Try to make walking a part of your day. Even a short walk can make a big difference in how you feel. It's a simple way to look after both your body and your mind.
4. Take 10 deep breaths to cultivate a healthy mindset
Dispelling the myth that meditation or breathwork require tons of time, just taking 10 deep breaths can give you some of those same benefits.
You can do this anytime and anywhere. You don't need any tools or a quiet room. All you have to do is breathe in slowly and deeply, then breathe out slowly. Count each breath until you reach 10.
This approach serves as a reset for both mind and body, lowering stress and fostering serenity. It illuminates the profound efficacy of mindfulness in moderating stress responses and balancing our emotions. When you focus on your breath, it helps you stop thinking about other things that might be making you stressed or worried.
Try this simple breathing exercise whenever you feel overwhelmed or need a moment to yourself. Just 10 deep breaths can make a big difference in how you feel. It's a quick and easy way to help your mind and body relax.
5. Drink a glass of water to reset your body
As simple as it sounds, drinking a glass of water is a powerful step you can take right now to help your mental health. It reminds us of the connection between physical well-being and our psychological state. Proper hydration is crucial for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall energy levels.
When you're dehydrated, even a little, it can make you feel tired, grumpy, or unable to think clearly. The simple act of drinking water canreset both body and mind, emphasizing the connection between nourishment and mood.
So, grab a glass and fill it up. As you drink, try to notice the feeling of the water, how it cools you down and starts to make you feel refreshed. This is also a moment to pause, take a breath, and give yourself a little break.
Water does more than just quench your thirst. It helps your brain function better, keeps your mood steady, and can even give you more energy. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, sometimes a glass of water is what you need to reset and feel a bit better.
Make sure you keep drinking water throughout the day. It's a small, easy action, but it has a big impact on how you feel.
Including these strategies into your daily life can help you significantly fortify mental well-being - but don’t worry. Don't look at the end goal. Just pick one, right now, and do it!
It all starts with one step forward. <3
Embarking on the journey towards a healthier mindset doesn’t have to be daunting. With these five simple steps, you can start making meaningful changes to your mental health today, without the need for a complete lifestyle overhaul or financial investment. Remember, the smallest adjustments can lead to profound shifts in your overall well-being. I’d love to hear from you— which of these steps are you excited to try first? Or do you have a quick, impactful mental health tip of your own to share?
Share them with me wherever you like to hangout!
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