Author: Tessa Koller / Source: Lifehack
From how you wake up in the morning, to the work you do, to the food you eat, our behaviors are a reflection of our mood and state of mind. How we respond to circumstances and situations creates a ripple effect and then a change or a consequence.
And everyday, we’re making tons of decisions, forming or sticking to habits and trying to cultivate a positive mindset in the process.
Our habits make changes in our lives, some good, some not so good.We live in a world where a lot of negative, scary, questionable, and often times, crazy things happen. We’re constantly consumed by what’s being said on the news, on social media, or on the radio, and it can be difficult not to internalize it all.
Our brains take in so much information at the speed of light and try to process the good, the bad, and the indifferent. Our habits shape us and affect our perspective on the things that happen to us.
It’s important to adopt happy habits that will allow you to be calm in your mind. Each day, especially if you live with depression and anxiety, mental health or self check-ins will be most beneficial for you. During these check-ins, you can do anything that you find enjoyable.
Happy habits are powerful enough to bring you joy, which is everlasting.
To sustain a healthy mindset, you must take time for yourself and nourish your mind daily. Lifestyle practices such as mindful meditation, planting your feet on the ground and focusing on your breathing, or meditative walking produce calmness. Getting enough sunlight fuels the brain, boosts the production of serotonin, and hearing nature sounds intervenes in negative thinking.
Habits are thinking paths that the brain returns to and creating habits can be challenging.
Doing something new can feel terrifying or uncertain and our brains have a way of protecting us, too. I watched a TedTalk recently about how our brains keep us from changing. After I watched this talk, I had a better understanding of why I’d been so hesitant to try new things in the past or create new habits or open my own business. I was letting fear steer my ship. I’d had fears of something not working out or encountering an unfamiliar situation.
If you try to create habits that are too big, you’ll put unnecessary stress and expectations on yourself. You, instead, want to start small. The smallest change can make the biggest difference.
Adopting happy habits will strengthen your thoughts and how you respond to life events or transitions. So, here are nine happy habits you can include that will radically shift your mindset and outlook on life.
1. Go on nature walks
Even in the winter time, I will go outside regardless of how cold it is, and spend time walking in nature. I’ve made this habit of doing nature walks, listening to my footsteps, breathing in fresh air, or marveling at wildlife.
Where I live, a lot of deer congregate (and lately, wild turkeys) in the wilderness amid my home. If I am having a stressful or hard day, I will focus on sounds outside. I focus on all of my senses. Calmness eases my thoughts.
Recently, I’ve been going through difficult transitions and found myself relying on this time in the woods. The smell of burning leaves instantly relaxes me. Not sure why, but I’ve loved the burning maple smell since I was a kid.
2. Do a creative activity (that you don’t feel the need to share online)
You don’t have to be creative to do something creative. Try coloring in those adult coloring books if your thoughts are driving you mad. Those Sudoku puzzles or word searches are things I like to do to take my mind off of the stress induced by daily life.
By doing puzzle-like activities, the mind goes quiet. Thoughts will fade and if something is bothering you, some kind of activity can change your…
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