We hear it all the time – eating right, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep every night is the key to leading a healthy lifestyle. And all that’s great, but we really shouldn’t underestimate the power of our mindset.
The thoughts we have are so incredibly powerful because they can determine how we feel. When negative thoughts enter our head and taint our view on the world, we can let these negative feelings project outwards and impact others around us.
These negative thought cycles might seem difficult to silence, especially when you wake up in a bad mood, but there are some simple things you can do to create a more positive mindset.
START YOUR DAY WITH A WIN
This is something I love to do because it’s simple yet effective.
Pick something you really don’t want to do but know you’ll feel accomplished after doing it. It can be absolutely anything, from a home workout to hoovering the living room. Once it’s done notice how your outlook has shifted and you feel like it’s a job well done.
Talk about your brand
Would you tell a friend they’re lazy for taking time off work to chill? No. You’d tell them they deserved a break and that it’s important to take time for yourself. So why do it to yourself?
The constant pressure to work all the time just isn’t something you should burden yourself with. If you love that kind of lifestyle then that’s great. But if your body is saying you need time off, then don’t feel guilty about binge-watching Netflix!
SAY IT WITH A SMILE
Ever walked past a stranger and smiled at them, and they smiled right back at you? Ahh it’s a lovely feeling to know you could have brightened their day.
There’s no reason why you can't just smile to yourself! Think back to a time when you and your friends belly laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe and sent happy thoughts straight to your mind.
FOCUS ON YOU
Although standing in front of the mirror and telling yourself affirmations is quite a trendy topic at the moment, it’s not really everyone’s cup of tea. But there’s no reason why you can’t focus on your strengths and the things you love about yourself! Pick three positive traits that either you love about yourself, or that your friends and family love about you, and remind yourself of them while brushing your teeth every day!
TURN NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES
Ever walked away from a situation and thought “oh my god, that couldn’t have gone any worse”. Maybe you went to a job interview and cringed at how you answered one of the questions. You can play these scenarios again and again in your head, but it’ll only increase your anxiety levels. Just stop right there. Instead of seeing all the negatives in the situation, turn the tables and pick out all the positives.
YOU DO YOU
Once you realise that you’re the only person in charge of your life, it’s kind of invigorating! Whatever you want to create, the experience of achieving it is completely down to you. You’re your own boss so if you don’t look after your own well-being, who else will?!