Instilling mindful habits in your daily routine is an integral step to supporting your overall mental well-being. A healthy mindset allows us to balance and manage everyday thoughts and emotions that often stem from impactful life events. By supporting your mental well-being with mindful habits, you’ll be able to tackle challenging emotions with clarity, improve your physical and mental health, and reduce worry as you navigate everything life throws your way. We have created a list of mindful habits below that you can adopt to improve your mental well-being and feel your best!
What is Mindfulness?
Before you instill mindful habits into your routine, it’s important to ask— what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the ability to be present and process thoughts, emotions, and situations occurring externally without projecting or reacting rashly. Being mindful may take some practice, especially if you are prone to overthinking. It can be tough to shift your sole focus to the present, but when staying in the moment at hand, you are better able to ward off worry, fear, stress, and exaggerated thoughts. This is where mindful habits come in!
Get Your Body Moving
When it comes to mindful exercise, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. It’s important to listen to what your mind and body are telling you. For example, if you feel sluggish, tense, or your energy levels are low, a cardio or toning workout may be in your best interest. Go for a run or brisk walk for a few minutes a day, preferably outdoors to get some fresh air. Getting your body moving has a multitude of benefits that not only make your body feel at its best but help to improve symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. Routine exercise also helps to boost our confidence and build self-esteem which reflects positively on our overall mental well-being.
Follow this link to: teen exercise and fitness trends
Mindful Practices
Starting your day with mindful practices like meditation or restorative yoga can help to calm the mind of restless thoughts. Set aside a few minutes each day for a quiet meditation session for some self-reflection to gain insight into what may be troubling you. This mindful technique can also be used in real time! For example, when facing a challenging situation in the workplace, take a minute to pause and reflect before reacting. You’ll find a more mindful solution to the problem at hand and refrain from overthinking. Practicing restorative yoga in the morning or at night is also a great mindful practice. It will help you to center the mind with breathwork and relieve tension in muscles you may not realize are holding stress. Whichever practice works best for you, take time for yourself to find peace of mind. You’ll feel more grounded and like you’re able to tackle the day with ease.
Nutrition Is Key
Gut health is directly connected to our mental well-being, so incorporating a healthy diet into your daily routine is key to feeling sound in both body and mind. Our colons are home to the gut microbiome that not only manages what nutrients are absorbed into our system but acts as a sensor to the brain to influence our energy and emotions. A well-balanced diet is going to look different for everyone, but try incorporating more nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and foods with high fiber content to give your brain a much-needed boost. Then, take things a step further and consult with a registered dietitian to get professional advice towards cultivating a plan that works best for you and your body.
Talk It Out
Sometimes, keeping our thoughts to ourselves leads to prolonged overthinking and a build-up of anxiety. If this resonates with you, it may be time to reach out to a loved one for some help. Connecting and talking to someone you trust can lighten the burden that some worries or stresses place on us. Schedule a weekly chat with a friend to vent about your week without fear of oversharing. This may also be a good time to seek professional help if you are experiencing more intense emotions. Routine therapy sessions can make a world of difference in your mental well-being and health, and with the accessibility of online psychiatry options becoming widely available, you can talk it out from the comfort of your own home. Connecting with others is a major part of supporting our mental well-being, so make it a priority to reach out and talk with those you care about.
Get Your Rest
Rest comes in many forms. It can be enjoying your favorite hobby, working out, lounging with your favorite show, seeing friends, or just a good night’s sleep. Prioritizing rest isn’t always easy when caught up in a hectic schedule, but when you don’t allow yourself a break, your body and mind begin to suffer as a result. You may feel fatigued, unable to focus, irritable, and burnt out. To make regular rest a part of your routine, set time limits on work and chores, and set a desired bed and wake time that allows for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Blocking your time will allow you to manage it more effectively and give you windows in your busy schedule for rest. Use your downtime wisely! Allowing yourself to rest and a moment to pause can keep your cognitive function top-notch, and your body will thank you for it.
In Conclusion – Make Time For You
Being mindful of your daily routine means taking time for yourself and making actionable steps towards improving your mental well-being. Prioritize your health with these mindful practices and feel your best for whatever life has in store for you!
