Most of us know how important it is to care for our physical health, but what about our mental health? Improving your mindset can help you lead a more balanced, energized, and productive life. Keep reading to learn ways to improve your mindset by taking simple steps every day to enhance your life experience.
What Does Mindset Mean, and Why is Mindset Important?
Mindset refers to how we think, feel, and approach the world. It encompasses our attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, and assumptions, all of which profoundly impact our experiences and outcomes.
Why is having a positive mindset important? When it comes to mental health, mindset can play a critical role in our ability to cope with stress, manage our emotions, and maintain a positive outlook. A growth mindset, for example, can help us view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Similarly, cultivating a mindset of self-compassion and kindness can help us navigate difficult emotions with greater ease and resilience. The good news is that mindset is not fixed but rather something we can work on and change over time.
How Long Does It Take to Change Your Mindset?
So, how long does it take to change your mindset? Mindset change doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it takes 90 days to change your mindset, which is why you can’t read one self-help book and expect to be transformed. On top of that, you can only effectively change one thing at a time. Therefore, while books, podcasts, trainings, etc., are great ways to upgrade your mindset to improve your mental health, don’t try to do too much at once. Instead, focus on creating one new habit and be consistent for 90 days. That’s how to change your outlook on life sustainably.
Ways to Improve Your Mindset: 5 Actions to Take
Improving your mental health begins with improving your mindset. You already know it takes 90 days to make something a habit, and you can only change one thing at a time. So, while we’re providing you with five ways to improve your mindset, don’t try to do them all at once. Rather, pick one and implement it daily for three months. Then move on to another to see long-lasting improvements in your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
1. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is the attitude that can change your entire mindset for the better. Rather than focusing on what you lack, practicing gratitude daily allows you to appreciate the blessings in your life, no matter how big or small. When you intentionally focus on the good in your life, your perspective shifts, and you begin to see things in a more positive light. This mindset shift not only improves your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety but also helps you build stronger relationships with others by fostering empathy and compassion.
Put It into Action for 90 Days
Put gratitude into action by setting an alarm on your phone for 12:00pm noon every day. Title the alarm “Gratitude.” When it goes off, pause whatever you’re doing and say or write down three things you’re grateful for. Setting an alarm will help you stay consistent, and consistently practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to improve your mindset and boost your mental health.
2. Be Creative
Did you know that being creative is not only fun but it’s also an incredible way to improve your mental health? Tapping into your creativity daily can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and even boost your mood. When we engage in creative activities, we enter a state of flow, which allows us to disconnect from the daily hustle and bustle of life and fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. It’s a form of meditation that helps to clear our minds and relax our bodies.
Put It into Action for 90 Days
There are two things to remember when considering how to be creative daily to improve your mindset. First, you don’t necessarily have to be good at something to do it, enjoy it, and experience the benefits. It doesn’t matter if you’re a terrible artist–painting daily can still help boost your mental health.
Second, creativity doesn’t always look like painting or drawing–traditional “art” activities. Creativity also looks like dancing, singing, journaling, taking pictures, cooking, listening to music, a podcast, or a TED talk. Finding new ways to tap into your creative side is an excellent way to improve your mental health.
3. Get Active
Getting active daily is one of the best habits you can adopt to improve your mindset and mental health. Regular physical exercise can improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your self-esteem, and even help prevent depression. But what’s even more interesting is that the benefits of physical activity are even greater when you’re active outside in nature. Being in nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, as it helps reduce mental fatigue, increase attention, and provide a sense of peace and tranquility.
Put It into Action for 90 Days
Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or a bike ride, there are many ways to get active outside and improve your mental and physical well-being at the same time. So try to move your body in some way every day. Sign up for a yoga class and pay in advance to keep yourself accountable to go. Or plan to walk with a friend every Saturday morning to get outside and make it a habit.
4. Journal Your Thoughts
Journaling every day is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s a simple practice that can profoundly impact your mindset and overall mental health. Not only does it provide a space for you to express your thoughts and emotions, but it helps to clarify your feelings and gain a better understanding of yourself and your experiences. Through journaling, you can reflect on your day, set intentions for the future, and identify patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. It can also serve as a form of self-care and stress relief, allowing you to process difficult emotions and release any pent-up tension.
Put It into Action for 90 Days
Grab a notebook and start writing. It’s that simple. You don’t have to be a good writer. You don’t even have to know what you’ll write about before you start. Simply put pen to paper and jot down whatever comes to mind.
5. Be Social
Connecting with others can be one of the most fulfilling aspects of our lives, yet it can be easy to overlook the importance of daily social interaction. Socializing can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, and lower blood pressure. By making an effort to engage with friends and loved ones regularly, we’re not only strengthening our relationships, but we’re also boosting our overall mindset and mental health.
Put It into Action for 90 Days
Whether grabbing coffee with a co-worker or chatting with a family member over the phone, taking a little time each day to connect with someone can go a long way in enhancing your overall well-being. It doesn’t even have to be a big gesture–a simple act like smiling at someone while waiting in line at the grocery store can not only boost your mindset but make their day too.
How Your Mindset Affects Your Life and What to Do About It
Your mindset plays an incredibly important role in your mental health. It is essential for successfully navigating life experiences and achieving personal growth. With intentional effort, optimism, and resilience, anybody can learn to improve their mindset. Rather than trying to do too much too fast, choose one new habit for improving your mindset and stick to it for 90 days. You’ll be amazed at how you feel better, encouraging you to continue trying new ways to improve your mindset.