Habits make up a major part of our life.
A habit isn’t formed in a day or two, it takes doing the same action repeatedly.
When you do a particular act again and again, your brain gets programmed to function that way. So, the next time you do it, you don’t have to put much thought into it. It comes automatically. It becomes a habit.
Hence, it also doesn’t get any easier to break out of bad habits either. In truth, it’s not possible to stop a habit, we can rather replace it with a different one. (a good one)
Habits have the power to bring out positive changes in our life. If you start inculcating good habits, physical or mental, your routine will be a healthy one. And a healthy routine will lead to a more fulfilled life.
We tend not to give much attention to our mental habits but having good mental habits is just as important as physical habits. Besides, healthy mental habits will refresh both, your mind and body. It will help improve your relationship with yourself and others. You’ll function more efficiently and feel more in control of your life.
Hence, I’ve listed 6 healthy mental habits that will help you improve your life.
1) Be true to yourself
You know what?
It doesn’t matter what others think of you or how they judge your character, unless and until you are true to yourself. What you think of yourself matters first.
This is the most essential habit to adapt to!
As when you’re being honest with yourself about your flaws, bad decisions, or your strengths and achievements, you know where you stand. You know what’s in your heart. You know your truest self, however, it may be. And what can be more beautiful than that?
Being true to yourself is one of the initial steps in knowing yourself. Nothing and no one can wreck you badly, since you know your deepest insecurities and honest thoughts.
2) Own up to your mistakes and make changes accordingly
We all do wrong and make mistakes. It doesn’t make us any less of a human. What matters is that we take accountability for our actions.
We often try to cover up our mistakes or hide them from others, because either we don’t have the courage to accept them or we’re not comfortable facing the consequences. If those mistakes involve other people then it’s important for you to accept them, so as not to hurt anyone. I know it’s hard and even embarrassing sometimes but it’s a good thing to do.
It takes a bigger person to accept that they were wrong and they will make changes.
That is the path towards personal growth. What matters is that you’re learning from those mistakes and blossoming.
3) Do Breathing exercises and Meditation
This is the most effective way to relax and calm your mind. Breathing exercises are always a good option for your overall well-being. In addition to improving your lung capacities, breathing also helps to calm your thoughts and quell your anxiety. It helps you focus. Hence, breathing is an important factor in meditation to achieve stability of thoughts.
I have been meditating since I was a teenager and it has helped me a lot over the years. Though I don’t meditate now as much as I did back then, it is still an effective way for me to relax.
Meditation is a really good habit to instill. You can meditate whichever way it works for you. As it will benefit you in the long run.
4) Practice positive affirmations
We often underestimate the power of affirmations. I did too at one point. Even though the base of my meditation was dependent on affirmations and empowering words, I didn’t realize their power until I started saying them when I used to feel down.
Let me share a little story 🙂 about that.
I remember I was so exhausted both mentally and physically, one day. And that was like the peak day, after being energetic for months. I just wanted for things to settle down and take a break. But I couldn’t say this to anyone else around me, as I wasn’t the only one suffering through the difficult time. Everyone was trying to find their way out of the situation and I didn’t wanna discourage anybody with my thoughts.
I had to face my thoughts alone and be brave and strong to get through everything. So, after confronting my thoughts I took a deep breath and started to cheer myself up. I was saying in my head that, I’m the baddest bitch and I can get through this, I’m brave and so much more powerful than the situation in front of me, and all of that. I tried to mean every word I was saying.
And to my amazement, I felt better than earlier.
When I realized how much of an effect these words can have on us, I started to say them daily.
You know what they say,
One affirmation a day keeps negativity away. *wink*(haha)
As a result of practicing affirmations, you’ll see positive changes in your mindset. Practicing these daily or once in a while will help you develop an optimistic attitude towards life.
5) Learn to take a break once in a while
Wait. Stop scrolling. Now. Close this article and take a break for a few minutes.
Now that you’re back let’s continue.
I think this is the most difficult habit to adapt to, for the people who find their peace in being busy or doing something.
Sometimes we get so caught up in our jobs, fulfilling our dreams that we forget to take a rest.
As important as it is to work hard and build the life of your dreams, you should still know when to stop for a while. If you won’t have a break and continue working, your mind and body will get tired eventually. And being tired will be of no use to you as you will lose your work efficiency.
I can understand if you’re someone who just doesn’t like sitting idle and doing nothing.
But you know what?
You’ll have to work on that or you’ll exhaust yourself. We’re all human beings after all. We need some time to recharge and reflect.
And that’s what breaks are for! To refresh your mind and recharge your batteries again. wink
In short, sometimes you gotta learn to do nothing too. It’s as important as working all the fricking time.
6) Be your own cheerleader
Having people who cheer you up for your hard work and accomplishments is special. It truly is.
But you know what’s more beautiful?
To be your own cheerleader!
Being happy for each of your small achievements. Rewarding yourself for your hard work, by maybe buying a new dress, watching a movie, reading a book (in case you didn’t know bookworm here), or doing anything that counts as your idea of fun. I used to do that when I would score well in my mock tests and exams.
Cheering for yourself and being happy for your wins can help a lot in boosting your confidence. It will make you wanna strive harder to attain your goals.
It’s never too late to learn something new or to better your life. I hope this article helped you in some way.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you already follow any of the above habits? If so, then what improvement has it brought in your life?
Let me know in the comments section below!