Happiness-Inducing Habits: Gratitude and Self-Care

Happiness-Inducing Habits: Gratitude and Self-Care

Last week we talked about cultivating a Healthy Mindset, and established that positive self-talk and self-acceptance are both big pieces of that puzzle. But what about the practical side? There are so many things we can incorporate into our life that help influence our mindset. Making consistent positive changes in some of these areas can lead to big improvements in how we feel, and in what we’re capable of.

Gratitude and Joy

Practicing gratitude has been linked to better physical health, improved sleep, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system. It positively impacts overall wellbeing. 

One way to focus on the things you’re grateful for, instead of on what you don’t have yet, is keeping a gratitude journal.

Another effective way to shift our thoughts is to do two-minute breaks. Start by taking just two minutes, at the beginning and end of each day, to appreciate something in your life. Sit down, close your eyes, and take a moment to quietly savor and appreciate anything. It might simply be small things, like how amazing your fruit at breakfast tasted, or the beautiful sunset you saw last night. This daily ritual can help soothe your nervous system, and consistent practice will improve happiness and support a healthy mindset.

Along with focusing on gratitude, we can actively seek joy. Sometimes we have to start with recognizing the things that bring us joy. Maybe it’s a cup of coffee with a friend, or detouring on your walk to see some beautiful wildflowers, or even doing kind things for others anonymously. Figure out what things bring you joy, and then consciously seek those things out.  

By actively cultivating thankfulness through practices like keeping a gratitude journal, regularly reflecting on things to be grateful for, and recognizing and seeking joy, we can shape a mindset that's more positive, resilient, and appreciative of life's blessings, both big and small.

Self-Care

We all know the virtues of eating healthy foods, but choosing them over fast food and easy-to-grab snacks is not always easy or convenient. However, if we’re intent on caring for ourselves, it might be time to make some changes. We can learn a lot by listening to our bodies, and what works best for other friends or family members might not be an ideal diet for everyone.

What foods make you feel good? (Not just while they’re in your mouth!) What foods make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable? Try paying more attention to what your body is telling you and you might find your eating habits changing naturally. 

Along with healthier eating, it’s important to move our bodies to feel our best. We all know that regular exercise can have a huge impact on our physical health, but it also makes a big contribution to a healthy mindset. Some of the less-well-known benefits of exercise include enhanced mood, improved brain function, boosted energy levels, a stronger immune system, and even a longer lifespan. Moderate, gentle exercise is such a gift of self-care! 

Exercise doesn’t have to look like spending hours on the treadmill or stair climber. Some good suggestions to try are walking with friends, hiking, pickleball, golf, cycling, dance, yoga, swimming, or even yard work and gardening. If we find something we actually enjoy doing, we’re much more likely to continue it!

Sometimes we wish we had more time in the day, and some of us try to create it by skipping out on sleep. This isn’t the best idea, since sleep is a cornerstone of good physical and mental health. 

How much sleep do we really need? Research shows that most of us need between 7-8 hours, but that recommendation isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Some people do fine on less sleep, and some of us need more. If you try to get up at the same time each day (promoting a good circadian rhythm) and then listen to your body when you’re tired, you should naturally be getting enough sleep. (Caffeine can artificially make you feel more awake, so consider cutting off the caffeine after lunch.) 

Obviously, life gets in the way, and this doesn’t always happen. Thankfully our bodies are resilient and forgiving. If the last few nights have been a bit short, getting to bed earlier than usual can help you squeeze in a little extra! 

Ready to make some small lifestyle changes that can improve your mindset? Let’s chat and figure out where you might be able to make the most impact!