If you ever feel stuck in a rut, mindfulness could be the key to feeling better. So much of what we think impacts our daily lives and how we feel. Having a lack of energy or motivation to do even the simplest things can take a toll on not only your productivity, but your overall happiness as well. Luckily, we have the power to choose our thoughts which sets the tone for how we’re feeling. Mindfulness is basically a type of meditation where you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Whether you’re practicing TM, breathwork or just simply staying present, mindfulness is a vital element I suggest incorporating into your daily routine. So, if you’re ready to get out of that funk and on to feeling more like yourself, here are some mindfulness exercises that will help boost your mood:
Practice gratitude
Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude is linked to better physical and psychological health, increased mental strength, higher self-esteem, improved relationships and higher quality sleep. One way I like to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. It can be as simple as writing down 5 things you’re grateful for that day!
Repeat affirmations
Daily affirmations help encourage a life filled with positivity and gratitude. Negative thoughts can become habitual, and the only way to counteract them is with a positive mindset. By repeating daily affirmations, you can become more aware of your daily thoughts and words, keep yourself surrounded by the things you want in life, put small things into perspective and keep you in a constant state of gratitude.
Last year, I had Dr. Deepika Chopra (aka the “Optimism Doctor”) on TBF Podcast, where we talked about the science behind optimism, the physical benefits of optimism, how to be more optimistic, optimism vs. toxic positivity, how to hold space for all emotions (even the negative ones), and so much more. Definitely give the episode a listen here, or check out this blog post!
Have a morning routine
Mornings set the tone for the entire day and I’m all about morning rituals that contribute to my mental, physical and spiritual health. Whether your morning routine consists of journaling, enjoying a cup of coffee or taking a probiotic, wake up with the intention of having a good day. Never forget the power of your thoughts – positive thinking will set you up for success.
Write down your goals
Once a week, write down some goals, things you’d like to accomplish or big projects you have coming up. This will help organize your thoughts so you can prioritize what’s most important. That way, you can allocate your time accordingly without getting too overwhelmed. Plus, when you can visually see everything you have coming up, chances are, you’ll feel relieved to get it all down on paper.
Organize your space
Once you organize aspects of your life, it’s usually followed by a feeling of relief. It’s also hard to practice mindfulness when you’re feeling disorganized. So, take the time to clear up old emails, old notes, your workspace, etc. I promise you’ll have a clearer head and feel a boost of productivity!
Nurture your emotional health
Schedule some mindfulness time where you can take an emotional rest. Whether this includes incorporating a no-commitment day into your schedule, limiting screen time, or meditating, make sure to prioritize your emotional health. Find out what helps you feel less stressed and better able to practice mindfulness.
