Life is not always rainbows and butterflies, sometimes it can be too overwhelming for each of us. Stressors and challenges being faced every day make it easy for us to feel emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. But don’t worry because you can overcome these lonely days by learning to create a mindset that helps you navigate life’s ups and downs.
Let me remind you that having a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring all your life difficulties, this will only make you drown eventually. What you need to do is learn to shift your perspective, find balance, and embrace life with an open heart.
How To Find Your Inner Light
If you think you are now stuck in a cycle of negativity, it’s time to refocus your mind and reconnect with your inner light. Here are some simple yet powerful daily habits that can help you build a more positive outlook on life.
Start Your Day with Gratitude
This is no longer new, but how you begin your morning always sets the tone for the rest of your day. So, instead of reaching for your phone first thing to check your emails or social media accounts, why not take a few moments to express gratitude for another wonderful day?
You can think of at least three things you’re grateful for—it doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. It could be something as simple as having a good night’s sleep, a warm cup of your favourite tea, or anything else you are thankful for.
Try this: Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside and write down what you’re thankful for every morning. Practising gratitude helps refocus your mind and soul from what’s lacking to what’s already present in your life. Always be grateful.
Meditate for Clarity and Calm
Meditation is also another powerful technique to build a positive mindset. You don’t have to take so much time doing this. Taking just 5 to 10 minutes a day to focus on your breath can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and bring a sense of inner peace.
And meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Just simply sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. If your mind starts to think of many things (don’t worry it is normal), gently bring your attention back to your breathing.
Try this: If you cannot focus or are unsure if you are doing the right thing, you may use some guided meditation apps to help you get started.
Move Your Body, Lift Your Mood
Physical movement has a direct impact on your mental well-being that’s why some people advise you to exercise when you’re feeling down. Exercising can release endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, and helps reduce stress and anxiety. You don’t need to commit to an intense workout, a gentle movement like yoga, stretching, or a simple walk outside can make your mindset feel at ease.
Try this: Start your morning with sun salutations (a simple yoga sequence) or take an afternoon walk in the park to clear your mind after a long tiring day. Moving your body helps you shake off negativity and reconnect with your inner light.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people and environments you surround yourself with can also influence your mindset so always choose the right people and place to hang out with. Do they uplift and inspire you or do they dim your light? Take a moment to assess your relationship with them. Limit time with negative influences and seek out people who bring you to positivity and growth.
Pay attention to the content you consume daily. If you are scrolling through your social media, avoid too much exposure to negative news. Repetitive exposure to this kind of negativity can drain your energy. Always be mindful of what you allow into your mental space.
Try this: Listen to podcasts with substance and uplifting content, read self-growth books, and follow social media accounts that inspire positivity and personal growth.
Practise Positive Affirmations
The way you speak to yourself always matters. If you often find yourself stuck in self-doubt or negative thinking, doing a daily affirmation can help refocus your mindset. Positive affirmations are short, powerful statements that reinforce self-belief and optimism.
Try this: Start each day by saying affirmations out loud, such as:
I am capable and strong.
I choose to see the good in every situation.
I attract positive energy into my life.
Over time, these words become embedded in your subconscious, helping you cultivate a more positive self-image.
Engage in Mindful Breathing
Making deep and intentional breathing is a simple yet very effective way to calm your mind and relieve stress. When you are overwhelmed with things, pause and take a few slow, deep breaths. This will signal to your nervous system that you are safe, reducing stress and anxiety.
Try this: Practise the 4-7-8 breathing technique:
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Inhale for 4 seconds
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Hold your breath for 7 seconds
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Exhale slowly for 8 seconds
Unplug and Be Present
We are in a world that’s constantly connected, making it easy for us to be distracted and overwhelmed by multiple things that are happening simultaneously. Allow yourself to have a screen break—whether it’s social media, emails, or news, it can help your mind refocus and feel the present moment and bring you back to real life.
Try this: You can take at least 30 minutes a day to unplug. Instead of scrolling to your phone, spend time reading good books, writing your thoughts, or engaging in a creative hobby. Being present in the moment helps reduce stress and improves your overall sense of well-being.
End the Day with Reflection
You started with a meditation, so make sure to end your day with reflection as well. Before going to bed, take a few moments to reflect on what happened that day. But you will not focus on what went wrong, instead, you will turn these mistakes into lessons that will help you improve more.
And of course, don’t forget to recognise your wins. What made you smile that day? What are your proudest moments? Reflection helps shift your mindset towards gratitude and personal growth, embracing a brighter tomorrow.
Try this: Write down one positive thing that happened during the day. This practice can boost your mood, improving your sleep quality.
Cultivating a positive mindset cannot be achieved in one-day sitting, you have to engage in daily good habits. By adding these daily good habits to your everyday life, from meditation and gratitude to movement and mindfulness, you can nurture a sense of inner peace, positivity and resilience.
Remember, your inner light might dim at times, but it is always there. You can always turn it on, it just takes a little daily effort to let it shine.