We can choose how we want to perceive every situation. Even if we can’t control what is happening around us, we can choose where we direct our attention. Our mind is powerful. We can use mindfulness practices to improve our overall mindset. From the moment you wake up to the moment you lay your head on your pillow at night, you can control your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and so on. These mindful practices will help you get through any day!
I think it is important when you wake up to consciously make an effort to put yourself in a confident, uplifting, and empowering mood. We all wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes. One mindfulness practice to adjust your attitude in the morning is journaling a few things you are grateful to have in your life. Scribble down in a journal, on a sticky note or pad of paper at least three items you are grateful before you start your day. I suggest leaving your journal on your nightstand, so it is the first thing you see when you wake up. It will shift your mindset to see the good and put things in your life into perspective. It could be wise to wake up just 10 minutes earlier to implement this practice as a staple part of your morning routine. It will be a calming way to start your day. I suggest adding in quiet time, such as stretching, meditation, or enjoying drinking your coffee in a quiet space. This little extra time to yourself will be a game-changer.
Another practice you can implement in your daily life as you go about your day is changing the way you view things you have to accomplish. Two things you can control are your attitude and your effort. There are always going to be bad days, overwhelming days, too tired days, sad days, mixed in with all the great days. Throughout the day, I challenge you to change your mindset from an “I have to” to an “I get to.” I promise this will alter your mood in the best way.
I will give a few examples.
- Instead of “I have to go to work today,” think, “I get to go work today.”
- Instead of “I have to call my grandma,” think, “I get to call my grandma.”
- Instead of “I have to exercise, ” think, “I get to exercise.”
There is so much in life we take for granted. We forget that so many of the things we often make seem negative daily are blessings. Some of the things you get to do during a typical day that you often complain about or dislike, other people are wishing they had that opportunity. It is a hard task to try to change your mindset consciously, but if you can remember to think “I get to” instead of “I have to,” it will make your day a million times better. Don’t let a bad 15 minutes trick your brain into thinking you have a terrible life. Once you start working on changing how you look at things, you’ll begin to be so much more mindful of your life and actions.
A practice you can do towards the end of the day is talk about the things that went well for you or something you are excited to do. One thing that we often do when we are speaking to someone else is talking about our problems more than our blessings. I challenge you at the end of the day when you are on the phone with your parents, talking to your friends over dinner, getting ready for bed with your spouse, etc. to talk about everything that went well instead of everything that went wrong. Take some time to share your dreams instead of your stressors.
I know I overthink, worry, and complain more than I should. Instead, I should shift my mindset to count my blessings. Actively trying to improve your mindset will reap big rewards over time. While I try to develop my mindset, I encourage you to join me on this journey!
“Dwell in the beauty of life. Watch the stars and see yourself running with them.”
