Do you have a goal of looking after your mental wellbeing, but find that the idea of adding more to your to-do list creates stress rather than lessens it?
What if we told you that you might already be doing things that could support your mental wellbeing? Sometimes all it takes is a change in your perspective to make the most of healthy habits.
Get into a mental wellbeing mindset
From brushing your teeth to catching the bus, you already have many daily habits and routines you use to look after yourself and get things done. Some might feel like necessary chores, while others might be the bright point in your day.
Recognising that some of these habits could also be an opportunity to boost your mental wellbeing allows you to start actively doing them with mental health in mind. Here are six ways to flip your thinking about your daily routine.
1. Be active for the benefit of your mind
How do you move your body? You might already be going to the gym, walking the dog or riding your bike to take the kids to school.
It’s likely you decided to do these activities to look after your physical health, or they might just be a necessity (no one enjoys 3am dog zoomies). But flipping your perspective so you think about doing physical activity for the good of your mind as well as your body can mean you reap double the benefits, getting a chance to de-stress and reset your mind as well as your body.
2. Acknowledge when you learn something new
Do you enjoy listening to podcasts? Watching TV? Reading? Cooking new recipes? Playing games or doing puzzles?
Learning something new is a great way to boost your mental wellbeing, and you’re probably doing it often. Are you aware of the times in your day when you learn a new skill or fact? If you’re having trouble recognising when you’re learning, make an effort to share what you’ve learned with a friend or write it down.
When it’s time to wind down and you’re picking entertainment or leisure activities, think about what you could choose that would help keep your mind active and continue a habit of lifelong learning.
3. Be aware of kindnesses
If often stands out when others are kind to us, but how often do you recognise when you’re kind to others?
Whether you smile at a stranger, help a friend in need, give a gift, volunteer or lend an ear, next time you’re spreading kindness, take a moment to acknowledge how it makes you feel inside. Those warm fuzzies can be as good for you as your good deed was for the recipient.
4. Key into connection
How many people do you interact with every day? In person, online, by mail or phone, staying connected with others is vital for your wellbeing.
When you’re making time to connect with others, do so with the intention of looking after your mental wellbeing. Take a moment to appreciate how you feel when you’re with them and get the full benefit of time spent with others.
5. Take notice of what’s going on around you
We’re constantly surrounded by stimuli and we tend to tune out a lot of what is going on around us. But simple daily habits can become powerful mindfulness moments if we pay attention.
Can you pick a daily habit and turn it into a mini meditation? Try one of these to see how a moment of mindfulness can change your take on an old ritual:
- Notice the sounds, sights and smells that happen while brewing your morning coffee.
- Count how many different colours you see in the produce at the supermarket.
- Switch off devices to go for a walk unplugged and listen to the sounds of the landscape around you.
6. Nature is all around you
Getting outdoors is good for your body and mind. But you don’t have to venture into the wilds to embrace nature.
If you’ve got regular chores you do outside, why not make them into a nature excursion? From taking a moment to stargaze while you put out the bins, to listening for birds while you hang out the washing, once you pay attention you might find that you’re already spending more time in nature than you realise.