It is easy to get into the habit of not taking time out of your day to focus on your mental health. Especially when we start to feel as if we are in a mental slump, spiraling into negativity is easier than we might think. However, if you focus on going through this checklist every day, it can lead to a happier state of mind and a healthier brain.
Choose your mindset.
The first thing you should do when you wake up every day is to decide what mindset you are going to have. Will you choose to see the positives of this day? What are you most excited about today? Taking one minute out of your morning to do this mental exercise will help you weed-out the negativity in your brain.
Change your language.
An easy way to transfer stress is through language, so changing the way you talk about things will affect your state of mind. For example, when looking at your day, instead of saying you have to do something, say you get to do it. Things like classes or grocery shopping might feel like the end of the world, but reminding yourself that they are a privilege that not everyone has can help you put it in perspective.
Practice gratitude.
What are you thankful for today? Maybe it is something as big as a promotion at your job or something as small as being able to get out of bed this morning. A good way to hold yourself accountable for this one is to start a gratitude journal and try to write down the things you feel thankful for.
Find time to give.
This can be difficult when you have a busy schedule, but it is important to give to others at some point in your day. Trying things like giving money to a good cause, giving away a couple of minutes of your time to help someone in need, or just giving a compliment to someone you pass will help you feel happier, as well as spread the love to others.
Try meditation.
Find time to unwind and reflect. You don't have to be in a yoga studio to do this and it can be as long or as short as you feel is necessary. Jo Eckler, a therapist in Austin, TX says "Being mindful for just a few minutes a day teaches us that everything changes, making it easier to have hope in dark moments," she explains. "This will also help strengthen your practice of observing—but not always giving into—the negative thoughts your brain likes to conjure."
Tell someone that you love them.
Tell your mom, your dad, your grandparents, your dog, or whoever else will listen! Taking time to let the people that you love know that you are thinking about them will brighten their day, and in turn, your own! Trying to focus on sharing your emotions with people at least once a day is also a healthy habit to get into for those of us who tend to keep feelings bottled up.
Laugh!
Find time for it! Watch your favorite YouTube video, look at memes on Twitter, read a joke book; the limit is endless! It is okay to take five minutes to worry about yourself and what makes you smile.
Decide what you want to be ​today​ and do it.
You don't have to have your whole life planned out. Pick a word that defines your ideal self for that day and try to circle back to it. Maybe for today, you want to be "caring" or "hardworking" or "selfless." Pick a trait that you wish that you had or had more of and focus on being that person for 24 hours.
Do what makes you feel confident.
Go for a run! Put on some makeup! Wear your favorite shirt! Whatever makes you feel the most confident in your skin, do it! You are much more likely to step outside of your comfort zone or talk to strangers when you feel confident in your outwards appearance.
Remember that everyday is potentially your best day.
It really could be! If you ruin every day for yourself by believing that it will be the worst day of your life, you might miss out on some really awesome things that could happen to you. Keeping positivity in the forefront of your mind opens up your day to a new world of great possibilities. Keep those eyes open! You might look back at today for the rest of your life.
