The older I get the more awareness I have around the impact of my thoughts. I have also become more aware of how I can control my thoughts and practice certain things to have a more positive mindset. This is a topic I’m very passionate about and, although I am not an expert, would like to share more of. Having a positive and controlled headspace helps us to improve many areas of our lives, from work to relationships and everything in-between. So, with that being said, here are seven ways to improve your headspace.

BE AWARE OF YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

As with many things, to improve, it’s important to first identify the problem that might be holding you back. I know all too well how easy one negative thought can spiral into an ongoing series of negative and anxious thoughts. It’s so important to recognize when negative thoughts enter our minds so we can pause to redirect onto something more positive and encouraging.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Self-care has been a hot topic recently and is usually mentioned with things such as giving yourself a manicure or applying a face mask. Those things are great and can definitely make you feel better, but I think the more important area of self-care is recognizing what your body, mind, and soul require. Do you need more sleep? Do you need to journal how you’re feeling to better face personal struggles? Do you need to stop putting so much pressure on yourself and be proud of how far you’ve come? Getting to the root of how you can better take care of yourself will put you in a position to then help others as well.

FOCUS ON THE GOOD

If you are constantly focused on everything that’s going “wrong” in your life, you are more likely to discover things to be upset about. Likewise, when you focus and seek out positives, you will find that there are many. The number of good and bad things doesn’t change but the shift in your mindset can bring attention to one or the other. Manifestation and the law of attraction are great examples of how this method can really be life changing.

BE PRESENT

It’s so easy to get stuck in the past or be anxious about the future but learning to truly be present can not only simplify life, but can make it more enjoyable as well. This is key if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed trying to balance too much. Know that it’s important to slow down and take one day or even one step at a time. This may mean giving up a few things that fill your calendar and learning to stay “no” more often. Meditation of any kind is also a great way to practice slowing down and being present. I’ve heard great things about the meditation app called Headspace and plan to try that soon myself.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “You become who you surround yourself with” or the quote by Jim Rohn that reads “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. This idea is so true and can apply to the people you spend time with in person and the people you interact with online. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be there for others when they are going through hard times, but if someone in your life is constantly complaining or in a state of unhappiness, they probably won’t help you to look at your own life through a more positive lens. The same goes for the content you consume online. Do the people you follow make you feel good about yourself and inspire you to become a better version of yourself? If not, it might be time to unfollow them or temporarily “mute” them from your consumption. One of my favorite ways to consume content that inspires me and makes me feel good is to search “positive quotes” or “positivity and happiness” on Pinterest. Follow my Wellness Pinterest board here for some of my favorites.

PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS

If you don’t already, start looking for ways to improve your health and exercise. Taking care of our bodies is just as important as taking care of our hearts, minds, and souls. I also believe that moving our bodies and fueling them with nutritious foods will absolutely improve our headspace because when we feel good physically, we are more than likely to feel good mentally as well.

EXPRESS GRATITUDE

When I find myself feeling down and/or sorry for myself, I try to switch my mindset and think of everything I’m grateful for. It’s crazy how quickly your spirits can be lifted when you stop thinking about everything you do have instead of everything you do not. Click here to learn about the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.

I know it’s easier said than done but no matter what life throws at you, it’s up to you to choose how to respond. You can either focus on the fear and negativity or redirect that energy into more positive thinking. I truly believe that one of the most important lessons of life is learning how to create your own joy and that all starts with having a positive mindset. I hope you found these tips helpful and were reminded of the opportunity you have to improve your headspace.