20 Healthy mindset habits that will help you Change Your Life for the better

Making small changes to your daily routine can profoundly impact your overall health and well-being. If you’re looking for ways to improve your mindset and adopt healthier habits, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss simple healthy mindset habits that you can use to change your life for the better. So what are you waiting for? Start reading and start changing!

“The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”

– John C. Maxwell

What are habits?

Habits. We all have them. Some of us are more aware of them than others. But habits are an integral part of who we are as individuals.

A habit is a behavior we’ve learned through repetition and practice. It’s a way of doing something that has become second nature. 

Thus, habits are learned behaviors that gradually become a part of your daily routine, subconsciously guiding your every move. They dictate how you spend your time, from when you wake up to when you go to bed.

In a nutshell, habits are things you do regularly without even thinking about. 

Why are habits important?

Have you ever started a new workout regime or diet, only to find that your motivation has begun to flag after a few weeks? 

It’s an all-too-common scenario, and it highlights the importance of habit. We set ourselves up for failure when we rely solely on motivation to get through a task.

Why?

Because motivation is fickle, it comes and goes as it pleases. 

But habits are different. Once you’ve established a habit, maintaining it doesn’t require effort or willpower. It becomes part of who you are. 

So, if you want to stick with something for the long haul, make sure you focus on building a solid habit rather than relying on motivation alone.

Habits are also significant because they shape the reality you are living in. 

Why, you ask?

Let us try to put this into context. What is your first thought when you wake up?

You may habitually check your phone as soon as you wake up or mindlessly scroll through social media. Then go to the restroom, shower, brush your teeth, make a coffee, dress, and leave for work.

Whatever it is, you don’t think twice about it; you do it without hesitation or thought because you have been doing this exact routine every day, and now it is ingrained in your subconscious mind.

Thus, habits influence how you spend your time and energy, what you do daily, and ultimately, who you become.

Think about it this way – if you have unhealthy habits, they will lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. On the other hand, if you have healthy habits, they will lead to a healthy lifestyle. It’s that simple.

Indeed, some of the most successful people credit their success to their routines/habits. That is because those people took the time to develop good habits. Perhaps they exercise first thing in the morning or journal or meditate. Whatever these habits are, they help them set the tone for the rest of the day, increasing the likelihood that they will meet their objectives.

So to summarize, why are habits so important? 

Habits are significant because, contrary to motivation, maintaining them doesn’t require effort or willpower once you’ve established a habit. It becomes part of who you are. 

And because habits have the power to transform your life completely. They can take you from being lazy and unproductive to be disciplined and successful. They can take you from being couch potatoes to marathon runners.

In short, habits have the power to change everything!

>>Read more: The 7 Advantages Of Good Habits And How They Can Increase The Overall Quality Of Your Life

Habits and Our Brain

But where do these (unintentional) habits come from?

As we mentioned earlier, we all have good and bad habits. Habit-forming starts from a very young age. For example, brushing our teeth or tying our shoes are so commonplace that we don’t even think about them. That is because our guardians ingrained them into our subconscious from a very young age.

When we first learn a new behavior, it’s typically done consciously. We must think about what we’re doing and how to do it. But as we repeat the behavior, something called “muscle memory” kicks in. That is when the behavior becomes automatic, and we no longer have to think about it.

In his book “The Power of Habit,” Charles Duhigg explains, “Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort. Left to its own devices, the brain will try to make almost any routine into a habit because habits allow our minds to ramp down more often.”

That means, our brain prefers to relax rather than remain on high alert all of the time. So, rather than thinking about everything we do, our brain likes to go through some more routine tasks on autopilot. That frees up valuable mental energy for more critical tasks such as problem-solving or creative thinking.

That is why routines and repetitive actions become habits so quickly.

So next time you catch yourself doing something automatically, take a moment to appreciate the incredible feat of human cognition that is your brain creating a habit. It’s just one of the many ways our brains help us get through the day-to-day with little effort.

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Why are habits hard to quit or create?

The truth is that habits are hard to break because, as we explained above, they’re rooted in our subconscious minds, and it takes a lot of effort to change something ingrained at that level. But it is possible to change your habits or create new ones if you’re willing to put in the work. It might not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

But it’s essential to be mindful of the ones that aren’t serving you anymore.

Some people develop bad habits, such as smoking or negative self-talk. These habits are challenging to break, but trying to replace them with healthier alternatives is critical. Taking a walk instead of smoking a cigarette, or practicing self-love affirmations instead of criticizing yourself, are all examples of healthy habits that you can substitute for bad ones.

The problem is that the majority won’t do anything to change them. But the reality is, “You can’t become what you want by remaining what you are!” 

To get different results, you need to change what you’re doing. Not just dream about it, but you need to start taking action. 

As a society, we are becoming obsessed with instant gratification (receiving the results now), but this doesn’t work when trying to form a habit.

Changing habits requires time, dedication, and, most of all, patience. Also, you need to understand that you will fail, and that’s ok. When that happens, you get up and try again.

Failure is inevitable, but the important thing is that you look at it as an opportunity for you to come back and build that resilience. 

So if you’re stuck in a rut and looking to make a change, don’t wait for inspiration to strike; start taking action today, and you’ll be on your way to creating the life you’ve always wanted.

Habit formation

You should now realize that having habits (good ones) is perfectly normal and that there is nothing wrong with them. In fact, some experts say that developing good habits is one of the best things you can do for yourself. After all, habits are things we do automatically without thinking about them too much. And that can free up our mental energy for other, more important things. 

If left to its own devices, the brain will become accustomed to almost any routine. So it’s no surprise that many of us have a variety of habits, both big and small, good and bad.

Some are beneficial, such as brushing teeth, making beds in the morning, or driving to work on autopilot. Others are not great habits, such as nail biting, being critical of everything, or fidgeting with our clothes when we’re nervous.

So how do you start a new habit?

As we said, habits keep us going when we otherwise might not be motivated to do something. They help us form good routines that can make our lives easier. And yet, for all their importance, habits can be surprisingly tricky to create. 

Why is that?

In addition to the instant gratification obsession we discussed earlier, another factor is that we frequently attempt to take on too much at once. We try to form too many new habits at once, or we try to make drastic changes to our existing routines. That can be overwhelming, and it’s no wonder that we often fail.

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So, I suggest you follow these tips to implement new habits successfully:

Make a plan and start small.

First, decide which habit you want to focus on and plan how you will integrate it into your life.

I understand that you may want to change everything at once (been there and done that), but believe me; you are setting yourself up for failure. So, simply do one thing at a time or at least three small things.

Don’t try to make too many changes at once.

Commit to it and be consistent.

Once you start a new habit, commit to it for at least 30 days and be consistent with it! Habits take time to form, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep at it, and eventually, it will become second nature.

Anchor it to an existing simple daily habit.

Everyone knows the feeling of miserably trying to start a new habit and failing. You’re excited for the first few days, but it all falls apart, and you return to your old ways.

So what’s the secret to sticking with a new habit?

One tip is to anchor it to an existing habit.

For example, suppose you’ve been attempting to start meditating in the morning but have been unsuccessful. Here is what you need to do: after you brush your teeth (which is an automatic habit), go and do your meditation practice (the new habit).

The key is making the new habit as easy as possible, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. So, if you can pair it with something you’re already doing daily, you’ll be more likely to stick with it in the long run.

Be compassionate with yourself.

Change is hard, so be patient and compassionate with yourself. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Just start again and keep going!

Avoid extended breaks when building a new habit.

I know I said to be compassionate with yourself, but it’s also vital to avoid long breaks when forming a new habit. If you take a week off from your new habit, it will be much harder to get back into it. So if you can, try to stick with it and avoid taking long breaks.

Find an accountability buddy or system.

Finding someone to support you in your journey to form new habits can be helpful. This person can help you stay on track and motivated. Alternatively, you could use a system to keep yourself accountable to your commitments.

Reward yourself.

Finally, reward yourself for your accomplishments! That will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Change can be difficult, but it’s worth it if it means living a happier and more successful life. 

It takes time to form new habits, and setbacks will inevitably be along the way. But if you stick with it, you’ll eventually find yourself with a whole set of new healthy habits – and that’s definitely worth the effort!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy growth mindset and a better life.

For example, let’s say you want to start working out in the morning. It will not be easy at first because you have to think about it and make a conscious effort to do it. But after a while, it will become second nature. That’s what habit formation is all about – making something so automatic that you don’t have to think about it.

20 Healthy mindset Habits

If you want to adopt a healthy mindset, it’s essential to develop healthy mindset habits to support it. These habits will help you stay positive and motivated and help you achieve your goals in life. So if you’re ready to make some changes, start by developing some healthy mindset habits!

#1. Wake up early.

If you want to start adopting a healthy mindset, one of the best things you can do is wake up early. Research shows that early risers are more likely to be successful and productive. They’re also more likely to be proactive and have a positive outlook on life. Additionally, you will have more time in the morning to spend on your holistic morning routine to do things you know are healthy for you, like exercise or meditation.

Waking up early doesn’t mean you have to be up at the crack of dawn. But it does mean getting up earlier than you’re used to and making the most of the morning hours. It might take some time to adjust if you’re not a morning person. But once you get into the habit of waking up early, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Try setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier than usual and see how it goes. Then, add 15 minutes each week until you wake up at your desired time.

#2. Make your bed.

Starting your day by making your bed is one of the simplest habits to integrate into your daily routine. But it’s also one of the most effective. Studies show that people who make their bed in the morning are more likely to be productive throughout the day.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes, and it’s a small way to start your day on the right foot.

#3. Practice mindfulness.

Practicing mindfulness is one of the most crucial healthy mindset habits. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. It’s about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Hence, it’s vital that in the morning, you start your day with a clear mind and be present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.

When you’re mindful, you’re less likely to get caught up in negative thinking or rumination. You’re also more likely to make better decisions and be more productive.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness:

• One way is to meditate for a few minutes each day. 
• Other mindful activities could be journaling or practicing affirmations. 
• You can also be mindful of your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. 
• Or, you can practice mindfulness (being present) while doing everyday activities like brushing your teeth or taking a walk.

#4. Be grateful.

A healthy mindset is not possible without gratitude. When you’re grateful, you’re focused on the good in your life rather than what you don’t have. You’re also more likely to be optimistic. Gratitude has been shown to improve mental and physical health, increase resilience and reduce stress.

There are many ways to practice gratitude. One way is to keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for daily. That could be anything from your family and friends to your job or your health. 

You can also share your gratitude with others or express it through acts of kindness. Doing something nice for someone else will not only make them feel good, but it will also make you feel good. 

Finally, you can simply take a few moments each day to appreciate the good in your life. Reflect on what’s going well and savor the positive experiences. That could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee or taking a moment to appreciate a beautiful sunset.

#5. Exercise regularly.

Exercise is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. But even a small amount of exercise is better than none at all. If you’re new to training, start slowly and gradually increasing your workouts’ intensity and duration.

There are many different types of exercise, so find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it could be walking, running, biking, swimming, yoga, lifting weights, or even dancing. The aim is to move your body and get your heart rate up.

#6. Eat Healthy.

Another essential part of having a healthy mindset is healthy eating. Eating nutritious foods gives your body the necessary nutrients to function correctly and stay fit. When you eat unhealthy foods, on the other hand, your body is not getting the nutrients it needs and may become stressed as a result. That can lead to all sorts of physical and mental health problems.

So make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It might not seem like fun at first, but your body will thank you in the long run!

#7. Make time for self-care.

Another critical part of maintaining a healthy mindset is making time for self-care. It’s time to start thinking about self-care as being just as important as caring for others. After all, how can you be fully present for others if you’re not taking care of yourself? How can you show up as your best self if you’re depleted and exhausted?

That’s why so many mindset coaches emphasize the importance of starting your day with a morning routine and self-care habits. When you take care of yourself first, you set the stage for being able to show up in a big way for others.

You might even say that self-care is a form of indirect altruism: by taking care of yourself, you’re actually enabling yourself to be of greater service to others. 

Self-care means different things to different people. It could mean taking a relaxing bath, reading your favorite book, or spending time outdoors. But true self-care also means making the choice to build a life you don’t need to escape from regularly.

So, make sure to carve out some time each day to do something that makes you happy. This is your time to focus on yourself. 

#8. Get enough sleep.

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important healthy mindset habits. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, yet many don’t get enough.

Getting enough sleep helps improve our mood, memory, and cognitive function. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. So if you’re not getting enough sleep, make it a priority to get more. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you’re well-rested.

You can also create a self love night routine to help ease into sleep and wake up feeling rested.

#9. Swap screen time for more meaningful interaction.

Being constantly plugged in can make it challenging to find time to prioritize our families and loved ones. We spend the entire day staring at screens while working at the office laptop, watching Netflix before going to bed, and randomly browsing our IG feed during the day. 

We must therefore make time during the day to disconnect and engage in meaningful interactions with others.

#10. Start the week off right with a Productive Sunday Routine.

One of the best ways to have a productive week and stay motivated is to start the week with an effective Sunday routine. That could include meal prep, setting weekly goals, and doing light exercise.

By taking the time to prepare for the week ahead, you’ll be more likely to stay on track and achieve your goals. And starting the week off with a positive mindset will help you maintain a healthy mindset throughout the week.

#11. Be kind to others.

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy mindset is to be kind to others. That means being patient, understanding, and helpful. It also means being forgiving and not holding grudges.

When you’re kind to others, it helps create positive relationships. 

These positive relationships can provide support and encouragement when you need them most. Being kind to others not only makes others feel good, but it can also make you feel good about yourself. So make an effort to be kind to others regularly – your mental health will thank you for it!

#12. Stay optimistic.

Staying positive and optimistic is another one of the most crucial healthy mindset habits you can adopt. When you’re positive, you’re more likely to see the good in every situation, and you’re more likely to be successful.

Optimism has been linked to better physical health, increased life expectancy, and greater overall well-being. So make an effort to focus on your life’s positive aspects and see the glass as half full instead of half empty.

#13. Switch to positive language.

The language you use has a significant impact on your mindset. So, pay attention to the negative things you tell yourself.

The next time you’re feeling down, pay attention to your language.

• Are you referring to yourself as a “loser”?
• Are you telling yourself that you “can’t do it”?

Would you say something like that to a friend?

Probably not! So, switch to using positive language instead of negative language. 

Instead of beating yourself up, try using positive words and phrases. For example, tell yourself that you’re a “winner” or that you “can do it.”

It may sound silly, but the words you use significantly impact your mindset. So make a daily habit of using positive language in your everyday life.

#14. Avoid negative and toxic people.

Just as you should avoid negative self-talk, you should avoid negative people. These are the people who always seem to find something wrong with everything and are never happy or satisfied with anything they do.

Negative people are toxic; their negativity can quickly wear you down if you’re not careful. So steer clear of them as much as possible and surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up instead of bringing you down.

#15. Say no to things that don’t make you happy.

One of the best things you can do for your mental well-being is to learn to say no. That is especially true if you say yes to things you don’t want to do.

Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person – it just means you are prioritizing your happiness and well-being. And that’s something we should all strive to do.

So the next time someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do, just say no. It’s not worth your time and energy if it’s not making you happy.

#16. Focus on what you can control.

Another important habit you can develop for your mental well-being is to focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t.

You can’t control everything in life, but you can control your thoughts, emotions, behavior, and reactions.

For everything else, maintaining a positive mindset means understanding that you’ll do the best you can under those circumstances. So, focus on the things you can do rather than dwelling on the things you can’t do. It will help reduce stress and anxiety and make you more successful.

#17. Set goals and stay focused on them.

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy mindset is to set goals and stay focused on them. That could be a short-term goal, like working out three times a week, or a long-term plan, like saving up for a down payment on a house.

No matter your goals, it’s essential to have a plan and focus on taking small steps to help you achieve them. That will keep you motivated and on track and help you maintain a positive outlook.

#18. Be persistent and never give up.

The value of perseverance and never giving up is another crucial habit that is perhaps not discussed enough. No matter how difficult life gets, it’s essential to never give up on your dreams and goals.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be blindly optimistic and ignore all your challenges. But it does mean that you should never give up on yourself or your dreams. Also, persistence will help you achieve your goals, even if they seem impossible at times.

To succeed in life, you must develop a healthy mindset habit of never giving up. Whenever you face a challenge, remember that it’s only temporary and that you can overcome it if you’re persistent. Never give up on yourself or your dreams; eventually, you’ll achieve everything you’ve ever wanted.

#19. Reward yourself for your accomplishments.

It’s also important to reward yourself for your accomplishments. That is a great way to stay motivated and keep your healthy mindset habits strong. When you achieve something, no matter how small it may be, take the time to celebrate and treat yourself. That will help you stay on track and focused on your goals.

#20. Gradually change your toxic habits

Last but not least, to maintain a healthy mindset, you must gradually change your toxic habits. These habits are bad for your mental health and can lead to negative thoughts and emotions.

We already mentioned some toxic habits, such as negative self-talk, not having boundaries, not getting enough sleep, not eating healthy, and not exercising. Other examples of toxic habits include people-pleasing and comparing yourself to others.

Thus, if you want to live a happy and healthy life, you must break these bad habits and replace them with healthier ones.

So, there you have it! These are some of the most crucial healthy mindset habits you can adopt to improve your life. Just remember to be patient, never give up, and reward yourself for your accomplishments. If you do these things, you’ll be well on your way to a happier and more successful life.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to improve your life, adopting healthy mindset habits is a great place to start. A healthy mind is key to achieving success in any area of life, and these simple daily habits will help you get there. Healthy mindset habits are simple things you can do daily to improve your overall well-being. They will help you stay positive, motivated, and focused on your goals.

Habits do not have to be large changes to have an impact. You can also integrate small, good habits into your routine. Maybe you decide to put away your phone when you wake up or take a few minutes each day to read or write.

These habits may appear insignificant, but they can unexpectedly impact your life.

So if you’re looking to develop some new healthy habits, start small and focus on one thing at a time. Pick something that you think will be reasonably easy for you to stick with, and then just give it a try. You might be surprised at how quickly it becomes second nature.

Let us know in the comments section below which of these habits you plan on incorporating into your daily routine.