Life is always full of ups and downs. One day you may feel great, the next it could be the opposite. The change of moods seemingly comes about for no reason.
However, something is usually happening in your life, which causes mood swings. That can be a recent experience or interaction, or something in your subconscious mind from the past.
I’ve had plenty of down periods in my time, which could be long and intense.
Eventually, I found my way out and got myself back on track. I found positivity and the power to believe in myself, get things done and succeed in my dreams.
However, along my journey, I’ve become aware of something important. Your mind games are mostly out of your control, and you can suddenly slip back into an unhappy place.
It can happen over a few hours, a day, or weeks, without you noticing before it’s too late.
For that reason, I’ve worked on finding methods that support my daily mindset and positivity, keeping me upbeat, aware, and mentally strong.
These are the 10 habits I try to practice daily and stick to. If I fail at one or another for a day or two, I’ll note it, and remind myself to commit more, for my sake.
1. Plan your week
On Sunday evening, I take an hour to plan my week as best as I can, making notes of my appointments, goals, and priorities. I’ll also make a list showing what tasks I want to complete on which day.
2. Write your to-do-list and update it daily
After the weekly plan comes the to-do list, which I update every morning, and rename it XYZ — Day To-Do-List. That allows me to stay on top of my goals and priorities.
3. Write an I-did-it list
I find it helpful to log an “I-did-it” list where I show myself the many things I’ve already accomplished. We tend to forget and then take everything we’ve achieved for granted.
That’s why it’s a good idea to write down all the tasks you’ve done, and then re-read this list daily, reminding yourself you’re doing well.
4. Thanking yourself
Similar to No 4, but different. Here you should talk to yourself, telling yourself you’re doing great, and have accomplished tons in the day, week, month and year already. Remind yourself where you started and what situation you came from.
It’s been a long hard uphill road. I’m getting there. Thank you for your hard effort! That’s what I say to myself every day.
5. Meditate
Many folks struggle with this one as they find meditation too daunting. Sitting or lying there quietly doing nothing can make you feel anxious.
I felt that way at first, too. But if you keep trying, the point soon arrives when you feel your mind lifting off to another place, and gliding smoothly through silent, warm air.
That’s the best way I can describe it when I reach that state. If you do, it’s exceptionally calming and fills you with positivity.
6. Positive affirmations
I’ll speak my positive affirmations at the end of each meditation session. Here I talk myself up and go over the hurdles I’ve faced and how I overcame them.
Then I tell myself I can achieve anything I want in the world and nothing will stop me.
7. Gratitude
After the affirmations comes gratitude. This is where I silently or out loud thank the people in my life, first my family and then other people of importance and value to me.
I even thank those who have behaved poorly and wish them the best.
That part makes me feel in control and free of negativity toward anything or anyone.
8. Walk frequently
The first thing I do in the morning, well, after my coffee, is go for a 45 to 60-minute fast-paced walk. The walk frees my mind and gets my creativity flowing.
Walking is the best way to wake up and energize your body and mind. It’s excellent for your overall health and installs positivity.
I walk as much as I can daily while completing my errands, and on most days, I go on a long evening walk, too.
9. Exercise regularly
While I walk a lot every day, I prefer to practice a balanced and smart exercise routine. My mantra is “less but right is more,” and trust me, it works.
I usually exercise 3 to 4 times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each time. I use my body weight to work out, doing simple but highly effective exercises such as push-ups, planks, lunges, squats, pull-ups, and what’s coming next!
10. Practice the headstand & handstand
Yes, I am serious. The last point No 10 is vital in my daily happiness routine.
You maybe can’t do either right now, and if that’s the case, I strongly recommend you learn both the headstand (to start) and then the handstand (against a wall).
These 2 exercises are so powerful for the body and mind, it’s quite incredible.
When you learn and master both skills, you massively boost your confidence, and fitness and feel completely elevated.
Knowing that you are the master of the headstand and handstand and you can hold both positions for some time puts you on the top of the world.
Final Thoughts
Life’s full of tricks, turns, and unexpected challenges. Going from feeling great to feeling super down can happen in a flash, often for unknown reasons.
The best way to protect your mind and keep yourself positive is to build a daily healthy mindset routine, which I call my “happy routine.”
Give it a try and please let me know if these methods work for you and if you wish to make them your habits too.
Rob
PS You don’t have to learn the head — and handstand, but if you do, you’ll love them both!
