( ENSPIRE Health & Wellness ) Mental Well-Being Tips I Have Followed to Be More Positive
In our fast-paced and often stressful lives, maintaining good mental well-being is crucial for leading a fulfilling and happy existence. The power of positivity is not just a cliché; it is a scientifically proven approach to enhancing our mental health. This has been one of my focuses since creating ENSPIRE, living a life of positivity in all you do. I can say for a fact that I would not be who I am today if I did not adopt some of these routines, lifestyle habits or thoughts.
By incorporating science-backed strategies into our daily routines, we can unlock the incredible potential of positivity and nurture our mental well-being. I am a true testament to that. The below techniques are ones I have adopted since starting the brand of ENSPIRE or have along the way. In this article, we will explore ten practical and effective techniques supported by scientific research to promote positivity and improve mental well-being.
Gratitude: A Pillar of Positivity
Scientific studies have shown that expressing gratitude has numerous mental health benefits. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on three things you are grateful for. This simple practice shifts your focus from negativity to appreciation, rewiring your brain to notice and savor positive aspects of your life.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who practiced gratitude experienced higher levels of positive emotions and improved well-being compared to those who did not.
Positive Affirmations: Harnessing the Power of Self-Talk
Our inner dialogue greatly influences our perception of ourselves and the world. Positive affirmations can rewire our thoughts, leading to a more optimistic outlook and improved mental well-being. Start your day by reciting empowering statements such as “I am capable,” “I am deserving of happiness,” or “I am resilient.”
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that positive self-affirmations can reduce stress and improve problem-solving abilities, contributing to a positive mindset.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions and mindset. Surrounding ourselves with positive people who uplift and inspire us is essential. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as pursuing hobbies or listening to uplifting music, to create a positive atmosphere.
A study conducted at the University of California, San Diego, found that emotions, both positive and negative, are contagious within social networks. By surrounding ourselves with positive individuals, we can amplify positive emotions and enhance our mental well-being.
Practice Mindfulness: Embracing the Present
Mindfulness practices have gained significant attention in recent years due to their positive impact on mental well-being. Engaging in mindfulness enables us to fully embrace the present moment, reducing stress and increasing self-awareness.
Research conducted at Harvard Medical School suggests that mindfulness meditation can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
Kindness: The Ripple Effect of Good Deeds
Performing acts of kindness not only benefits others but also has a profound impact on our own well-being. Engaging in acts of kindness releases feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin, that promote positive emotions and reduce stress levels.
According to a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology, individuals who regularly engage in acts of kindness experience increased life satisfaction and happiness.
Cultivate Optimism and Resilience
Cultivating optimism and resilience is essential for navigating life’s challenges. Optimistic individuals tend to view setbacks as temporary and solvable, fostering perseverance and a proactive approach. Embracing resilience involves reframing failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
According to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals with a positive explanatory style—a tendency to explain negative events as temporary, specific, and changeable—experience less depression and anxiety.
Engage in Physical Activity: The Mind-Body Connection
Regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters and reduce stress levels.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology shows that exercise has a significant positive effect on mood and overall well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Limit Media Consumption: Choose Mindful Consumption
The media landscape bombards us with negative news and unrealistic portrayals of perfection. Excessive exposure to negative content can impact our mental well-being. Set boundaries on media consumption and choose mindfully what you expose yourself to.
According to a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, individuals who reduced their social media usage to 30 minutes per day experienced significant reductions in depression and loneliness.
Embrace Self-Care: Nurturing the Inner Self
Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Engage in self-care practices such as getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and setting boundaries. Dedicate time for activities that bring you joy and promote personal growth.
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found a positive association between self-care activities, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being.
Seek Support: Connection and Vulnerability
We are social beings, and fostering meaningful connections is vital for our mental well-being. Seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals during challenging times. Sharing our struggles and vulnerabilities with others fosters empathy and strengthens bonds.
Research published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology suggests that social support is a protective factor against mental health problems, contributing to increased resilience and well-being.
Unlocking the power of positivity is a journey that requires action, practice, and a commitment to prioritizing mental well-being. By implementing these science-backed strategies into your life, you can cultivate a positive mindset, nurture your mental well-being, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and optimism.
It is not an easy journey, something I started in 2012 and still growing in 2023. I believe these are necessary given the change in the world and all it takes is one person of positivity to encourage the next.
Embrace the power of positivity, and witness the transformative impact it can have on your life. Remember, by taking small steps each day and incorporating these strategies into your routine, you have the power to create a life filled with joy, gratitude, and personal growth. Start today and unlock the boundless potential of positivity within you!
Related Articles: Entrepreneur Lauran Grant Launches Positivity-Centered Yoga Accessory Brand, Ditch Fear & Get Clear: Juli Wenger is Here to Help You Find Your Purpose
Research Citations:
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
Sherman, D. K., Nelson, L. D., & Steele, C. M. (2009). Do messages about health risks threaten the self? Increasing the acceptance of threatening health messages via self-affirmation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96(4), 770-782.
Fowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2008). Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: Longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study. BMJ, 337, a2338.
Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041-1056.
Lyubomirsky, S., Tkach, C., & Sheldon, K. M. (2005). Pursuing sustained happiness through random acts of kindness and counting one’s blessings: Tests of two six-week interventions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 88(2), 348-355.
Seligman, M. E., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410-421.
Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111.
Primack, B. A., Swanier, B., Georgiopoulos, A. M., Land, S. R., & Fine, M. J. (2009). Association between media use in adolescence and depression in young adulthood: A longitudinal study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(2), 181-188.
Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., Pek, J., & Finkel, S. M. (2008). Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(5), 1045-1062.
Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Skoner, D. P., Rabin, B. S., & Gwaltney Jr, J. M. (1997). Social ties and susceptibility to the common cold. JAMA, 277(24), 1940-1944.
