40 Mindful Habits To Help You Live A Better Life (Mindfulness Ideas)
Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the interest in creating more mindful habits in our lives.
Whether it’s because the world shut down, or because we were forced to re-evaluate the approach we had to our lives, or simply because we are getting older (and dare I say, wiser..?), either way, mindfulness is a big topic right now and it’s a good thing too!
What Is Mindfulness?
So what exactly is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the quality or state of being aware of something. It’s about living in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
And while it might sound like something that’s only practiced by monks or hippies, mindfulness is actually something we can all benefit from incorporating into our lives, no matter how hectic or crazy they might be.
What Are The Benefits of Mindfulness & Why Should We Create Mindful Habits?
There are a whole host of benefits that come with being more mindful.
Some of the most well-known benefits include:
- improved mental and physical health
- reduced stress and anxiety
- increased focus and concentration
- improved sleep
- increased compassion and empathy
- improved relationships
But there are so many more benefits that come with mindfulness too!
Being more mindful can help us to appreciate the small things in life, it can help us to be more present with our loved ones, and can even help us to make better choices when it comes to the food we eat!
Creating mindful habits is a great way to help us live better, happier, and more fulfilled lives. And what’s not to love about that?
What Is Mindfulness Practice?
Mindfulness practice is simply the act of being more mindful in our everyday lives.
It’s about taking the time to really notice the things around us and to be present in each moment, without judgment.
And while it might sound easy, mindfulness practice can actually be quite challenging at first!
That’s because our minds are so used to wandering off and being anywhere but in the present moment.
But with a little bit of practice, it gets easier and easier to be more mindful in our lives.
And trust me, it’s worth the effort!
A good way to get started is to include mindfulness exercises in your day. By creating a daily habit of mindfulness, you get into a routine and flow that makes mindfulness a priority in your life.
This simple daily practice can easily expand into different areas of your life, and all it starts with is one simple mindful habit.
40 Mindful Habits To Help You Live A Better Life
This list of mindful habits can be a little overwhelming, but before you scroll away, keep in mind you only need to choose ONE of these habits to start with.
And trust me, even just one mindful habit can make a big difference in your life!
So, be kind to yourself, and find one habit from this list that resonates with you, and that you feel will have a profound impact on your life.
1 – Give Yourself Time To Wake Up Gradually In The Morning
Instead of hitting the snooze button and rushing out of bed, take a few moments to stretch, deep breaths, and set your intention for the day.
This will help you start your day on the right foot and set the tone for a more productive, positive day.
2 – Be Present In The Moment
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and savoring every experience, whether it’s good or bad.
One way to be more mindful is to put away your phone and really be present when you’re with other people.
This means making eye contact, listening intently, and being fully engaged in the conversation.
You might also want to try some mindfulness meditation, which is all about focusing on your breath and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
3 – Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools you have for manifesting abundance in your life.
When you’re feeling grateful, you’re actually vibrating at a high frequency that attracts more of what you want into your life.
So, start each day by thinking of three things you’re grateful for.
You can also keep a gratitude journal where you write down five things you’re grateful for each day.
Or try expressing gratitude to someone who has made a positive impact in your life.
Not only will this person feel appreciated, but it will also help you cultivate more gratitude in your own life.
You might also like – 60 Positive Gratitude Affirmations You Can Repeat Each Day
4 – Give More Than You Take
One of the best ways to attract abundance into your life is to give more than you take.
When you focus on giving back, whether it’s through volunteering your time or donating money to a worthy cause, you open yourself up to receiving even more abundance from the universe.
So, find a way to give back that feels good to you and watch as your life becomes more abundant as a result.
5 – Give Yourself Permission To Relax
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to slow down.
But if we want to live a more abundant life, it’s important to give ourselves permission to relax and recharge.
Whether that means taking a relaxing bath at the end of the day, going for a walk in nature, or simply taking a few deep breaths, giving yourself time to relax will help you feel calmer, happier, and more centered.
6 – Connect With Loved Ones
One of the most important things in life is our connections with others.
Whether it’s our family, friends, or significant others, these relationships play a big role in our overall happiness and sense of abundance.
Make it a habit to reach out to your loved ones regularly, whether it’s through text, calls, or quality time spent together in person.
7 – Get Clear On Your Goals
What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?
Getting clear on your goals is an essential step in creating the life you want because it gives you something to work towards.
Without goals, it’s easy to feel aimless and unfulfilled.
So take some time today to sit down and brainstorm your goals for the future.
8 – Prioritize Your Well-Being
In order to show up fully for all the other areas of our lives, we need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves first.
That means eating healthy foods that make us feel energized, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and making time for activities that bring us joy.
When we prioritize our well-being, we’re better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way.
9 – Let Go Of What’s No Longer Serving You
One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to let go of anything that’s no longer serving us.
This might mean ending a toxic relationship, quitting a job that’s making you unhappy, or letting go of any negative thoughts or beliefs that are holding you back.
When we let go of what’s no longer serving us, we make space for new and better things to come into our lives.
10 – Practice Self-Compassion
If you want to attract more abundance into your life, it’s important to start by showing yourself some compassion.
Too often, we’re our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up for our mistakes and dwell on our flaws.
But if we want to live a more abundant life, it’s time to start being kinder to ourselves.
That means forgiving ourselves for our mistakes, celebrating our successes, and treating ourselves with the same compassion and care we would show to others.
11 – Simplify Your Life
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to simplify your life.
Get rid of anything that’s no longer serving you, whether it’s material possessions, toxic relationships, or negative thoughts and beliefs.
The more clutter you can clear out of your life, the easier it will be to focus on what’s truly important.
And when you simplify your life, you open yourself up to more abundance in all areas.
12 – Choose Positive Words
The words we use to describe our lives can have a big impact on how we experience them.
If we’re constantly using negative words like “hard,” “struggle,” or “never-ending,” it’s no wonder we feel like life is a battle.
But if we shift our focus to more positive words like “blessing,” “opportunity,” and “growth,” we open ourselves up to a more abundant way of living.
So the next time you find yourself using negative words, take a step back and re-frame your situation using more positive language.
13 – Spend Time In Nature
There’s something about spending time in nature that can help us feel more connected to the world around us.
When we’re disconnected from nature, it’s easy to feel like we’re lacking in abundance.
But when we take the time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, we can’t help but feel thankful for all that we have.
So make sure to spend some time outside every day, even if it’s just a few minutes.
14 – Spend Time With Positive People
The people we spend our time with have a big impact on our lives.
If we’re constantly around negative people who are always complaining, it’s no wonder we start to feel the same way.
But when we spend time with positive people who radiate happiness and gratitude, it’s contagious. Their positive attitude rubs off on us, and before long, we find ourselves feeling more positive as well.
So make an effort to spend more time with the people who make you feel good.
15 – Create A Morning Routine
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to create a morning routine that sets you up for success.
This might include things like writing in a journal, meditating, exercising, or reading something inspiring.
When we take the time to start our day off on the right foot, it makes it that much easier to maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on our goals.
And when we have a positive outlook, we’re more likely to attract abundance into our lives.
You might also like – 5 Daily Routines You Need To Help Simplify Your Life
16 – Spend 10 Minutes Each Day Focusing On Deep Breaths
When we’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s easy to forget to breathe.
But taking a few minutes each day to focus on deep breathing can do wonders for our well-being.
Not only does it help to reduce stress, but it also oxygenates our blood and gives our brains the nutrients they need to function at their best.
So make sure to take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and watch your stress melt away.
17 – Limit Your Time On Social Media
Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it’s important to limit our time on it.
When we spend too much time scrolling through our newsfeeds, we can start to compare our lives to others and feel like we’re not good enough.
But when we limit our social media consumption, we give ourselves more time to focus on the things that truly matter.
And when we’re not constantly comparing ourselves to others, we’re more likely to feel grateful for what we have.
You might also like – 27 Things You Can Do Instead Of Spending Time On Social Media
18 – Take Time To Check in On Your Own Mental Health
It’s important to check in on our mental health regularly and make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.
This might include things like therapy, medication, or self-care.
When we take the time to focus on our mental health, we’re more likely to feel balanced and at peace.
And when we’re feeling good about ourselves, we’re more likely to attract abundance into our lives.
19 – Take Time To Meditate
Meditation is a great way to focus on the present moment and let go of stress.
When we meditate, we’re able to clear our minds and focus on our breath.
And when we’re not constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, we’re more likely to feel grateful for the present moment.
Mindfulness meditation can help you focus on what is important, and meditation itself has a whole host of benefits.
So make sure to take some time each day for your meditation practice and let go of your stress.
20 – Journal Daily
Writing in a journal is a great way to process our thoughts and feelings.
When we take the time to write down our thoughts, we’re able to see them more clearly and make better decisions.
Journaling can also help us to focus on the positive things in our lives and be more grateful for what we have.
So make sure to take some time each day to write in your journal and watch your life transform.
You might also like – 21 Simple Journaling Tips For Beginners (Daily Journal Habits)
21 – Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a great way to become more aware of our food choices and the way we eat.
When we’re mindful of our eating, we’re able to make better choices for our health.
And when we’re not mindless eating, we’re more likely to feel grateful for the food we have.
So make sure to take some time to eat mindfully and watch your health improve.
22 – Enjoy A Mindful Moment
We rush through life, slow down and take in some time.
The amount of time you take doesn’t matter as much as you actually slowing down and being present.
Whether it’s stopping to smell flowers (literally) or just closing your eyes and feeling the breeze brush across your face, taking a few moments each day to be mindful can make a world of difference.
And when we’re more mindful, we’re more likely to attract abundance into our lives.
23 – Practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a great way to change the way we think about our lives.
When we’re able to change our thoughts, we’re more likely to change our behaviors.
And when we change our behaviors, we’re more likely to feel better about ourselves.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a positive psychology technique that works on this principle – when we change our thoughts, we change our behaviors, and this can impact how we feel about ourselves.
CBT takes negative thoughts or strong emotion that creates a negative mental state, and replaces it with positive thoughts and positive emotions, with a big focus on the present moment.
This creates a more positive mental state overall.
CBT techniques can be used for a variety of different issues, and can be done with the help of a therapist or on your own.
If you’re looking to change your life for the better, cognitive behavioral therapy is a great place to start.
24 – Take Time To Make Conscious Choices
When we’re on autopilot, we’re not really living our lives.
We’re going through the motions and not really paying attention to what we’re doing.
But when we take the time to make conscious choices, we’re more likely to live a life that’s in alignment with our values.
And when we live a life that’s in alignment with our values, we’re more likely to feel happier and more fulfilled.
So make sure to take the time to think about your choices and what you really want in life.
25 – Surround Yourself With Mindful People
The people we surround ourselves with have a big impact on our lives.
If we’re constantly surrounded by negative people, it’s going to be hard to stay positive.
But if we surround ourselves with mindful people, we’re more likely to become more mindful ourselves.
So make sure to spend time with people who inspire you and make you want to be a better person.
26 – Learn About Your Own Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware and understand our own emotions and the emotions of others.
When we’re emotionally intelligent, we’re better able to manage our relationships, both with ourselves and with others.
We’re also better able to deal with difficult situations and handle our emotions in a healthy way.
Learning about emotional intelligence can help us to become more mindful and more aware of our own emotions.
And when we’re more aware of our emotions, we’re more likely to be able to manage them in a healthy way.
27 – Take Time For Your Own Body Scan
Our bodies hold a lot of tension.
And when we’re stressed, that tension can become even worse.
But when we take the time to do a body scan, we’re able to release that tension and feel more relaxed.
A body scan is simply a way of checking in with our bodies and noticing where we’re holding tension.
Once we’ve identified where we’re holding tension, we can then focus on releasing it.
To do a body scan, you simply close your eyes and focus your attention on your body.
Start at your toes and work your way up to your head, noticing any areas of tension along the way.
Once you’ve identified where you’re holding tension, take a few deep breaths and focus on releasing that tension.
28 – Connect With Your Support System
When we’re going through difficult times, it’s important to connect with our support system.
Our support system can be made up of our family, friends, or even a therapist.
Whoever it is, make sure to reach out when you need help.
Having people we can rely on is an important part of our emotional well-being.
29 – Set Mindful Intentions For The Day
When we set intentions, we’re more likely to achieve our goals.
And when we have a clear idea of what we want to achieve, we’re more likely to be successful.
So start your day by setting some mindful intentions.
Think about what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel. Then take a few deep breaths and set your intentions for the day.
When you have a clear goal in mind, you’re more likely to achieve it.
30 – Make Time For Reflection
Reflection is an important part of mindfulness.
When we take the time to reflect on our day, we’re able to see where we’ve been successful and where we could improve.
We’re also able to learn from our mistakes and make sure that we don’t repeat them in the future.
So at the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on your day. Think about what went well and what didn’t go so well.
And make sure to learn from your mistakes so that you can avoid making them in the future.
31 – Schedule In Time To Do Nothing
When we’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to forget that our bodies (and minds) actually need time to relax.
We get so caught up in all the things we ‘should’ be doing, but taking intentional downtime to just sit and do nothing is actually incredibly important and beneficial.
In terms of mindfulness, downtime time helps us to focus and be present.
So make sure to schedule some relaxation time each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
It might be difficult at first, as you fight the urge to get up and do things, but stick with it and you’ll soon wonder how you ever managed to go without this time.
32 – Prioritize Your Own Physical Health
Our physical health is just as important as our mental health.
And when we’re not feeling our best, it can be difficult to focus on anything else.
So make sure to prioritize your own physical health.
Eat healthy foods, move your body, stretch your muscles, and get enough sleep.
When you take care of your body, you’re also taking care of your mind.
33 – Create A Night-Time Routine
Having a night-time routine is a great way to wind down at the end of the day and prepare for sleep.
A night-time routine can include things like taking a bath, reading a book, or writing in a journal.
The key is to do things with the intention of them helping you to relax and feel calm.
34 – Let Go Of What’s Out Of Your Control
There will always be things in life that are out of our control.
And when we try to control things that we can’t, it only leads to frustration and stress.
So instead, focus on what you can control, and let go of what’s out of your control.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to improve things, but rather that you should be mindful of what is actually within your control, and release the stress and worry that is associated with things that are out of your control.
35 – Find A Balance Between Giving And Receiving
In order to have healthy relationships, it’s important to find a balance between giving and receiving.
If we’re constantly giving without receiving, we can end up feeling used and resentful.
And if we’re constantly receiving without giving, we can end up feeling guilty and indebted.
So make sure to find a balance between giving and receiving. Give when it feels good to give, and receive when it feels good to receive.
And don’t feel guilty or obligated to either give or receive. Just let things flow naturally, and trust that the universe will provide what you need.
This isn’t just about physical gifts, but giving of our time, giving of our energy, giving of our thoughts and worries – where are you giving more than you are receiving?
36 – Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Following on from giving and receiving… be sure to accept and receive help (or even ask for it) when you need it.
We can’t do everything on our own, and that’s okay.
In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s actually really healthy and beneficial to ask for help when we need it.
So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance.
And when you do ask for help, be specific about what you need. This will make it easier for the person you’re asking to actually give you the help that you need.
37 – Visualize What You Want In Life
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you to manifest what you want in life.
When you visualize something, you’re essentially putting your desires and intentions out there into the universe.
And when you do this with focus and intention, you’ll be surprised at how quickly things start to change and fall into place.
38 – Set Boundaries With Your Time And Energy
It’s important to set boundaries with our time and energy.
We can’t do everything, and we can’t be everything to everyone.
And that’s okay.
It’s actually more than okay – it’s necessary.
Because when we try to do too much, or be everything to everyone, we end up spreading ourselves too thin and becoming exhausted.
So instead, focus on what’s important to you, and set boundaries with your time and energy.
This doesn’t mean that you should never do anything for anyone else, but rather that you should be mindful of where you’re spending your time and energy, and that you should be intentional about it.
39 – Find A Way To Give Back
Giving back is one of the best things you can do for yourself (who would have thought??).
When we give back, we not only help others, but we also help ourselves.
Giving back makes us feel good, and it helps us to connect with others in a meaningful way.
So find a way to give back that feels good to you.
It doesn’t have to be anything big or grandiose – even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.
And when you give back, you’ll be surprised at how good it makes you feel.
40 – Make Time For Fun and Play
We often get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget to have fun and play.
But it’s important to make time for both of these things.
Fun and play help us to relax, de-stress, and just enjoy life.
So make sure to schedule some time for fun and play into your life.
And don’t take yourself too seriously – remember, life is meant to be enjoyed!
How To Include These Habits In Your Life
You might be looking at this list feeling so overwhelmed wondering how on earth you’re going to be able to fit all of these positive habits into your daily routine…
Well, rest assured, you don’t have to.
Actually, one of the best ways to create a new habit is to simply choose the one smallest thing, the easiest thing you can think of on this list, and start there.
As you find you’ve established this new good habit, you can then build on it by adding in others.
Another thing to keep in mind is to add your new habit to something you already do – in a kind of habit-stacking approach.
For example, when you make your coffee in the morning, take time to set your intentions for the day. You might need a little reminder at first, like popping a note on the coffee jar to prompt you, but after a while, it will become such a habit that you’ll do it without even thinking.
You can then add another mindfulness habit to this stack, like journaling while you drink your coffee, or spending time outdoors drinking your coffee while sitting in the sun.
Soon that too will become part of your daily routine.
There’s no minimum or limit to how mindful you need to be or how many mindful habits you need to add to your day. So don’t feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and just start with one.
Final Thoughts
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – it’s simply about being present in the moment and appreciating the little things in life.
When you live mindfully, you savor your experiences, you connect with others, and you find joy in the simplest of things.
And by making a few small changes in your life, you can start living mindfully today.
So take a step back, slow down, and take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
And remember, the present moment is all we ever have, so make it count.
