Ever feel like negativity is creeping in? What keeps your mental health from spiraling?

Well, I found that it’s a mix of simple habits and a mindset that does the heavy lifting. Here’s what works for me, and maybe it’ll inspire you, too. 😁

Daily mental resets I rely on more than motivation

Before you complain, reframe.

Sometimes we become so absorbed in a moment that we only see what’s bad about it. Don’t get me wrong—it’s normal to feel frustrated over unfortunate or unwanted situations. We’re only human, allowed to feel both positive and negative emotions. I’ve learned, however, that sometimes it takes a bit of reframing to enjoy life better. Maybe it was divine protection when things didn’t work out your way. Perhaps it was a redirection to something better. Try to look at the bigger picture and ask yourself what the situation is teaching you… not how it’s draining you. Who knows? Aside from feeling good, you might uncover realizations that would have been buried beneath the noise of negativity.

If you can overthink the bad, you can overthink the good.

I am someone who overthinks a lot. But I chanced upon a social media post about how to use it to my advantage, and it stuck with me! When you think about it, this requires the same mental energy… but one has a better outcome. Choose wisely!

Have a quick gratitude check before scrolling or reaching for your phone – every single morning.

I just love, love, looooove gratitude checks! For me, it’s the best way to be open to more blessings and to feel good about life in general. Aside from maintaining a gratitude journal, I found it helpful to recite the first few good things I can think of when I wake up in the morning. I used to grab my phone the second I woke up, but I decided to replace that habit with something better.

The quick gratitude check puts things into perspective and allows an overflow of happy thoughts. If you also want to start your day by counting blessings, here are some ideas I normally start with:

I’m alive.
I slept well.
I can move my body as I please.
I am living with my lovely family.
I am excited to eat the delicious breakfast lovingly prepared for me.
I can see things clearly.
I am enjoying the comfort of my bed.

The list goes on… endlessly!

Remind yourself that not everything needs a reaction.

It’s amazing how we naturally arrive at a point where we realize that life has a way of softening our edges. When we were younger, we were overwhelmed with a need to prove a point or to be heard. 🥲 But now, we become open to letting go of something we deem “not worth our energy.” We learn to sit with our thoughts. We listen instead of speaking. We find a pocket of grace that reflects a wiser version of us.

It’s not a crime to choose silence over chaos. Not everything requires a reaction—and that is how you can feel better and lessen the chance of negative thoughts controlling you.

Touch grass (literally).

While not everyone is a fan of going outside and connecting with Mother Nature, I hope an instance will open you up to its wonders. Nature always gives. It heals. I found it effortlessly easy to tame my negative thoughts just by simply walking in the park. If you’re the more adventurous type, feel free to run in the mountains or try a new hiking spot.

Do what you want (as long as you’re not hurting anyone).

Okay, this is a quiet lesson I learned along the way, and it changed everything. Growing up doesn’t have to mean surrendering fragments of our innocence and lighthearted joy. I mean…Why do we let it happen?? If you want to try something new, embrace a different hobby, or go all out on something… then go! No matter if it’s cringe, unconventional, or different enough to be categorized as weird by others… as long as you’re not hurting anyone, then it should be okay.

It’s important not to care too much about other people’s opinions of you. They don’t pay your bills or your peace anyway. As Sophia of Katseye explained it in a very Gen Z way – “to be cringe is to be free.” Lol.

ALSO READ: Sitting in Comfortable Silence Is an Underrated Self-Care Ritual That We All Need

Expect less. Appreciate more.

This is a hack I’ve found to create more space for gratitude. Sometimes, the key to happiness is simply paying closer attention to what is present in your life. Not everything is perfect, but try to shift from focusing on what is “missing” to recognizing all the good things or what is currently meaningful.

The idea is to set fewer conditions for happiness because reality does not always give what you hope for. Reduce your frustration and be open to contentment. Just do not confuse this advice with settling or giving up, though. It’s really more about balancing ambition with acceptance.

If comparison is a thief, change the lock!

Human nature is, by nature, comparative. We form thoughts and make evaluations in relation to a pertinent standard. Psychological research has also already shown that social comparisons form one of the cornerstones of the social cognitive process. It stands at the core when it comes to person perception, stereotyping, decision making, attitudes, etc. But you shouldn’t let it take over everything!

What I want to point out is that… if comparison keeps breaking into your life, take it as a sign to upgrade your mental security system! We cannot totally eliminate comparison. In fact, it’s not inherently bad. Looking at the “benchmark” or “comparison” allows you to learn and grow as a person. You can gauge your career growth by looking at a boss or a friend’s trajectory. You can even stay committed to a new running PR by checking your coach’s pace. You get what I mean. 🤓

But it also breaks one’s will as much as it inspires. Too much focus on other people’s success and celebrations (without regard for their own struggles) paints an unbalanced story. You might get so caught up in these moments, think you’re not measuring up, and mess up your emotional well-being.

One trick that always works for me is focusing on myself and acknowledging all the things I’ve done or accomplished. I’m not trying to stop comparisons altogether, but I remind myself that there is a time and place for them.

Have a “happy something” every month.

If you always think about your struggles and leave no space for anything else, then you’ll definitely have more bad days. I found it helpful to have something to look forward to, whether it’s a trip abroad, movie night, catching up with friends, a café visit, pamper time, etc. I call it my “happy something,” which I usually plan in advance. This will condition the mind that you will eventually reach a fun part in your life, and it also serves as extra motivation.

Protect your energy like currency.

Do you ever feel how being around certain people drains you, while there are also others who uplift your mood and make everything feel lighter? You definitely want the latter, right? Start by surrounding yourself with positive-minded people. Just like money, your energy needs to be budgeted wisely and invested intentionally. Be generous with it, but invest it where it grows into love, respect, and happiness.

Well, that’s it!

These habits didn’t change my life overnight, but they sure made the ‘noise’ a lot quieter. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Just pick one thing today that makes your soul feel a little lighter.