How to Create a Healthy Mindset

Creating a healthy mindset is an investment in your overall wellbeing.

It’s more than showing up at the gym or going for a jog. It can be difficult to connect with your mind, but in the end, it can become one of the most rewarding self-care experience.

So, how does one begin to create a healthy mindset? Before we dig into the specifics, let’s cover some bases.

What is a healthy mindset?

We go to the gym to work out our muscles. We stretch to loosen up. We eat healthy to nourish our bodies. We dabble in the latest adaptogens for a variety of benefits. But, at the end of the day, what are we doing for our minds?

To me, a healthy mindset is – generally – a positive one. It doesn’t dwell on negativity. It has the ability to be loving and accepting, even if things don’t go as planned. A healthy mindset is one that is aware and mindful. It’s curious and well-used.

At the same time, a healthy mindset helps you feel emotions – both positive and negative – as they come and experience them for what they are. A healthy mindset doesn’t seek to overlook feelings, rather, it finds strength in feeling, understanding, and accepting.

A healthy body doesn’t always equal a healthy mind

I’ll never forget this quote I heard while attending the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. It was something along the lines of, “you can eat all the broccoli in the world, but if you hate your spouse, you’ll never be healthy.” 

Having a toned body or a six-pack doesn’t guarantee that you’re healthy. Sure, physically, you might look like you’re in tip-top shape, but what’s going on in your mind? If you’re constantly having negative thoughts, riddled with stress and anxiety, or chronically consumed with overwhelm – it’s time to adjust your mindset.

I believe that you’re only as healthy as the least-healthy part of your being.

Seven tips for a healthy, positive mindset

Ready to shift your view? Here are seven tips to help you get started.

1. Practice gratitude

The simple act of creating a daily act of gratitude can help you get back in touch with what really matters. When a mindset is unhealthy, it’s constantly looking for the next best thing. It’s always comparing to others and deciding that what’s in front of us isn’t enough.

2. Surround yourself with positive people

Believe it or not, you begin to pick up traits of those you spend the most time with. By surrounding yourself with positive people, you naturally will begin to see things in a different light.

Let their positive vibes rub off on you!

3. Create healthy boundaries

In my book Boundaries with Soul, I talk about the importance of creating boundaries. Healthy, soulful boundaries help to protect your time and energy. Boundaries allow you to create space for yourself and what’s important to you.

Without boundaries, it’s easy to get wrapped up in doing too much. It’s safe to say that living in a state of overwhelm is not conducive to creating a healthy mindset.

4. Move your body

…but listen to it, first.

For so long, I forced myself into rigorous workouts that burned me out. I began to resent my time at the gym. It was when I slowed down and actually listened to my body that I started to feel good. Doing workouts that I truly enjoy – pilates and horseback riding – brings me so much more joy!

Find a workout or two that feels really good to commit to. Do it! On days you’re not super active, at least try to get a short walk in. Every step counts.

5. Start a meditation practice

Meditation is an incredibly powerful practice that has the potential to completely shift your mindset. Consistent meditation practice has been proven to reduce stress, increase emotional awareness, and improve self-awareness.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the Headspace app! It’s a great tool to help you get started on your meditation journey.

6. Remain curious

Creating a healthy mindset has a lot to do with what you’re willing to learn. Remaining curious and open to learning more about personal development can pretty much guarantee a healthier mindset.

7. Nourish your body

It might come as a surprise, but the health of your gut is almost as important as the health of your mind. Eating enough fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and staying away from inflammatory foods greatly impact your mental state.

When I changed my diet to focus more on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy sources of fat, everything else in my life shifted for the better.

Keeping a healthy perspective

At first, it might feel like work to create this new healthy mindset. Keep in mind, that in time, this way of thinking will become your default mode of operation.

I suggest picking a few of the suggestions above and sticking to them no matter what. From there, you can try new tips as needed, as long as you have a solid base to build from.

Above all, remember to be patient with yourself. Getting worked up and bent out of shape over creating a healthier mindset kind of defeats the purpose, right?

Need more support?

If you’re in need of some more support tools, check out the below suggestions!

Books

• The Urban Monk by Pedram Shojai
• Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
• The Art of Stopping Time by Pedram Shojai

Podcasts

• School of Greatness with Lewis Howes
• The Good Life Project with Jonathon Fields
• Bulletproof Radio with Dave Asprey