Not many people tend to think about whether they’re having a mindful consumption or living mindful lives in general. I recall how I used to think; it was always something along the lines of “People are awful” and “I despise my work” Because I was continuously concentrating on the negative aspects of humanity, that was all I could see.
It threw a gloomy shadow over everything, detracting from the enjoyment of life. Ten years in the corporate world have consumed the life out of me, and It should have been evident to me that I was causing my misery, that I was unable to recognize how my thoughts were affecting my state of consciousness. It was only when life threw me a curveball, and I ended up with a nasty case of mental and health problems, that my attitude had to change.
Today, I’ll show you the things I did to have a more mindful consumption in my daily life, and hopefully, you’ll be able to pick up some pieces that you can use to change your life too!
Tips for Having a Mindful Consumption in Your Daily Life
Search for a Positive Circle of Friends
I’m not advocating that you abandon friends who are going through a difficult time and require your support. Instead, I’m recommending that you assess whether any of your connections are consistently exhausting and unhealthy.
I abandoned my former social circle because it served as a negative echo chamber for my thoughts and feelings. Instead of fixating on the positive aspects of the future, everyone talked about the elements of life they did not care for.
It was tough making new friends at first, but I had to make an effort. If you want to lead a better life, you’re going to need those new friends who will be there for you when you need them the most.
That has changed, but it has taken some time. Once you’ve found your “tribe,” you’ll notice that improvement will come much more swiftly due to the new influences in your life.
Be Mindful of Your Thoughts
When old thinking resurfaces, as it inevitably will, it is not enough to dismiss it. We need to question our views. What am I missing here? Is everything prohibitively expensive, or am I unable to buy it? Is it true that “people suck,” or am I simply looking for something to criticize?
Examine your assumptions in light of the available evidence. Identify why you believed them in the first place, and then investigate why you no longer do. By confronting your beliefs, you will begin to see changes in your mentality.
Divert Yourself to Positive Instead of Negative Media
The consumption of positive media daily will change your perspective through osmosis or diffusion. A “positive media” is defined as anything that draws attention to the positive aspects of life or provides information on how to better our own and others’ living conditions.
We are all aware that immersion is the most effective method of learning a new language. If you hear this new language daily, it begins to stick in your mind and becomes easier to recall. Soon, you’ll be able to comprehend and communicate in that language.
The same principle applies to positive thinking, so watching TV or reading books that make us happier and more optimistic is an effective method of disseminating our consciousness.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a lot more than just giving money to an organization. Volunteering changes our perspective and supports the positive changes we have made in our life.
It is also an efficient way of gauging how effective your behavior is because you’re engaging in activities that you don’t necessarily have to do. This, in turn, encourages better habits.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
To maintain a healthy mind, one must first have a healthy body. I was dealing with many health issues during my troubles, which was a significant setback. Chronic fatigue can incapacitate me for several days.
Nonetheless, taking action, changing my diet, and engaging in physical activity laid the groundwork for all other improvements. My energy levels gradually increased and eventually reached the point where my health was no longer a concern.
Mindful Consumption
When we tend to overindulge our impulses, we must be hyper-aware of how we are living our lives. For example, if you’re a gamer and you can not resist the urge to buy another game after you’ve completed the one you’re playing, the chances are that you have developed an addiction.
In such cases, it is necessary to examine your assumptions again and see if they are indeed valid. There may be cases where your impulse spending is justified (for example, buying groceries). Still, there will also be cases where it is best to restrain yourself.
Develop a Healthy Morning Routine
A healthy morning routine is much more than simply a set of exercises for your body. It is also a time to focus on the day ahead.
A routine that begins with meditation, followed by centering and socializing, will make you less susceptible to stressful thoughts during the rest of the day. You will have boundless energy because you are not worn out from physical or mental exertion.
Work on Handling Stress as It Arises
Feelings of stress and anxiety might fuel unwanted thoughts. A cycle of concern can quickly spiral out of control, creating an overwhelming situation.
Consider exploring the causes of stress that are most prevalent in your life and looking for feasible solutions to eliminate or lessen those stressors.
The majority of people are unable to eliminate stressors. External factors frequently bring on stress. You can’t always control what is going on in your environment.
This is where self-care comes into play. Setting aside time to care for your mind and body can help you feel better about yourself in the long run. It also makes it simpler to bounce back from life’s adversities with a more optimistic outlook on the future.
Self-care involves things like getting adequate sleep, having a healthy social life, asking for help when you need it, and dedicating time for relaxation.
Develop a Positive Mental Attitude
A positive mental attitude is more than just a phrase used to convey the importance of having a great outlook on life. It is an actual mentality where you think and develop habits so that you are constantly making improvements to yourself.
Positive thinking is much more than just expressing “I am happy” after every situation. It’s also something that you can control with your actions, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Positive thinking is your choice – it’s not something that happens to you because there aren’t any other options.
Practice the Art of Gratitude
A grateful heart creates a positive mindset. It changes your brain chemistry, as gratitude is an emotion that induces the release of endorphins. These are natural pain relievers that make us feel good and energize us.
The fact that our brains react so well to the feeling of gratitude proves that it’s a mental state we should try to maintain for as long as possible. This allows you to feel better about yourself and all other aspects of your life. You can practice gratitude by having realistic expectations and appreciating things in their current condition, even if they are not ideal or perfect. Gratitude is essentially an exercise in practicing acceptance.
Author’s Note
Improving your outlook on life is the first step towards improving your life itself. Like I did, you might find that these stages are an excellent place to start. At the very least, they give you some positive reinforcement and motivation.
If you need any additional help, leave a comment below so we can discuss more about this. I’m sure we can all learn something new! We’ve compiled some of our favorite guides to help us live a better and more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, eco-friendly technologies you’ll love.
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