Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Work makes up a huge part of our lives. We spend the majority of our week at work doing our jobs and some of us can get a little lost when it comes to working and we can forget about the little things that matter as much in our lives as work does. But, when it comes to work, why do some of us struggle so much to create a healthy work-life balance?

There are multiple causes of not having a healthy balance, such as stress, lack of time and fulfillment and tiredness, but it is possible to find the root cause within us. No matter what your circumstances are, the way in which you respond to these circumstances will determine the quality of your life. Perhaps you have a job which you love, or a job which is stressful, or maybe you have just gotten used to your job taking up the majority of your time. 

Mindfulness is the idea of taking control of ourselves via our bodies and minds with respect to our thoughts and surroundings in order to enable us to become more aware of our feelings, thoughts and experiences. As work forms a huge part of our lives, it is important that we maintain a good work-life balance overall for our health, but how do we improve our work-life balance with mindfulness? 

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Take One Thing At A Time

Mindfulness is all about being aware and making sure to take things bit by bit. Whilst you are at work, it is important to better learn how you can manage your top priorities. If you feel like you have a million and one different things to do, then this inevitably will lead you to feel stressed and overwhelmed. 

Instead, approach the main tasks first and start to do them one by one. Whilst you are working on a task, remember to focus on that task only – be present in the moment. If your mind does begin to wander, then be sure to notice the distractions and slowly let them go. 

Don’t Take Things Personally 

Thanks to various factors, our jobs can be extremely stressful. We often deal with highly unpleasant situations, from demanding bosses and unpleasant colleagues to not being praised enough. But, whilst it may be difficult, it is important that you don’t take things personally. In work environments, people don’t tend to say things because of you or your work, but rather the situation from how they see it. 

Whilst this isn’t always the right thing to do on their part, it is vital for your mental health that you don’t take this personally. Take a deep breath and remember that this reaction has come from their perspective, not yours. Instead of creating negative energy, use any feedback as an opportunity to improve the quality if your work, rather than a personal attack.

Focus On The Job At Hand

The key to implementing mindfulness is all about focus. There are many distractions which surround us and which can have an impact on our productivity levels and sometimes our mind can trick us to focus more on distractions when we are feeling stressed. We can sometimes become extremely overwhelmed if we feel that we have too many tasks which need completing, which has a huge effect on our mood and home life. 

Another thing which we may do is say, “I’ll do this work tomorrow” or, due to a task’s difficult nature, we put it on the back burner. In order to avoid this, try to finish your tasks according to their nature and how difficult they are. If you feel as though a task is too complex, then break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. 

If you feel as though you can’t focus, or find yourself becoming suddenly overwhelmed, then try some simple breathing techniques. You can do them at your desk, or go somewhere a little quieter to fully benefit. Breath slowly through your nose until the count of 3, hold for 3 and exhale slowly for 5. This very simple breathing exercise will calm your senses and make you feel less stressed almost instantly. 

Let Go Of Any Distractions

If you find that you are distracted by stressful thoughts, either at home or work, then you will feel that your life has become somewhat of a burden. Most jobs have their stresses, so it doesn’t take long for us to become distracted by overwhelming thoughts. Worrying about things, whether at work or home, will only add to the stress that you are dealing with already which can lead to you becoming someone with a very poor work-life balance. Whilst it is easier said than done, why not just let those stresses go? What is the worst that can happen if you do? 

Tools To Practice Mindfulness 

Now, if you are looking for ways to step into mindfulness, there are a few practices you can follow to maintain a work life balance, and switch off when it is time to do so:

Meditation – Meditation is an amazing way to detach and step into mindfulness. If you face anxiety related to work, it is especially important to regulate your emotions. Meditation is a great way to take control of your emotions, and also unravel what they might mean. Getting to the bottom of your biggest concerns is the best way to process, and let them go before you start your day.

Reading – Even if reading is not something you are drawn to, it is a great laterive to get away from your screen, which can often leave us in an endless scrolling cycle. Looking into fiction or non fiction books. There are loads of books that detail mindfulness and finding a purpose. If your work life is not keeping you fulfilled, look at books that explain how to process these emotions.

Breathing techniques – If mediation sounds too intense, you might start off with simple breathing techniques. Just by regulating your breath, you can quiet your mind and become present.

Taking back the day – A new trend has been circulating, titled ‘taking back the day’. This is the notion that at the end of a working day, you do something that is just for you. Not catching up on cleaning, definitely not doing more work, but instead engaging in tasks that bring you joy and peace. Whether it be going to your favorite gym class, or even some retail therapy for a new black abaya, allow yourself a moment to take back the day once you are finished with work. 

Bottom Line 

It may seem impossible to create a healthy work-life balance, but mindfulness is a great tool which we can all use to improve our lives in a positive way. Work-related tensions can have an impact on our home life, and vice versa, so it is important that we learn different ways to help us cope and deal with these when we can. If we find ways to maintain the balance, then this will efficiently help us to manage both work and home. 

The post 5 Tips For Improving Your Life and Work Balance With Mindfulness appeared first on HiSensitives.

Wondering if you’re struggling with health anxiety? In this article, we share common signs of health anxiety and how you can find peace of mind.

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Does a dull headache make you question whether you have contracted a deadly virus? Does an exposed scratch make you question your susceptibility to sepsis? More commonly, do you swipe to Google for answers and find yourself feeling even worse about your position? Then you are not alone. Health anxiety is diagnosed in 4-5% of people, however, a huge number of the population suffer similarly with health anxiety but are yet to receive a diagnosis. A fickle term for the sceptics, health anxiety is real and negatively impacts the lives of those who continue to suffer from this mental hindrance. 

If you are one of many who suffer from health and medical anxiety, there is hope on the other side. First accepting you have a problem is essential, and then taking the correct steps to overcome this anxiety will ensure you live your life without the constant restraints.

Signs you are suffering from health anxiety 

The constant worry about your health, even in the absence of any real medical problems, can be incredibly draining. You might find yourself:

• Obsessively checking your body for signs of illness.
• Misinterpreting normal bodily sensations as symptoms of the disease.
• Frequently researching health issues online, often leading to increased anxiety.
• Avoiding doctor visits for fear of bad news, or conversely, scheduling unnecessary appointments for reassurance.

This cycle of worry can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, affecting your sleep, relationships, and ability to function at work. If any of the mentioned sound like something you are suffering with, consider the following steps to work through your health anxiety:

Limit Dr. Google

While the internet can be a valuable resource, it can also fuel anxiety. With the internet so readily available and a doctor’s appointment increasingly difficult to get/ pay for, it is understandable that so many have turned their reliability onto Google. The Covid 19 also set this precedent, with instructions to stay inside and only visit medical facilities in emergencies. Now, we are left with a large population with health anxiety due to their lack of confidence in the healthcare system. 

Instead, it is time to recognise the importance of visiting a doctor and leaving the diagnosis to them. Google typically highlights the worst-case scenario for each symptom, further enhancing the anxiety surrounding the issue. Set boundaries around health searches. Stick to reputable medical websites and limit your daily research time.

Focus on Facts

When a worry arises, challenge your catastrophizing thoughts. What’s the evidence for your fear? If it came from a simple insert blog or a list of possible reasons amongst 100 others, bring yourself back to reality. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and rely on their professional guidance as opposed to a self-diagnosis. Facts and evidence outweigh simple theories. Health anxiety can have you convinced that you know better than a professional doctor or surgery such as Yapa Plastic Surgery, but this is simply not the case. Leave the hard work to the professionals, and allow them to assess whether your issue is a cause for concern. 

Challenge Negative Thinking Patterns

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be incredibly helpful in identifying negative thought patterns that contribute to health anxiety. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist specialising in anxiety disorders. For instance, treatment facilities like Orange County Mental Health Treatment can help you with your anxiety. This is not always an option for people, so consider the more feasible option and spend some time doing inner work. We can be our own worst enemy, especially at times when we feel most vulnerable. Do the courageous thing and challenge your thought process. You will begin to recognise patterns when these thoughts arise, and further identify the que as to when these ruminations are triggered.  

Develop Coping Mechanisms

Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help manage anxiety in the moment. Meditation and mindfulness can sound too spiritual for some, but the science behind these practices is evidence-based psychology. For example, writing all of your concerns down and considering where these symptoms have derived from is a great way to de-rationalise your anxious thoughts. Also, meditation is proven to quiet the mind and shift your focus from anxiety to a more open and calm mindset. 

Practice Self-Care

Prioritise activities that promote overall well-being. This could include regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. A strong foundation of self-care can boost resilience against anxiety, and it can also improve cognitive self-schema. 

Connect with Others

Talking to someone you trust about your anxieties can be a form of release. Support groups can also be a valuable resource for connecting with others who understand your struggles.

Bottom line

Overall, health anxiety is manageable as long as the correct action is taken. By implementing these strategies and seeking professional help if needed, you can reclaim control of your day to day thoughts and live your life health anxiety free!

The post Living with Health Anxiety: Finding Balance and Peace of Mind appeared first on HiSensitives.

Wondering which areas of personal growth you can focus on? In this article, guest writer Amy Jones shares the top 5 areas for personal development.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Personal growth is all about looking for ways to improve yourself in a whole range of different areas of life. Wanting to grow as a person can be quite daunting as it can be difficult to know where to begin, so we’re here to briefly introduce the 5 different areas of personal growth, as well as small ways that you can focus on each of them, to make it less daunting and more of a positive process! 

Mental Growth

Mental growth is all about focusing on developing your mind, pushing the way that you think and learn. Improving the way that you work mentally can not only benefit you, but also can make you more efficient in the workplace and in life in general. Mental growth also helps you to reduce limiting thoughts, so you can fulfil your potential. The types of activities you do for mental growth can easily fit into your existing routine, from a 20 minute podcast to reading 15 pages of your book. Here are some examples of mental growth: 

• Learning a new skill, from an instrument to a language 
• Reading a new genre of book
• Watching a documentary about a historical era
• Learning a new skill from YouTube

Social Growth 

Social growth and development is all about pushing yourself to improve communication, knowing how to talk to people and going out of your way to spend time with new and different people who may push you out of your comfort zone. Becoming a better and more confident communicator also helps in working environments, especially if you’re in a management position or are required to work effectively within a team as part of your role. There are plenty of ways to do this: 

• Join a new club or volunteer for something you’re interested in 
• Put yourself out there by reaching out to new people
• Speak to people online with similar interests 
• When travelling, meet new people and learn about different cultures

Physical Growth 

Next we have physical growth and development, which is about more than just exercise. Whilst looking after yourself and taking care of your body physically is a part of it, it’s also about improving your energy levels, focusing on your wellbeing, relieving stress on the body and becoming more balanced. It’s also about making your physical health a priority, from booking to see your dentist in Wakefield through to having your smear tests and eating the right foods. A combination of a healthy diet, exercise and mindful movement (e.g. focusing on flexibility and bone health) helps you to achieve this. 

• Taking your dog for a walk
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Practising yoga
• Regular exercise classes
• Going for hikes outdoors
• Lifting weights
• Playing a sport

Emotional Growth 

Emotional growth is about building your emotional intelligence, so you’re better at understanding feelings. This can help you to become a healthier person in relationships, whether romantic or with friends and family. Being able to learn about feelings, emotions and the types of empathy, why someone may be reacting and understanding that someone may not react the same way to the same situation as you, you can manage both your own feelings better as well as reduce conflict. 

• Journal to identify how you deal with different situations so you’re self aware
• Practise active listening 
• Focus on communicating your feelings clearly to loved ones
• Practice activities to remain calm in stressful situations
• Read books on being open minded and genuinely processing other people’s feelings

Spiritual Growth 

Lastly we have spiritual growth, which is about connecting with yourself, understanding who you are and finding inner peace. This looks different to everyone, however here are some examples of how you can work towards spiritual development. 

• Practising meditation or yoga
• Spending time away from devices to think about what you want from life and what matters
• Develop awareness through journaling
• Spend time in nature 

Final Thoughts

So, we hope our introduction has given you some inspiration on how you can start to work towards your personal growth. To begin with, why not set aside a small amount of time each day to focus on one area of your personal growth, and you’ll soon see the benefits. Many of the areas of personal growth tie in to one another, for example if you start playing a sport again, you’ll be focusing on your physical growth, as well as social growth and potentially also mental growth if you’re thinking of new strategies. 

Take your time with this, as it’s not a journey that will or should happen overnight. Personal growth is a lifelong activity and you shouldn’t put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out within days, weeks, months or even years of starting your journey. Life changes and throws unexpected things at us, so personal growth is all about striving to be a good person throughout those changes and dedicating the time to ourselves to make that happen. 

The post An Introduction To The 5 Areas Of Personal Growth appeared first on HiSensitives.

Struggling with the challenges of constant connectivity? In this article, guest writer Amy Jones shares practical tips on how to do a digital detox.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

We live in a digital world and although there are constant negative connotations from too much social media, we can’t seem to take our eyes off our screens and remain present.

The concepts of digital nomadism and digital detox are becoming more and more sought after. Consequently, each person has their own personal justification for why they need a break from the constant online engagement.

Finding out how to master the strength to embark on a digital detox journey or how to fill that time that was previously reserved for aimless scrolling is on people’s minds. This article will hopefully guide you on how to get respite from constant connectivity.

The Impact Of Constant Connectivity

Notifications are loud and the constant pop-ups on our screens lead to constant scrolling. This can eat up hours a day. We are left with nothing at the end of this but the occasional depression, anxiety and guilt. Multiple studies share information on the negative effect this constant connectivity has on our mental and physical state. Moreover, it has been an ongoing topic that Gen Z and Gen Alpha attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter.

It’s contributing to a lot of people’s depression because they see hundreds of people living their ‘perfect’ lives, whether they are rich, have the perfect body or are travelling carefree. When people watch this kind of content, they are only left feeling like they aren’t doing enough. Also, they want that immediately for themselves, which eventually causes people to spiral.

A digital detox isn’t just healthy for our minds; it’s a conscious effort to reclaim your well-being and get back in touch with the real world. We’ll explore the concept of digital detox and provide practical tips on how to achieve respite from the ever-present digital landscape.

Understanding The Need For Digital Detox

The first step moving forward is acknowledging that the solutions to some problems are digitally related. This forever evolving and expanding digital landscape has people in a chokehold for several reasons. This includes access to a vast array of information or connectivity to friends and family. The constant barrage of social expectations and information overload can lead to anxiety and a sense of overwhelming pressure. 

Recognising the problem and acknowledging the need for some sort of balance or change is a huge step and a baby step forward to regaining control over your well-being.

Tech-Free Zones and Occasions

Identifying specific areas and times in your home where digital devices are off-limits. This could include the dining table, bedroom, or certain hours of the day. This might be easy to incorporate in social situations to begin with. Personally, when I am with a loved one, I don’t touch my phone unless there’s an emergency. 

This has not only been great for my mental health but also strengthened the bond I have with people close to me, as I am present at the moment when I’m not thinking or even being introduced to things I cannot control and it has been extremely refreshing.

Set Realistic Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries for your digital use. This may involve setting limits on social media time, designating specific hours for emails, and turning off non-essential notifications. Realistic boundaries help curb the constant urge to check our devices.

It is hard to go cold turkey on something that we need but also don’t need. It can be a shock to the system but if it’s the perfect opportunity to start hobbies you’ve always wanted to or the perfect opportunity to shove all that time you spent on your phone into something productive like a gym, something I always felt guilty about was not moving my body more. Having a look at where your screen time goes has been a way I account for and replace it with putting on a gym set and getting active.

Prioritise Face-to-Face Interactions

There’s a saying that I’m trying to live by but everything worth saying can be saved for face to face. There is a lot of pressure to message and talk to people constantly, like almost 24/7 and it’s too much. I personally have not much going on to share on social media or messages. It has gotten to the point where people are feeling anxious to reply to messages.

It might be time to just be like, I’d rather just plan something to catch up in person and nurture real-world connections by prioritising face-to-face interactions. Plan activities with friends or family that don’t involve screens, fostering meaningful connections, reducing the reliance on digital communication and making those moments between friends and family more cherishable and appreciated.

Go On A Retreat

There are many retreats available that encourage a digital detox; this is a perfect way to figure out if it works for you by just going head first and cutting off contact with the digital world. You’ve just got to remember that people have been entertaining themselves for decades without phones and that’s very manageable.

Digital Declutter

Becoming a complete nomad is a step not a lot of people can take, whether that be for their job or to stay connected with family and friends who might not live close. Therefore, a digital declutter might be a way to take a lot of attention away from your phone. This might consist of getting rid of apps that share a similar function, like Snapchat and Instagram; they are both basically the same thing and if all you want to do is stay connected with friends and family, try WhatsApp.

There are ways to quiet down your phone. Getting rid of unnecessary apps is a route but you can also try silencing ones that you want to keep, unsubscribing from mailing lists and deleting things that are just creating chaos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a digital detox is not about completely abandoning technology but finding a harmonious balance. Taking intentional breaks from constant connectivity allows us to reclaim our time, reduce stress, and foster a healthier relationship with the digital world. Implementing these practical tips can pave the way for a more mindful and fulfilling life in our increasingly connected age.

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The post Digital Detox: How To Get Respite From Constant Connectivity appeared first on HiSensitives.

In this guest article, writer Amy Jones shares how setting boundaries can help you to improve productivity. Also, you’ll learn how to establish healthy boundaries for more productivity.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Setting boundaries is something we all strive to do. Whether we feel burnt out from too much social interaction, or we simply feel an invasion of privacy from those we are supposed to love, not setting boundaries can impact our well-being, and as a result our productivity.

As we settle into a new year, many people strive to maintain their new habits and become a better version of themselves. The truth is, nothing will change for 80% of individuals who set out their new goals, simply because they could not stick to the new habit and did not set new boundaries. 

Boundaries are a crucial part of personal well-being, physically and emotionally. When people overstep these borders without respecting the individual’s wants, things can get out of hand. This may result in extremities such as this person taking up a significant amount of time, to even emotional manipulation. Becoming a better and more productive version of yourself involves clearly stating these boundaries in social settings to prevent people from thinking they can overstep these principles.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of boundaries, how to determine yours, and how they have a direct correlation with your productivity levels. 

The importance of boundaries

Boundaries are a part of your identity. Your ability to make your boundaries clear to those around you will determine how much or little other people may take advantage of you. For example, the commonly used term “people pleaser” is often referenced when an individual will go out of the way for another, even at the detriment of their boundary and peace of mind. Whilst being a people pleaser is not a bad thing, letting other people take advantage of your kindness and lack of boundaries can harm your well-being, in addition to your productivity. Harnessing your energy for your own benefit will surge your productivity, more than what it might be doing for others. To some, boundaries might be selfish. However, they should be viewed as a form of protection against others who wish to invade your emotional and physical space, to put their needs above yours.

Different types of boundaries 

Some different types of boundaries can be overstepped. For example:

Physical boundaries – This is the boundary that relates to your physical body. For example, if you do not like hugging strangers, you might feel as though your physical boundaries are overlapped. 

Emotional boundaries – When this boundary is crossed, it can be even more memorable than physical. For example, if someone is pressuring you to help them with a task you do not believe in, this may overstep your emotional boundary. 

Time boundary – If you must see family outside of work and your workplace asks you to stay later at work instead, this can overstep your time boundary. 

Intellectual boundary – When people have opposing opinions to your own, they might push you into believing they’re prescriptive, ultimately overstepping your time boundary. 

How boundaries and productivity correlate

Now you have an understanding of the various types of boundaries that can be pushed, you might be wondering how they relate to productivity. The truth is, that many of us give away our time, emotion, and physical boundaries for the benefit of others, while at the cost of our progression. You might be trying to extend your knowledge on a certain topic such as computer science, yet the people around you might be voicing their unwanted opinions about the subject, placing doubt into your mind. This would inherently implant the feeling of wanting to give up and finding a different, and more welcomed field to study. 

As much as people hate to admit it, we care what others think. The people whom we wish to please the most are often those who exceed our line of boundaries the most. From your job to your parents to the unsupportive friends you are trying to connect with, they can prevent your own [progression by placing doubt and limiting self-belief in your mind.

How To Set Boundaries

Now you understand the importance of boundary setting, determining which ones you should have in place for your happiness and productivity is key. 

Determine what is important to you

First things first you need to establish what is important to you. Expecting others to respect you when you are not even sure what you want for yourself is unrealistic. If you want to focus on your fitness and being healthier, you will set a boundary of not accepting food from others. Get your priorities straight and try not to waver from them if they have a direct correlation with your productivity levels. 

Establish a strict schedule 

One of the most frequent boundaries that people take advantage of is time. If you have set time scheduled into your day for work tasks, you should honour this. If your colleagues expect you to help with additional tasks that will interrupt this time, you need to make it clear that you will help when you can spare the time. Dropping all of your important tasks for the benefit of others will leave you behind on work, and overloaded with tasks. From your productivity to your mental health, you will witness the negative impact not setting boundaries can have on your life. 

Communicate with those around you

When you are setting boundaries that will affect those who have been overstepping them, it is important to communicate what you are doing and why. Being honest about how you feel and the change you are trying to make will only give your peers a better understanding as to why your behaviour may have changed to what they once knew. For example, if you once spent your weekends drinking with friends and now you wish to stay in and work by yourself, your peers might overstep this boundary by pressuring you to drink. Let them know what your goals are, and be sure to explain that the change is for the benefit of yourself, as opposed to the negative change they may perceive. Remember, someone who truly wishes to see you do well will never try to discourage you from your goals and productivity.

Bottom line

Overall, setting boundaries to improve your productivity is only going to have a positive impact on your mental health and feeling of self fulfilment, which will ultimately correlate with productivity increases. Whether your goal is to be more productive in the gym and feel confident in your bikini set in the summer, or you want to organise your workload to reach deadlines, maintaining boundaries is crucial if you wish to prevent others from getting in the way of you achieving your goals.

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• Powerful Tips for A Productive Day at Work
• An Empaths Guide to Energetic Boundaries

The post How To Set Boundaries To Improve Productivity appeared first on HiSensitives.

Do you experience a lack mindset on a regular basis? In this article, guest writer Amy Jones shares how a lack mindset might be impacting your health.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A lack mindset, also known as a scarcity mindset, has been a common topic in recent conversations. With mental health on the decline and so many people putting themselves down, the term ‘lack mindset’ has been coined to shed some light onto the state of mind of those suffering from negative self-perception. Not only is a lack of mindset damaging to your mental well-being, but the results of a prolonged lack of mindset are so profound that physical health can take its toll as a result. 

In this blog post, we will shed some light on what a lack mindset is, how it might be damaging your overall health, and finally actionable steps to try to combat these thoughts and replace them with more positive and productive thoughts. Take a look at the following suggestions: 

What is a lack mindset? 

First things first, what exactly is a lack mindset? Well, put simply it is a fixation of what you do not have. This works in the conscious and subconscious mind, having frequent feelings of nothing being good enough, or simply not having enough in life. This can manifest in some different ways. 

All of us feel somewhat self-conscious when looking to others who have more, and unfortunately, feel worse about our situations. This is normal and a common response, however, when this applies to all aspects of life and sheds negativity consistently, this may be a result of a lack of mindset.

What factors can cause a lack mindset?

A lack mindset might be something new to you, or perhaps it is something that you have dealt with your whole life. There are some reasons that can lead to this mentality, and here are just a few examples:

• Poverty Upbringing – If you have spent most of your life lacking money and struggling to raise finances, this can be a clear contributor to having a lack mindset. The ideology that you can never make enough money to get by might be installed into your thought processing, causing the constant scarcity feeling.
• Anxiety – People who suffer from anxiety know the familiar feeling of feeling uncertain about the future, and lacking confidence in their own capabilities. In extreme cases, this can cause people to suffer from anxiety attacks, and not want to leave their comfort bubble at all.
• Abuse response – People who have sadly suffered abuse at the hands of someone they trust can often live with a lack mindset. The emotional takedown that they experience evidently leaves them feeling worthless and as if nothing they will do is ever good enough. 

These are just a few examples of how a lack mindset can manifest, however, smaller instances such as losing jobs and feeling like a failed parent can also lead to the development of a lack mindset.

How does it affect your mental health?

A lack of mindset can be damaging to your mental health. The constant attack on your own mind can be exhausting, especially when you have aspirations to do better. Many people suffering from a lack mindset may not even acknowledge its effect until it starts to weigh its toll on mental health. 

Problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and uneducated decision-making can be a common result of a lack of mindset. Working to improve your mental health is step one, but addressing the core of your scarcity mindset is the best bet at being a better version of yourself. 

How it may affect your physical health

A lack of mindset can also start taking its toll on your physical health. For example, people with this negative outlook may ignore any health warning signs as they expect the worst to happen regardless. On the other hand, it can affect how people treat their own bodies such as following extreme diets and exercise regimes. 

Limiting your food intake to dangerous levels can lead to serious problems, yet people with this weight on their shoulders will feel like they are not slim or fit enough. Something so small yet insignificant can have a great impact on your overall behaviour and thought process, but acknowledging the need for change is the first step to take.

Steps to overcoming a lack mindset 

There are so many ways to take steps towards combating a lack mindset. Here are just a few you can start to implement into your life today to change your thoughts and life around:

Show gratitude daily

Gratitude is one of the basic principles of a positive state of mind. It may not seem like it now, but you have so many things to be grateful for that should be acknowledged. A lack of mindset overshadows any of the positive things in your life, and this is damaging. Instead, grab a pen and paper and begin to think about some of the things that add meaning to your life or benefit it. These can be simple things or detailed experiences. 

For example, if you have children you take to school, do you take them in a car? What would happen if you did not have the car to take them to school? They would be left to walk in the rain, but instead, you can ensure their safe commute to school. Or, think of a person you are grateful for. What do you admire about them?

Accept the present moment 

Staying present is crucial. A lack mindset will often leave you focused on regrets of the past and how things could have been better, and also looking to the future anticipating the worst. Instead, stay present and focus on where you are at this exact moment. 

A great way of doing this is by using breathwork to ground your focus. Take note of any negative thoughts that come into your mind, and replace them with optimistic thoughts instead. Doing this for at least 10 minutes a day will have great benefits, especially when you find your mind drifting into the negative. 

Keep positive people around you 

Your circle is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. If you hang around with people who are negative and always expect the worst outcomes, you will struggle to break out of this cycle yourself. Try to surround yourself with positive people when possible. It may involve stepping outside of your comfort zone, however, once you have a circle of positive and supportive people, they will guide you through the toughest moments in life, and bring you back to reality when you start to think the worst again. 

Exercise for endorphins 

Last but certainly not least, to tackle your negativity at the beginning of the day, you should consider doing a workout within 2 hours of waking up. How our day starts determines how the rest of the day will unfold. Exercise is known to improve our cardiovascular health, and also release something in our bodies called endorphins, which can help with a positive mood and mindset for the day. 

Avoid going to the gym or working out to expect change immediately. Simply make it part of your routine to better your mental state, and once your mindset has shifted from lack, start to set your own fitness goals.

Bottom line

Overall, a lack mindset is something that all of us will have to deal with at some point in life. By first acknowledging this self-deprecating mindset, and then moving forward to make the change, you can completely transform your mindset, and ultimately put your mental and physical health in a better state.

Author bio 
Amy Jones is a freelance health and wellness writer from Manchester UK. She loves researching and writing about health topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news, and eco-friendly brands. When not writing about aesthetics in Solihull, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog, listening to groundbreaking podcasts or browsing her nearest bookstore.

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