In Need of a Life Reset? These 5 Tips Will Help You Out
If you’ve been feeling like you’re in a bit of a funk, we’ve got tips and tricks that’ll reinvigorate you – and help you work towards a more positive mindset.
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We’ve all been there: At times, it feels like you’re losing grip on your life. Maybe you’re burnt out from your current schedule, fallen out of a routine or find that you’re not making the most of your days like you could be. Whatever kind of mental funk you’re going through, there are little changes and lifestyle tweaks you can make to feel like the best version of yourself again. All you need is a reset – and it starts with small adjustments and a bit of self reflection.
If you’re looking for a reset, both for your mental health and your outlook, try these expert tips to help you get back on track.
1. Get out and get social
Have you been making time for a social life? Humans are social creatures by nature. Your mental health, health behavior and physical health can all be negatively impacted when you aren’t getting the chance to spend quality time with friends and family. A lack of human interaction could be what’s stopping you from feeling your best.
An article published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior explains how social ties can enhance personal control, leading to better health habits, mental health and physical health. The article states, “the emotional support provided by social ties enhances psychological well-being, which, in turn, may reduce the risk of unhealthy behaviors and poor physical health.”
So, if you’re in a funk and looking to break out of a rut, make time to hang out with a friend. This simple action can help you to reset and trigger positive habits back into your routine (and laughter always does your mental health some good!).
2. Prioritize joyful movement
Exercise might be one of the last things you want to do when you’re feeling down, but it’s ultimately one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Harvard Health explains that getting moving can bolster your productivity and improve your overall mood. And Elle Woods of Legally Blonde said it best: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
When you exercise, your brain receives increased levels of serotonin. This chemical helps combat negative feelings and sets you up with a better mindset, which is perfect for when you’re looking to feel like the best version of yourself again. It’s exactly the kind of activity you need to get feel-good chemicals flowing in your brain, and the positive impact can last well after your workout is finished.
If you don’t want to sign up for a gym membership, the good news is you don’t have to! Start with a walk around the neighborhood, a gentle yoga flow, a dance workout from YouTube or any form of fitness (or movement) you enjoy. Shifting your perspective from exercise being something you have to do into something you want to do will make it way easier when implementing it into your routine.
3. Utilize your calendar and start planning
Another easy way to kick yourself into high gear is by planning your life out with a calendar. This tool doesn’t only need to be used for jotting down appointments and meetings. A calendar can also be used to schedule personal to-do lists and goals for the day. This will ensure that you allot time for what’s important – and not just what’s important in the course of your work day.
Dr. Nikita B. Shah, who’s an obesity medicine physician, family physician and life coach, says you can schedule things like your workouts, sleep and meal prepping plans onto your calendar. The more specific tasks you can think of, the better. “Write down where these tasks will fit and commit to taking these actions. Focus on this with the same importance as to how you’d focus on showing up for a work meeting or an event.”
Plus, jotting down your important to-dos of any and every kind can help spring all the “I should be doing this…” thoughts from your brain into fruition. To get started on your calendar, identify the obstacles that are preventing you from living your best life. Troubleshoot these problems and schedule the solutions, big or small, into your day.
4. Reframe your negative thoughts
When you’re not feeling like your best self, the brain can become an echo chamber of negative thoughts that don’t go away. Retired psychologist and author John F. Tholen, PhD says your internal monologue can have you feeling self-critical, dysfunctional, and unconstructive.
The solution? Actively refocus your attention away from the dysfunctional thoughts and towards functional alternatives instead. “The closest thing we have to a ‘superpower’ is our ability at any moment to shift the focus of our attention,” says Tholen.
Solution-based thinking can be practiced in many ways depending on your goals. Gotten into a habit of eating takeout everyday? Take time to write up a grocery list and meal prep. Dwelling on the fact that you’re procrastinating at work? Eliminate distractions that are keeping you from finishing tasks. Focusing on the solution rather than the problem will give you the willpower to overcome all types of obstacles.
5. Stay off your phone
It’s so easy to endlessly scroll on your phone and lose track of time without realizing it. Maybe you got sucked into a Pinterest rabbit hole or it’s become a habit to flick through hundreds of TikToks per day. If you’re going through a funk, though, grabbing your smartphone can be a not-so-great idea.
It’s more beneficial to put your phone down and stay off social media apps as much as you can. CNBC reports that teens and young adults in the U.S. get at least 7.5 hours of screen time a day, on average. This prolonged screen exposure can lead to reduced productivity, poor sleep quality and stress. Plus, scrolling through picture-perfect images on social media can wreak havoc on your self-esteem and mental health.
Acknowledging your screen time and breaking away from the Pavlov effect devices have on you will ultimately be worth it. You can expect to see improvements in your mental health and overall productivity by spending less time on your phone. It will also free up more of your day, allowing you to make the time for things more beneficial to your well being.
For more advice on resetting your mind and your habits, keep reading: