15 things we can do to strengthen our mind

This morning as I was driving home from my Reformer Pilates class I passed the health centre where I go for doctor appointments, physio appointments, etc.  They have one of those large roadside noticeboards where you can change the letters to whatever message you would like. They’ve taken to doing weekly quotes and I really enjoy seeing what the new quote is each week.  This week it is this:

The sky is not the limit.  The mind is.

This struck a chord with me because I am constantly battling with my mind and I know I’m not alone. 

I remembered that Denyse’s prompt this week for #LifeThisWeek is ‘What I have learned lately’ and this quote and what it means to me is what I’d like to share, so I’ve decided to be uncharacteristically spontaneous and write this post only minutes before publishing.

Since it’s the 15th of October today, I decided to stick to 15 points (though I could list many more), so you’ll see 15 things that will help us to not have such limiting minds listed below.  Some of these things I’ve learned lately, but mostly these are things I’ve learned over recent years.

15 things we can do to strengthen our mind

1. Our mind is at the centre of our wellbeing.  We need to try to understand it and how to manage it.  We exercise our bodies and we need to exercise our minds too.
2. Tame the inner critic.  We all have one.  I know I have!  We would never talk to someone else the way our inner critic talks to us.  It can be so mean, judgemental and demeaning.  Check out my Top 6 Tips for Neutralising the Inner Critic (listed towards the end of the post).
3. Busy minds (monkey minds) can be quietened by practicing mindfulness and meditation.  See my posts on mindfulness and meditation here.
4. We do not heal the past by dwelling there. We heal the past by living in the present.  You can’t live in the present if you’re dwelling on the past. 
5. ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ – don’t judge or demean yourself by comparing yourself to others.  You never know another persons whole story anyway.
6. Overthinking and ruminating causes us unnecessary suffering. The first step to stopping it is to recognise it.  Then distract yourself – e.g. talk to someone, go for a walk, watch TV, read a book, do some exercise, meditate.
7. Understand what causes you stress – and know yourself enough to know how best to manage it.
8. Take steps to improve your self-confidence and self-esteem.  See my Self Confidence series.
9. Constantly striving to achieve perfection is draining and an enormous time guzzler!  Perfection does not exist anyway.  Here’s a post where you can read 10 Ways to Tell If You’re a Perfectionist.
10. Self care is important.  Know what fills your cup and do those things regularly. See this post I wrote on self-compassion & self-care.
11. Take regular time out from screens and social media.  Being constantly switched on and connected can overcrowd your mind.  See my Digital Detox series.
12. Get outdoors in nature.  I believe nature to be the greatest healer and calmer for our minds.  My favourite quote of all time is by John Burrows – “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order”.
13. Eat good healthy food and move your body – these things all help make a healthy, happy mind!
14. There’s no magic instant solution for anyone who suffers with anxiety or depression. However, my best advice would be ‘self investment’.  Invest time in yourself.  Learn to understand you.  Arm yourself with knowledge about you and what helps you during challenging times is the best gift you could ever give yourself.  I recently shared some ways that I help myself when experiencing anxiety. 
15. Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.  This is a quote which I think was originated by Frank Outlaw.  It basically means ‘what you think, you become’.  It’s very true, so be mindful of your thoughts!

How well do you know and understand you and your mind?  Could it be stronger?  Do you know how to manage it?  Is your mind limiting your opportunities? 

Ciao for now,

Linking with Denyse Whelan for #LifeThisWeek