Our mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of our minds should be prioritized the same as taking care of our bodies. The small choices we make daily can significantly impact our mental well-being. There are many rituals and practices that we can incorporate into our lifestyle that can help improve and maintain a healthy emotional landscape. Here are some of our favorite daily practices for positive mood and mental well-being. 

Meditation

A regular meditation practice is one of the most powerful ways to gain control over our thoughts and promote a positive sense of well-being. Take the pressure off of your practice; sitting down for as little as a few minutes a day to connect with your breath can have a huge impact. If you are a beginner, opt for a guided meditation to stay present and engaged. Our Chrysoprase and Sappanwood Mala, and Indigo Ayurvedic Meditation Pillow are excellent props to incorporate into your practice no matter what your experience level. Chrysoprase and Sappan Wood eases anxiety and calms the nervous system, while indigo strengthens our intuition for a profound meditative experience.

Join us as part of your weekly ritual every Monday for Mala Mondays, where we will hold a mala meditation live on Instagram at 8:30 am PST. Make sure to follow us and turn on your notifications so you don't miss out. 

Movement

Moving our bodies helps release endorphins and shake up stagnant energy, creating feel-good benefits we can all get behind. The mind-body connection is powerful, and a healthy body can help contribute to a healthy mind. Aim to move your body in some way every day. This could be a gentle walk, yoga, pilates, or a run; find a style of movement that feels fun and nourishing. Start with small goals and slowly build on them once you feel more comfortable in your routine.

Gratitude practice

Recognizing the good where we are can help us retrain our brain's negativity bias and become more inclined to see the positive in every situation. A gratitude practice is a fantastic way to boost our mood and mindset. Carve out a few minutes each day to write down three to five things you are grateful for from the last 48 hours. Take time with each item to close your eyes and really tap into the feeling of gratitude and amazement that this person, place, thing, or situation is in your life for you to experience. Nothing is too big or too small for the list, just write down whatever comes to mind and allow yourself to be filled with the energy of gratitude. 

Intentional Connection

We are often surrounded by loved ones, family, partners, and pets by default, but how often do we take the time to truly become present and connect with them? Connection is an integral part of being human and can provide great solace and comfort when experiencing challenges. Make it a point every day to create space for intentional connection- meaning sit down one on one with a good friend, have an undistracted dinner with your partner, cuddle your dog on the couch, or call your family. Leaning on support and taking time to nourish the connections with those around us can be profound on our emotional well-being and help us tap into the love that surrounds us.

Taking care of our mental health does not have to be complicated. Incorporating a couple of habits and practices to nourish our minds every day can make a difference in boosting our mood and overall well-being. We hope that these tips inspire you to do something little every day to show yourself and your mind the love and care you deserve.