10 Micro Habits That Completely Changed My Mental Health 🧠

Summary

This video shares 10 simple, effective micro-habits designed to help lift your mood, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being. From taking intentional pauses throughout the day to practicing small acts like smiling or dry hand resets, these habits can offer quick, calming effects without requiring much effort or energy. The key idea is to create gentle emotional shifts that signal safety and calmness to the nervous system, even on low-energy days. These easy-to-implement strategies can help you feel more centered, positive, and in control of your emotions, making them perfect for everyday use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Simple, small actions called micro habits can help shift your mood without requiring much effort or energy.
• 🛁 The act of stepping into a shower and drying off can serve as a reset, symbolizing a fresh start.
• 🙂 Smiling, even when you don't feel like it, can send signals to your brain that you're safe, helping reduce anxiety and stress.
• 🔄 Micro habits are designed to be gentle interrupts, helping you feel calm and safe in the midst of stress or anxiety.
• 💆‍♀️ Resetting your mood doesn't always require tools like a journal or a meditation app – sometimes it's as simple as a quick, physical reset.
• 💡 These habits work by signaling safety to your nervous system, helping you overcome negative emotions more easily.
• 🌱 The more you practice these small actions, the more they become your default response to stress or anxiety.
• 🚶‍♀️ Micro habits can be done in moments of low energy or motivation, making them accessible even on the toughest days.
• 😊 Smiling, even for just 5 to 10 seconds, can drastically reduce tension and help reset your mood.
• 🎥 The speaker recommends checking out other mood-boosting videos to add more joy and whimsy to everyday life.

Q & A

What are 'micro habits' as discussed in the video?

Micro habits are small, simple actions that can be easily incorporated into daily life, requiring minimal energy or motivation. They are designed to be gentle disruptions to reset your mood and signal to your nervous system that you're safe and calm.

How do micro habits help improve mood?

Micro habits help improve mood by providing simple actions that promote feelings of safety and calm. These actions trigger positive signals to your nervous system, making it easier to shift from negative or anxious states to a more balanced, relaxed mood.

What role does smiling play in managing negative emotions?

Smiling, even if forced, sends a signal to your nervous system that you're safe, relaxed, and happy. This can interrupt negative thought patterns, release tension in the body, and help shift your mood, making it an effective way to combat anxiety, stress, or low emotions.

Why is it important to practice smiling as a way to shift your mood?

Smiling helps override the brain’s natural reaction to stress by tricking the nervous system into feeling safe. By smiling, you activate positive emotions in your body, which can reduce feelings of anxiety or sadness. It's a quick and easy tool to reset your mood.

Can these micro habits be done during a low-energy day?

Yes, the micro habits mentioned are specifically designed to be done even on low-energy days. They require little to no motivation and can be easily practiced in relaxed settings, like wearing pajamas or when you're feeling down.

What is the significance of the shower in resetting your mood?

The shower serves as a symbolic reset. The act of stepping out of the shower or drying your hands on a towel can be seen as a fresh start, helping to clear your mind and reset your energy. It's a simple yet effective way to mark the beginning of a new phase in your day.

How does the concept of 'safe' feeling relate to your nervous system?

When you engage in actions like smiling or other calming behaviors, your nervous system receives a message of safety. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces the physical and emotional responses to stress.

What is the impact of micro habits on your default emotional state?

By regularly practicing micro habits that promote calmness and safety, you can train your nervous system to default to a state of relaxation and happiness. These habits gradually become automatic responses to stress or anxiety, making it easier to stay grounded even during challenging moments.

Why does the speaker mention journaling and meditation apps in the context of resetting your mood?

The speaker mentions that sometimes resetting your mood doesn't require tools like journaling or meditation apps. Instead, simple actions such as taking a shower or smiling can be just as effective in shifting your mood quickly and easily.

How does forcing yourself to laugh help when you're feeling anxious or sad?

Forcing yourself to laugh can send similar calming signals to your nervous system as smiling. Laughter, even if it feels forced, encourages relaxation and helps break the cycle of negative thinking, making it easier to regain a sense of calm and positivity.