In this week’s Well-Being Tip, we explore how to set an intention to notice the little things that bring you joy throughout the day.
Part of what makes the Healthy Minds Framework for Well-Being unique is our fundamental belief that consistent, small habits tend to add up to big changes in the mind.
As we make an effort to notice the positive and create a more positive relationship with ourselves, we set the stage for positive interactions with others. When we feel good about ourselves, we view the world and the people in our lives in a more positive light.
You can create this new habit through practice and repetition – applying the skill in short moments, many times throughout the day. You can try to notice the little things happening that we might not normally pay attention to.
This week’s Tuesday Tip is to set an intention to notice and appreciate the little things that bring you happiness throughout the day.
Here are some examples:
- Wake up and notice how your sheets feel – feel gratitude for having a bed and feeling comfort.
- Drink your coffee and appreciate how great it tastes.
- Go on a walk and view the world through the lens of “beginner’s mind” – seeing your neighborhood as if it were your first walk there.
- Take part in a meeting and appreciate your pen and paper – or if it is a virtual meeting – that technology makes this communication possible.
What else can you think of that’s small and yet brings a smile to your face? Can you count on the little things?
If you learn to tune in to the little positives throughout your day, you’ll find countless expressions of your natural impulse to care for yourself and others. From the moment you wake up and get ready for the day, you’re doing things to express kindness and care. Even something like brushing your teeth, or getting dressed – all of these little mundane details of our lives that we don’t even notice – are little signs of our positive nature.
Just by shifting our perspective to notice these positives, we can slowly transform the way we see ourselves and the way we see the world.
Get more practices and tips by downloading the Healthy Minds Program App, freely available thanks to the generosity of our donors wherever you get your apps.
