Your mindset makeover for the best year yet

Can you believe we're already halfway through 2024? If you're still hoping this will be your happiest, healthiest year yet, experts say it all comes down to your mindset.  

First off, if those January resolutions have already slipped, don’t sweat it. You’re definitely not alone. Research shows that January 19 is the most common date for resolutions to fizzle out. 

But here’s the silver lining: there’s something even more powerful you can focus on to set yourself up for success in the second half of the year. 

"Starting a new year often brings a burst of motivation to get physically fit, eat better, lose weight, or ditch bad habits like drinking,” says Caitlin Cady, meditation teacher and author. “While these goals are important, it’s crucial not to forget the power of our mindset."  

Caitlin explains that a positive mindset can help you navigate life’s ups and downs more smoothly, build healthier relationships with yourself and others, and make choices that support your wellbeing, even when things get tough. So, let’s get into how you can give your mindset a makeover and make the rest of 2024 amazing. 

Steps for a mindset makeover 

Prioritising some key habits and behaviours can help train your mindset to be more helpful than harmful. Here are some expert-approved techniques to get you started:

1. Breathe your way to calm

To try a simple, calming breathing practice, set a timer for three to five minutes, close your eyes, and inhale through your nose for a count of four, before exhaling through the nose for a count of eight. This technique is calming and soothing for both the body and mind.

2. Connect with nature 

 Source: The Nature Conservancy Australia 

Imagine taking a weekend hike in the Blue Mountains or paddle boarding at Bondi Beach. By practising mindful awareness during these activities, you can deepen your connection with nature, alleviate stress, and cultivate a sense of calm.

Source: Mind Journey Psychology 

Here are 20 ways for families to connect through nature. 

TIP: Take green breaks during your workday

And here’s a tip for those hectic workdays: research from Melbourne University suggests that taking ‘green booster breaks’ throughout the day can give our minds the rest they need. Dr. Kate Lee, a researcher from Melbourne University, found that natural views improve attentiveness for fatigued workers.

So, whether it’s stepping outside to enjoy your local park, setting up your workspace by a window with a view, or simply taking a few minutes to look at pictures of nature, integrating these ‘green breaks’ can make a huge difference.  

3. Build strong relationships

“Investing in meaningful relationships profoundly impacts your mindset by providing emotional support, validation and a sense of belonging.” Kylianne 

Catch up with friends over a coffee at your favourite café or plan a beach day with family. Strong social connections foster feelings of security, acceptance, and self-worth, reducing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. 

Source: Better Health | Strong relationships, strong health 

4. Get your beauty sleep

Kylianne points out that prioritising quality sleep significantly influences your mindset by enhancing cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Think about how you feel after a good night's sleep versus a restless one. By ensuring you’re well rested, you’re better equipped to approach challenges with clarity, resilience, and a positive attitude. 

How poor sleep impacts cognitive function

Source: SleepFoundation.org 

#5 Write it out

Caitlin suggests that freewriting—where you jot down your thoughts without worrying about form, style, or grammar—is a simple, accessible, and powerful practice.  

Spend a few minutes freewriting each morning. It can clarify your thinking, support problem-solving, capture and refine bright ideas, and harness creativity. Try freewriting every day for a week and see what happens. Simply set a timer or commit to a specific number of pages—three is a good place to start—and try to do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper. 

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can give your mindset the makeover it needs to make the rest of 2024 truly amazing.