There is no one-stop shop for happiness, but cultivating an abundance mindset can boost your productivity and confidence. An abundance mindset is the belief that there are enough resources, material or otherwise, in the world for you. The “lucky girl syndrome” TikTok trend promotes something similar—the idea that luck befalls those who believe in themselves. Both concepts ask us to set cynicism aside and identify the positive solutions within our grasp. Here are 10 ways you can nurture an abundance mindset.
01
Practice positive self-talk
Words have a significant impact on your perception of the world, especially when it comes to self-talk. Self-talk refers to the unspoken thoughts that circle through your head during the day. These can be positive or negative. Negative self-talk can magnify pessimism and increase levels of anxiety. Meanwhile, positive self-talk helps develop healthy coping mechanisms. That way, it’s easier to face challenges and reduce stress. Avoid saying anything to yourself that you wouldn’t to someone else.
02
Foster a supportive social circle
Our friends, family, and colleagues have a big influence on our well-being. Even simple acts like hugging release the chemical oxytocin, which reduces blood pressure and the stress hormone norepinephrine. Healthy emotional intimacy requires trust and collaboration. Be sure to surround yourself with people who uplift you, but also challenge you to grow. Having a supportive social circle will make it easier to identify the abundance in your relationships.
03
Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with responsibilities and fall into deficit thinking. Mindfulness reminds us to stay in the moment, focusing on what we can control rather than what we can’t. Sound familiar? Like an abundance mindset, mindfulness draws attention to what you do have rather than what you don’t. Practice mindfulness meditation. Studies show that just fifteen minutes of meditation can increase cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation.
04
Try breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can go a long way to connecting you to your body. Studies prove that breathing exercises improve both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When your to-do list seems overwhelming, try the box breathing exercise to calm your mind. Readjust, and consider how you can reframe the situation to foster a more productive outlook. Ultimately, these techniques empower you to navigate challenges with clarity and resilience.
05
Practice regular journaling
Enjoying rituals can make you feel more confident in your day-to-day life. Journaling is a great habit to develop if you want to have screen-free time, or if you need help organizing your thoughts. If you struggle with positive self-talk, try writing down some positive affirmations. Writing can be a stress-relieving way to reflect and express yourself.
06
Remember to set boundaries
It’s natural to feel pressure from outside forces like work and family. Remember, it’s okay to set healthy boundaries. Studies show that burnout, from work or other obligations, can cause our bodies to produce abnormally high levels of cortisol. Stepping away from work when the day is done can prevent burnout and make you more productive in the long run. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t get done, celebrate what you’ve accomplished.
07
Listen to your body
Have you ever been irritable all day, only to eat lunch and realize you were just hungry? Sleep, diet, and exercise are essential to facilitate a positive mood. Studies show that regular movement can improve cognitive ability by increasing blood flow to the brain. It’s no secret that physical health impacts mental health and vice versa, but implementing healthy lifestyle practices isn’t always as easy as it looks on paper. Find an exercise and eating routine that works for you and give yourself room to explore. These small steps lead to lasting change.
08
Acknowledge that life is rarely simple
Life is full of hardships, and it’s unrealistic to expect our problems to be solved through a few affirmations. An abundance mindset means acknowledging the challenges we face and finding productive coping mechanisms to deal with them. Don’t beat yourself up when things don’t go your way. Acknowledge that it’s human to make mistakes and allow yourself space to heal, then redirect that energy in a productive direction.
09
Consider the benefits of therapy
Speaking with a licensed professional is a great way to gain a new perspective. Therapists are trained to approach emotional growth and development in ways you might not consider. If you struggle with a deficit mindset, talking to someone can make it easier to identify your strengths. There are many types of therapy—it’s just a matter of discovering which works best for you.
