52 Small Changes for the Mind Quotes

“And if you are looking for a music fix, see what free concerts or performances are happening in your local community instead of going to an expensive show. the gift that keeps on giving For birthdays and holidays, gift loved ones with experiences instead of possessions.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“keep an experience bucket list Although you may not have the money now to do each and every thing you’d like, one day you might. Start a bucket list of all the experiences you hope to have. When you think of something new, add it to your list.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“create an experience fund If you have your eye on an excursion that could be very expensive, such as a trip to New Zealand or the Galapagos, create an “Experience Fund” in which you stash money away each week toward the cause.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“memorialize experiences Similarly, reminiscing about experiences keeps them alive in our minds and allows us to continue enjoying them even after they are over. Extend your joy with some of the following: Take photographs Take photographs during the experience. Share them online afterward or gift friends who shared in the fun with photo albums so they can relive the experience for years to come too.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“raise your awareness Any time you consider purchasing a new possession, stop yourself and think about what kind of experience it will give you. Ask yourself: How much joy will this bring me? Will the joy be temporary or long-lasting? Will this purchase provide me with an experience that will be unforgettable? Will the purchase be something I can share with others? If it becomes clear the purchase will provide only short-term benefit to you, think about an experience you could purchase instead that would provide you with longer-term benefits. For instance, if you have your eye on a new pair of shoes for $150, ask yourself what kind of experience you could enjoy for that same amount. Maybe you’d enjoy a concert with friends or a dinner cruise during the summer. Once you think of an experience you’d enjoy, seriously consider diverting the money for the purchase from possession to experience.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Another reason spending on experiences is preferable to spending on material possessions is that experiences often have a social component: we are more likely to share our experiences with others, while our possessions are generally enjoyed by us and us alone.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Studies show that when individuals spend money on an experience, such as a meal with friends, a vacation, or even a day at the beach, they tend to feel happier than when they spend their money on a material possession, such as a car, a house, or a new gadget.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“reframing Try to see the silver lining. For instance, instead of complaining about the rainy weather, see the rain as a positive part of growth and renewal for the plants and flowers that will spring up as a result. Or, if you have to work late, be thankful for your job and for the ability to make money and support yourself, or yourself and your family. Find ways to take the seemingly bad and see the good in it instead.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“express to loved ones Make an effort, at least once a week, to express appreciation to those you love. Although we don’t necessarily mean to, it is human to take the people we appreciate the most for granted. Yet expressing thanks for the things they do, their support, and their love will make them feel good and make you feel even better. Make a concerted effort to thank loved ones openly and to verbalize how much they mean to you. By the same token, part of practicing gratitude is being able to accept appreciation and thanks from others.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“see the good in the little things It is easy to be grateful for the bigger, more obvious things in life, but when we can appreciate the smaller things, we find a new and higher level of gratitude. Pay attention to your surroundings, environment, and everyday joys. Maybe you are grateful for a sunny, warm day. Maybe you are grateful for a snow day! Maybe you are grateful for a smile sent your way. Enjoy and revel in the small details of life.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“the top five list Think about the five things you are most grateful for and document your list so that it is accessible anywhere, at any time. You may want to keep it on your smartphone, in your wallet, or in your purse. When you are having a bad day or are thinking negatively, use the list as a quick reminder of the things that are positive in your life.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“When we outwardly practice gratitude and express thanks to others, it can help strengthen our relationships, making us feel more connected and committed to other individuals—and in return making them feel more connected to us.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“THE SIMPLE ACT of giving thanks means stopping to reflect on our life and express gratitude for all of the good things we have.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“This provides a natural distraction and break from the typical worries and stress of everyday life, helping you maintain a more calm and clear perspective. And although it may seem like a superficial perk, a fit and healthy appearance also has a direct and positive impact on our self-confidence, which in turn increases happiness, while lowering depression and anxiety.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“The term “runner’s high” refers to the release of endorphins—chemicals or neurotransmitters—in the brain during and shortly after exercise. Endorphins elevate mood, benefiting mental well-being, and increase happiness.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“keep challenging company Seek out those individuals who value growth and enjoy being challenged themselves. They are more likely to be supportive and encouraging when you take on your own challenges. Naysayers and negative people, however, are likely to hold you back or keep you stagnant.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“look for opportunities every day You don’t necessarily need to go to an extreme to be challenged. Look at the different activities you do each day and think about how you might be able to change them so they push you a little further.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“start with your mindset The ability to push out of our comfort zone relies on the belief that we can. In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, psychologist Carol Dweck discusses how our mindset is what allows us to be successful or holds us back. With a fixed mindset, we believe our qualities or capabilities are fixed. When confronted with a challenge, we tend to give up easily. In a growth mindset, however, we believe we can continually grow and see challenges as opportunities to do so. We are open to failure and see it as part of the learning process, allowing us to try, try again until we succeed. Maintain a growth mindset by shifting thoughts of “I can’t” to “I can.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“With each risk taken, the boundaries of your comfort zone expand beyond where they were before you took the risk. Not only will you feel more inspired to take on future challenges, but they also won’t seem so daunting.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Finally, taking on challenges helps strengthen self-confidence. The more you push yourself and are successful in what you take on, the more confident you’ll feel about your abilities.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“When we challenge ourselves, just as when we learn new things, we also develop new neural connections and encourage brain plasticity. And when there are positive outcomes, we gain a new perspective that challenges our traditional way of thinking.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“When we do things that challenge us, something amazing happens: we feel more invigorated, excited, and alive than when we live with the status quo. When we push ourselves to do something that feels a tad uncomfortable or stretches us, we are forced to go past our limits and reach new and greater heights. As a result, we become capable of doing things we never thought we could. We become a better version of ourselves.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“THE MORE WE live in our comfort zone and avoid challenges, the less likely we are to thrive.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.
—joseph campbell”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Multitasking may seem like a more efficient way to get things done, but it actually hinders our productivity, increases stress levels, and negatively impacts our memory and our happiness.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Stop sign When negative thoughts pop up in your mind, picture a big red stop sign and simply say “stop” to yourself. This visual and verbal cue will heighten your awareness of this behavior.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“identify the reason Once you can identify when negative self-talk happens and how it makes you feel, try to understand why it happens. This requires some deeper introspection. Using the Negative Self-Talk Assessment, you can begin to understand where your patterns of negative self-talk developed. Knowing the cause can help you focus on the solution.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Do your thoughts make you feel bad about yourself? Stressed? Sad? Angry? Also, document how these thoughts impact your life. Do they keep you from doing things you want to do? Do they impact your performance? Are your relationships affected—possibly making you vulnerable to abuse or disrespect from others? Any time a negative thought passes through your mind, journal your thoughts and feelings.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Use the Negative Self-Talk Assessment in Part III: Tools and Resources, and write down the negative thoughts that pass through your mind, along with the feelings they cause.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness

“Negative self-talk can be so habitual, it can be difficult to recognize it or, for that matter, the damage it causes. The first step for this week’s change is to become aware of any negative self-talk you do and to acknowledge that it hurts and is damaging.”
― Brett Blumenthal, 52 Small Changes for the Mind: Improve Memory * Minimize Stress * Increase Productivity * Boost Happiness