How To Renew Your Mind

To renew your mind means to allow yourself to get rid of old ways of thinking and changing that thought pattern to something more positive or beneficial.

From a holistic or functional wellness perspective, it is important to recognize the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and emotions when we are desiring to obtain a state of optimal health and wellness. The act of renewing your mind is a big part of that.

This process includes the practices of self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring.

How to renew your mind is an important part of obtaining happiness and health. It must be included in your wellness basket as a daily practice.

Benefits of Renewing Your Mind

Our mind and mindset is a big part of our health. Our mindset affects the way we see the whole world and our life around us.

Functional medicine practitioners emphasize the interconnectedness of the various body systems. They recognize the importance of mental and emotional well-being in achieving optimal health. Renewing your mind, from this perspective, offers several benefits:

1. Reduced Chronic Stress
2. Improved Mental Health
3. Enhanced Immune Function
4. Better Digestive Health
5. Weight Management
6. Hormone Regulation
7. Improved Sleep Quality
8. Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
9. Balanced Blood Sugar
10. Management of Chronic Conditions
11. Longevity and Aging Well
12. A Positive Mindset to Change Other Habits Which Impact Your Health

How Does The Bible Say To Renew Your Mind

As I said earlier, renewing your mind means to get rid of old ways of thinking. There’s a strong biblical component to that.

Ephesians 4:22-24 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

20 Ways To Renew Your Mind

Renewing your mind refers to the process of actively and intentionally working on your mental and emotional well-being. But how do you actually do this?

While there are many approaches, renewing the mind may involve practices such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional intelligence development, and stress management techniques, all of which contribute to better mental and emotional health.

Make a Clean Start:

While washing your face, taking a shower, or even just washing your hands through the day, imagine that soap is also washing away all negativity and any obstacles standing in your way. Be mindful of this practice each time. You might be surprised at what power one simple action can have on your mind.

Practice Mindfulness:

Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, without judgment. The practice helps you become aware of your thought patterns and break free from negative thinking.

Challenge Negative Thoughts:

When you notice negative or self-limiting thoughts, challenge them. Ask yourself if they’re based on facts or assumptions. Is the thought helping or hindering your progress?

Positive Affirmations:

Use positive affirmations to counteract negative self-talk. Repeatedly telling yourself positive and empowering statements can help change your mindset. See more about affirmations in my post here. Affirmations, for me, are one of the simplest ways to stay in tune with positive thoughts and change negative thought patterns into positives.

Surround Yourself with Positivity:

Spend time with positive, supportive people who encourage personal growth and offer constructive feedback.

Practice Self-Compassion:

Treat yourself with kindness and forgiveness. We all make mistakes and have flaws, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Include a statement on self -forgiveness with your list of positive affirmations.

Gratitude Journaling:

Have you ever tried keeping a gratitude list or journal? Regularly write down things you’re grateful for. This can shift your focus from what’s lacking in your life to what you appreciate. Here’s another post on gratitude.

Looking for a journal to use? You could use a simple notebook or here is one I have liked over the years.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or counseling:

CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns. Working with a therapist trained in CBT can be very effective. You must find a therapist that you feel very comfortable with. Be sure to seek recommendations from friends or a trusted source. Some people do better with counseling that is not based on CBT. Find what works for you.

Can’t afford in person therapy? There are a few books on Amazon that may be beneficial.

Meditation:

Meditation can calm your mind, reduce stress, and improve your ability to focus. It can also help you become more aware of your thought patterns. Meditation is not anti-Christian. Healthy meditation can be joined with prayer and other Christian practices. I like to keep Philippians 4:8 in mind here.

Read Self-Help and Personal Development Books:

Books can provide valuable insights and strategies for changing your thinking and behavior. Choose books that resonate with your personality, goals and challenges.

Read Self-Help and Personal Development Blogs:

Blogs (as well as some YouTube channels) also can provide valuable insights and strategies for changing your thinking and behavior. Choose one or two blogs or channels that seem to resonate with your personal goals and challenges. Hopefully this is one of them! Be sure to subscribe! (and let me know what topics you need more of!)

Set Goals:

Establish clear, achievable goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Healthy Diet:

Proper nutrition has a significant impact on your mental health. A balanced diet can provide the nutrients necessary for a healthy mind. Also, practice mindfulness as you are eating.

Learn from Mistakes:

Please don’t dwell on past mistakes. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Focus on how you can do better in the future. Write what you learn in your gratitude journal.

Limit Exposure to Negative Influences:

This is so vital! Minimize exposure to negative news, toxic relationships, and any other sources of negativity that can impact your mindset. It’s not always possible to avoid such influences, but make your best efforts to minimize it.

Forest Bathing/Earthing:

Spending time in nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase mental clarity. Go outdoors as often as you can. Walk barefoot in the grass. Breathe in the fresh air (learn some deep breathing techniques). Listen to the birds and other sounds of nature. Hug a tree. Smell the flowers.

Mindful Movement:

Activities like Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong incorporate mindful movement and can promote mental balance. The goal is movement of the body and quiet mindfulness at the same time. Additionally, this is a good time to add in some prayer time as well.

Prayer:

Spending time with God is a daily must. Consistent prayer over time has the power to change and enrich our mind and lives. It cultivates an active dialogue between yourself and God. This relationship in itself will renew your mind. I’ve been working on this workbook recently that has been an excellent guide.

Supplement Protocols and Herbal Remedies:

Unique combinations of supplements, herbs and nootropics to support cognitive function and mental well-being can assist your on your mind renewal journey. These simply help your brain get to a point to allow better focus, awareness, and less stress to allow your mind to respond better to the other strategies.

Check out these posts on Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Adaptogens to get started! Additionally, this herbal supplement from Earthley along with Adaptogenic Immunity would be a great way to add herbs to your life while addressing renewal of your mind.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Just as supplements and herbs can help you on your journey, changes in sleep patterns, exercise routines, and stress management techniques will all have a positive affect on your ability to renew your mind.

Renewing your mind is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort. But remember that even imperfect progress is still progress! With determined persistence and the right strategies, you can develop a more positive mindset.

Start Renewing Your Mind Right Now!

Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind Daily

It’s not always possible to practice each method of renewing your mind on a daily basis. But it is important to practice SOME methods daily. These are three methods I suggest to make into a daily habit.

1. In the morning or evening, or both, write three things you are grateful for from the day before.
2. Start each morning and evening with a list of ten positive affirmations. Revisit this list through the day if you are having a particularly hard day.
3. Prayer. Always start your day with prayers of thanks and petitions. Pray as you wash the dishes. Pray as leave for the day. Pray as you crawl into your bed at night. Keep that dialogue with God open all day long. The more you go to Him in prayer, the more your mind opens to His presence and renewal of your mind will happen.

In Conclusion:

Renewing your mind, in general, is a simple process. But it does take time and dedication.

A caterpillar doesn’t turn into a butterfly overnight and a house doesn’t get built in a day. Your mind will not become renewed in that amount of time either. Be patient with yourself.

My suggestion is to pick at least one method in addition to the 3 Practical Ways to Renew Your Mind Daily that I listed above. Practice those 4 things consistently, forgiving yourself when you miss a day or so here and there. Just be as consistent as you can for a month or so and then ask yourself what changes you have noticed.

If you notice a more positive mindset, good for you! Keep it up! Think about adding a new strategy or changing your fourth one to a new strategy just to keep things fresh.

If you haven’t noticed anything, then you may want to increase your consistency, or add another strategy or two for awhile. I’m betting with a little preservenacne, you will make progress quickly!

Remember, your mind may need to be rewired from years of old patterns. Be patient! Give it time. Think positively!

What methods of mind renewal do you find works for you? Do you have another one to add to our list?