A mindset hack is a technique or tool used to help you change your mental attitude and outlook. It can involve having a positive attitude and reframing negative thoughts. 

There are many mindset hacks and self care practices that can help you to live a happier and more fulfilled life. Here are a few that I think every black woman should be aware of sooner:

1. Take control of your thoughts: When negative thoughts enter your mind, practice replacing them with positive and productive thoughts.
   • Identify and challenge negative thoughts. Being aware of your negative self-talk can help you to recognize and challenge the unhelpful thoughts that may be holding you back.
   • Use affirmations to combat stinking thinking. For example, if you are having a hard time with your self esteem, try looking in the mirror each day and saying 3 times “I am beautiful as I am. Practice this each morning for 30 days and you will begin to see a shift in how you view yourself.
2. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help boost your mood and reduce stress and best of all it doesn’t have to be a strict regime of lifting weights at the gym. If you are just getting started try beginning with stretching and/or taking a long walk or do something fun like taking a dancing class a few days out of the week. Whatever you do, make exercise a part of your daily living.
3. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. A full night’s sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, as it helps to keep your body and mind functioning optimally. Getting an adequate amount of sleep can improve your mood, help you concentrate and become more productive, reduce stress levels, and even boost your immune system. Additionally, it can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. With all these benefits, it is clear that getting a full night’s sleep each night is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing.
4. Take breaks: When feeling overwhelmed, take a break and do something that relaxes you. As black women we tend to think we have to always be the strong one for everyone else… This often leads to depression and anxiety. Taking a break when feeling overwhelmed is an act of self care. So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed take 5 minutes to ground yourself. You can do this by taking a walk outside… going to a quiet place and closing your eyes while taking a few deep slow breaths or even a few minutes to write down all of the things you are anxious or worried about. Each of these things will help you lighten your load so you can keep going.
5. Practice gratitude: Taking the time to reflect on the things that you are thankful for can help to boost your mood, increase your resilience to stress, and provide a sense of purpose. Look for the positive in your life and express gratitude.
6. Finally, Connect with others: Connecting with friends and family is important for your mental health. You can even take this a step further by connecting with a therapist, a coach or a mentor. It can help to create a sense of belonging or community, it can open up opportunities for collaboration and support, it can provide a source of inspiration and motivation, and it can be a great way to learn from each other’s experiences. Connecting with others can also help to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall mental health. The possibilities of what can come from connecting with others are endless, and it can be a powerful way to make meaningful connections with others.

By implementing these 6 mindset hacks, you can live a life of greater happiness, fulfillment, and resilience.