Do you need more effective ways to make peace of mind?
If not, you are in the minority, as most people live so stressed out that they have forgotten what peace of mind feels like.
I’m not joking. American Psychological Association research suggests that 77% of people have physical symptoms associated with chronic stress. When chronic stress begins to manifest physical symptoms, peace of mind is a world away.
If you want to Build a Ship, don’t Drum up people to Collect Wood. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Each Day is a Little Life. – Arthur Schopenhauer
Anger is the most impotent of passions. – Carl Sandburg
It is far better to Grasp the Universe as it really is. – Carl Sagan
To Fear Love is to Fear Life. – Bertrand Russell
Last Updated on July 3, 2020
In today’s world, true peace must come from within us and our own actions. Here are 30 small things you can do on a regular basis to increase your overall sense of harmony, peace, and well-being:
Particularly when you’re around those who thrive on chaos, be willing to decline the invitation to join in on the drama.
Throughout the day, stop to take a few deep breaths. Keep stress at bay with techniques such as “square breathing.” Breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, then out for four counts, and hold again for four counts. Repeat this cycle four times.
A cluttered space often creates a cluttered spirit. Take the time to get rid of anything you haven’t used in a year and invest in organizational systems that help you sustain a level of neatness.
Whenever you are tempted to have an opinion about someone else’s life, check your intentions. Judging others creates and promotes negative energy.
Start and end each day with an attitude of gratitude. Look for opportunities in your daily routine and interactions to express appreciation.
Even if you have to “fake it until you make it,” there are many scientific benefits of smiling and laughing. Also, pay attention to your facial expression when you are doing neutral activities such as driving and walking. Turn that frown upside down!
As difficult as this sounds, there is a direct connection between staying in the present and living a more peaceful life. You cannot control the future. As the old proverb goes, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” Practice gently bringing your thoughts back to the present.
The closer the food is to the state from which it came from the earth, the better you will feel in eating it. Choose foods that grew from a plant over food that was made in a plant.
Too often, we sacrifice inner peace in order to make a point. It’s rarely worth it.
Many studies, such as one conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, have connected blue light of electronic devices before bed to adverse sleep and overall health. To make matters worse, many people report that they cannot resist checking email and social media when their cell phone is in reach of their bed, regardless of the time.
You may not want to “unfriend” someone completely, however you can choose whether you want to follow their posts and/or the sources of information that they share.
When you picture someone who is the ultimate state of peace, typically they aren’t talking.
So often in conversations, we use our ears to give us cues about when it is our turn to say what we want to say. Practice active listening, ask questions, process, then speak.
Whenever you start to feel anxious, visualize the situation being wrapped in a bubble and then picture that sphere floating away.
Often a lack of peace manifests itself in fast or clipped speech. Take a breath, slow down, and let your thoughtful consideration drive your words.
Nothing adds stress to our lives like waiting until the last minute.
Mandala coloring books for adults are becoming more popular because of their connection to creating inner peace.
You are the only person who you are guaranteed to live with 24 hours a day for the rest of your life.
Holding a grudge is hurting you exponentially more than anyone else. Let it go.
Presumption often leads to drama. Remember the old saying, “Expectations are premeditated resentments.”
Let your inner child come out and have some fun. Jump, dance, play, and pretend!
The world is a hard enough place with more than enough critics. Your life is not served well by being one of them.
Thoughts, words, and actions all create energy. Energy attracts like energy. Put out what you want to get back.
Make a conscious decision not to complain about anything for a whole day. It might be harder than you think and the awareness will stick with you.
Personalities tend to be contagious, and not everyone’s is worth catching. Be judicious in your choices.
Financial concerns rank top on the list of what causes people stress. Take the time each month to do a budget, calculate what you actually spend and sanity check that against the money you have coming in.
Not only is your inner control freak sabotaging your sense of peace, it is also likely getting in the way of external relationships as well.
Repeat positive phrases that depict the life and qualities you want to attract. It may not come naturally to you, but it works.
Personally witnessing the dawn brings a unique sense of awe and appreciation for life.
Nothing creates more inner discord than trying to be something other than who we really are. Authenticity breeds happiness.
Featured photo credit: man watching sunrise via stokpic.com
