Did you know that most people are in a constant state of restlessness? It’s true. Peace of mind eludes many of us. From the moment we wake up, our brains are firing signals across its synapses and down to nerve endings in our bodies.
“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Combine the physiological makeup of the human body with the demands of work, family, and other obligations, and we have the recipe for one batch of perpetual restlessness. To attain the peace of mind that makes us feel centered, safe, and focused, here are 21 ways to help you create the inner peace you seek.
21 Ways to Help Create Peace of Mind
Way #1: Try a 5-Minute Meditation.
Here’s a quick and effective stress reliever–meditation! Set your phone, watch, or whatever you like for a 5-minute period. Close your eyes, take deep breaths from your diaphragm, and focus on the present moment. Continue for 5 minutes. Remember, you are not trying to “think about nothing,” but rather to gently acknowledge thoughts as they arise with each inhalation and let them go as you exhale.
Way #2: Go for a Meditative Walk.
Sunshine and fresh air is magic for your frame of mind. Focus on your breath and feel the motion of your body as you step. Listen to the sounds of nature and the environment around you.
Way #3: Listen to Relaxing Music.
Do you have a favorite music artist that resonates with you? Music has a powerful effect on our mindset, as anyone who works out or studies while listening to music can tell you.
Way #4: Get creative.
If you have a friend who is an artist, ask them what goes through their mind when they are performing their craft. Odds are you are going to get an answer like “Nothing,” “Complete focus,” or “Peace.” Any craft – from writing and blogging to sketching and painting – has a very powerful effect on our minds.
Way #5: Pray.
It’s easy to be sidetracked by the stressors of this life as opposed to what’s most important, peace, love, and the delivery of your unique positive energy for a higher good. Remember what’s truly important to you and act on your faith in prayer, meditation, or whatever method you use to connect with your highest self.
Way #6: Leave inspiration around your home.
This works well – find what inspires you and place reminders around your place. Inspiration can take the form of quotes, scripture, images of your idol… anything that results in a positive, peaceful piece of mind. Click here to for 3 ways to add positive energy to your home.
Way #7: De-clutter a part of your home.
When trying to both attain and keep a peaceful mind, clutter can distract you. This is especially true if you are a clean person by nature. De-clutter your workspace, garage, bedroom, closet, or another part of your place.
Way #8: Help someone in need.
This is good for the soul and keeping a peaceful, positive mindset. Many people could use a helping hand.
Way #9: Lose yourself in a book.
An engaging read engages and expands your mind. When focused on a good book, your mind relaxes and brings a peaceful ambiance. Click here for 10 of our favorites!
Way #10: Recognize the good in people.
Unfortunately, what we read, see, and hear can both consciously and unconsciously cause us to judge and see the negative the people around us. Oddly, these people have great qualities that are made known if you look.
Way #11: Understand that possessions don’t equal peace.
In our consumerist culture, we are bombarded with marketing and advertising that promotes the “benefits” of a product and how it can “make life better.” Some of the happiest people in the world have little and love the minimalist way of life!
Way #12: Get into nature.
Our world is incredible in its diversity and natural attraction. Something as simple as sitting under a tree or relaxing by a river can have a calming, relaxing effect on your mind.
Way #13: Be with your loved ones.
There is something special in relaxing and being around the people you love. Relaxing with your spouse, kids, parents, and others you care about will help you appreciate life and bring you peace.
Way #14: Serve someone else.
History shows that the most peaceful, loving people are also servants of others. Jesus, Buddha, Mother Teresa, Gandhi… the list goes on. There is real power and peace in service for its own sake.
Way #15: Do what you love.
At work, home, or for recreation, don’t forget and set aside your passions for any reason.
Way #16: Resist dwelling on negative thoughts.
If you find yourself in a negative frame of mind, you can turn the tables by simply witnessing the thought and letting it go. There is peace to be found by not judging yourself and simply witnessing a thought as a byproduct of your mind.
Way #17: Single-task.
This is another area that can bring peace and tranquility to your life. When doing something, anything, keep your mind on that one thing. This can be anything from brushing your teeth to writing a book. Realize that our brains are meant to take on one thing simultaneously. Multitasking is inefficient, unnecessary, and unhealthy.
Way #18: Stretch.
When we work or expend any effort, our body becomes tense. A quick stretch of your arms, legs and other areas of your body is relaxing and can bring peace of mind.
Way #19: Be truthful.
This means resisting the temptation to tell “little white lies” and other untruths. Telling the truth reduces stress, promotes peace, and is just the right thing to do.
Way #20: Stop procrastinating.
When something needs to be done, and we don’t do it, the stress takes on both a conscious and an unconscious form. We all have things we don’t want to do, but the sooner it’s resolved, the sooner we forget about it!
Way #21: Do nothing at all.
You read that correctly – do nothing. We all work hard and need to take some time once in a while. Sit or lay down and be present. That quiet time, all alone, improves peace of mind.
