Having peace of mind should be on the top of everyone's priority list because almost every aspect of your life depends on it.
If you don't have peace of mind, you won't be able to focus on your work, you tend to lose sleep and motivation, and your relationships will fall into a downward spiral.
Here are 7 effective ways to help you attain it…
1. Always Plan For Things In Advance.
This makes life easier and less frustrating. If for example, you have a conference call early in the morning, then plan the day before. Ensure you've planned for various things like:
- – Getting up early
- – Considering the driving time to work
- – Preparation time for your lunch box
- – Ironing of your clothes
- – Making your conference call details readily available
- – Organizing the papers that you need to carry to work
Once you've planned for things in advance, it's like doing a trail run for the next day.
Same way, if you travel frequently for work, make a list of things and stick it in your wardrobe so that when you travel next time, you can re-use your check list and know in advance the things you have to bring.
2. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing.
Get engaged in doing some creative stuff. This can be whatever you like to do.
If you like to paint – take that brush, coloring materials and sheet out from your drawer and paint to your heart's content.
If you like photography, take that camera out and start clicking.
If you like to write, take your pen and paper and start writing.
Do what you like… it's as simple as that.
Nobody will give you extra time to do the things you like, so make it a habit to plan some creative pursuits and include them in your daily routine.
Observe that whenever you do things that are close to your heart, you're always at peace and happy.
3. Have A Clear Conscience.
When we do something we feel guilty about, it will eat up our conscience from the inside out.
So as simple as it sounds, strive to be honest and fair in everything you do. When you're consistent with your moral values, you'll experience a great sense of inner peace.
4. Meditate.
Meditation is an important aspect of achieving peace of mind. When you quiet your mind, your whole being will feel tranquil automatically.
If you're meditating regularly, it's almost impossible for you to lose your peace of mind. Like creativity, making meditation a part of your daily routine is bound to help you.
There's no right or wrong way to meditate. Here's a simple step-by-step process to make meditating a relaxing and refreshing experience…
Step 1: Search for a quiet place.
Step 2: Sit cross-legged.
Step 3: Take a long deep breath and exhale.
Step 4: Focus on your breathing. Let any thought come into your mind. Don't fight your thoughts. Let it pass by. Whenever you get a disturbing thought, think of a beautiful garden with flowers all over (or anything that makes you feel pleasant). Get your focus back on your breathing.
Continue this for at least 15 minutes. Practicing this daily will help you to be more relaxed and peaceful.
A major part of the benefit of meditation comes from the power of silence. When you spend even just a few minutes in complete silence, there's a certain kind of serenity that flows throughout your body and soul.
5. Empty Your Mind.
I first read about this technique from "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. I've been doing it ever since and has worked wonders for me, especially during those times when worry was robbing me of sleep.
To do this, imagine all negative emotions such as fear, worries or insecurities flowing out from your mind, like water flowing out from a faucet. Then Dr. Peale advised to slowly say this affirmation five times while visualizing: "With God's help I am now emptying my mind of all anxiety, all fear, all sense of insecurity." Afterwards, say, "I believe my mind is now emptied of all anxiety, all fear, all sense of insecurity." Say this slowly five times while imagining your mind being free from these negativities. Then thank God.
6. Make A Conscious Effort To Stay Positive.
A positive mindset helps to overcome any turmoils in life. Any situation can turn out to be positive or negative, depending on how you perceive it.
Sometimes, we can't avoid thinking or feeling negative. But the important thing is to be aware, and immediately turn any negative thought or emotion into a positive one.
Let's say you're stuck in a traffic jam. Instead of being irritated and frustrated about yourself for leaving late and getting stuck, turn it around! You can't do much about the situation anyway.
So instead of getting into a bad mood, maintain your cool. Think of ways to ensure you start early and be well prepared next time.
Say to yourself: "I'm relaxed, the traffic is starting to clear up. No matter whatever time I reach, I'll be able to complete all my task on hand successfully."
Listen to some calming music. Take long breaths and cool down. Then appreciate all the wonderful things in your life – your family, career, health, etc.
7. Don't Allow Others To Control Your Life.
Start making your own decisions today. There's no harm in taking advice (do thank the people who give you advice) but do what is good for you, what you really want to do.
Sometimes, we may feel guilty or we may feel like hurting somebody's feelings when we don't follow their advice. But there's nothing to feel guilty about because at the end of the day, you have to live your life. You're the one who knows what you expect from your life"¦ where you really want to go and what you want to be.
Whenever you feel guilty, ask yourself these questions:
- – Does your happiness depend on other people?
- – Are you not capable enough to make your own decisions and live your own life?
- – Are other people's opinions more important to you than what you want for yourself?
- – Don't you have an identity of your own?
- – Can you stand following an advice if you know deep inside it's not "right" for you?
Don't give control of your life over to others. Be your original self today.
Follow these 7 amazing ways and you'll soon find yourself calmer, at peace and at ease. Don't let anything or anyone snatch away your peace of mind.