Are you easily overwhelmed? Do you find it difficult to calm yourself down? These may be difficult to handle; and for some people, it can turn into full-blown anxiety or panic attack that make things so much worse.
On the other hand, some people don’t know they are operating under so much stress because it has become a part of their daily lives. However, this doesn’t mean it’s okay. It’s vital to take time out to clear our minds to bring peace into our lives, even when you’re not feeling too anxious.
Here, we will share three simple ways to calm the mind and the body.
1. Meditation
The benefits of meditation are being experienced by many people today because of its positive effects on the mind and body. However, it may look easy from the outside, but it’s not. The truth is, it’s deceptively tricky, which is why a lot of people struggle to make it a regular habit.
However, meditation can help fight off the physical and emotional effects of stress. Aside from that, it has lasting benefits that can affect all aspects of your life, including your ability to relax.
Take time to meditate for at least 10 minutes every day and see the benefits for yourself. You can download apps or watch videos to guide you through the process. Take it one step at a time.
Here are tips to start your meditation practice:
- Find a comfortable position. Sit on the floor, a chair, or anywhere you’re comfortable in. Make sure you’re in a quiet place before you begin.
- Straighten your posture and make sure you sit tall.
- As mentioned, start small. You can start from ten minutes or less.
- Observe your breath and scan your body. When you’re ready, close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Keep in mind that every time you get distracted, that’s okay. Just go back to your breath. This is where meditation becomes challenging—when those thoughts come rushing in and you find yourself distracted. What’s important here is you keep trying until it becomes natural to you. Trust us; when you reach that point, it will all be worth it.
2. Focus On Things You Are Grateful For
You might not see its importance when you’re under so much stress, but when you stop and focus on the things you’re grateful for, it will be like a breath of fresh air. If you think about it, it’s a great thing to do because when we’re faced with a lot of challenges, it’s easy to slip into tunnel vision and focus on what’s not going right and neglect the things that are going right.
For example, you’re running late for work, and just when you’re about to drive off from your driveway, your car broke down. Now, you’re under so much stress, and if you observe your thoughts, all you could think about at this point is the inconvenience, and basically, all the things that are going wrong.
So, since you don’t have time anymore to have the car fixed, you call an Uber. The Uber arrived at your house in less than five minutes, you got in the car, and you’re still under so much stress. It’s at this point when the negativity has consumed your body.
But what do you think will happen if you take the time to see the goodness of things amid a setback, such as the Uber driver that arrived at your house in less than five minutes, that you’re comfortable despite the stress, and you got to work safely? Notice that when you think about these things, it will uplift your mood that will awash your mind and body with calmness.
So, the next time you feel stressed out, take a moment to breathe and focus on the things that are going right amid the events that are happening. It will bring you a fresh new perspective.
3. Have A Routine
Routines may be boring for some, but it’s helpful to instill a daily sense of peace in your mind that will calm it and your body, too! Also, did you know that when you set routines, you will have fewer decisions to make during the day? Therefore, this makes more room in your mind for more important tasks.
Set a morning routine that you will feel fulfilled in, or a nightly one before you hit the bed. Whatever routine you have, consider it as an anchor that can keep you grounded even when you’re experiencing stress.
To set up a routine, here are some tips:
- Decide what needs to be in your routine.
- Set small goals. For big goals, break them down into smaller goals.
- Layout a plan—start with one week at a time and start small.
- Be consistent with time and be prepared. Make sure you have all the pieces before you start.
These tips will make it easier for you to get started without any delay.
Calming your mind and body is important; in fact, it should be a priority. When you're calm, you can make better decisions and coast through life better. Don’t forget to take out some time in your busy life to pamper yourself, even at home. Throw in some BBBB Pumpkin Spice bath soak and it will take you to that place of calmness.
