Stress, terrible emotions, hectic schedules. We've all been there. You and I both know how draining and overwhelming life can be. In this fast-paced modern society, it can be hard to find true happiness and inner peace. But what does inner peace actually mean?
Inner peace refers to a state of mental and spiritual calmness, even in the face of discord and stress. It also means truly knowing yourself and understanding how to stand strong even during calamities. Achieving inner peace can help you live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Like you, I am also on the journey to attain true peace within my heart. Finding peace within oneself isn't always easy, but here are some small steps you can take each day to get closer to our goal.
1. Stop worrying about things you can't control
Life is full of unpredictable things that you just can't control. Sometimes, they can get out of our hands and stress us out. But why should you worry about things you can't control? If you want to attain inner peace, you should instead focus on things that are within your control.
2. Accept your anxieties
Finding peace within doesn't mean you must defeat your fears and anxieties. Trying to do so is futile and will only create more anxieties. Instead, accept that you are afraid of some things and embrace your fears. They are a part of you, too. These fears make us human, thus, we shouldn't fight them. Acknowledge them and make peace with them.
3. Slow down
In this modern society, everything is so fast-paced that it's almost impossible to slow down. But slowing down is an essential part of achieving inner peace. Stop being in a rush all the time and learn to go with the flow of life. Most importantly, slow down your thoughts to avoid overthinking and creating more stress for your mind.
4. Meditate
Meditation has been scientifically proven to greatly improve a person's quality of life. It's calming, relaxing and can also help prevent anxiety and stress from invading your mind. Personally, I like to set aside 10 to 30 minutes a day to meditate each day. I'd just focus on my breathing and brush other thoughts aside to relax and calm myself after a stressful day at work.
5. Be grateful
When was the last time you expressed your gratitude for everything that you have? Being thankful for what you have is one way to achieve inner peace and true joy. Try making a list of what you're grateful for. I like to list at least five things I'm thankful for each day to remind me of how lucky I am in life.
6. Stay true to yourself
Stop pretending to be someone you're not. From today onwards, no more acting or pretensions. Just be yourself. Stop letting society dictate you on what to wear, what to think, and what to do. Stop trying to impress others. Live for your own sake and nobody else's.
7. Keep a balanced diet
A healthy diet is essential for your physical and mental health. Make sure to get enough nutrients to fuel your body each day. Most importantly, be mindful of what you eat. Don't get distracted during meal time to be more in tune with your body and its functions. That way, you'll be able to feel good and healthy about yourself.
8. Exercise regularly
If you've been a couch potato all your life, it's time to make a change. Start exercising today and exercise regularly. It's not only good for your body, but also for your mind and soul. Done with the right mindset, it can also help you achieve inner peace. You don't have to immediately start lifting weights. Instead, you can start small by doing light aerobics, walking, swimming, or even yoga.
9. Observe your mind
There are countless thoughts running through our heads each day. When was the last time you took the time to become aware of each and every one of them? While it may be impossible to keep track of every single thought you have, you can train yourself to become more aware of them. Observe the way your mind works. Encourage positive thoughts and banish the negative ones.
10. Don't chase perfection
Striving for excellence is alright, but there's a limit to everything. The pursuit of perfection is an uphill and futile battle. At the end of the day, you'll just never feel good enough. Stop making your life harder by chasing perfection. Accept that we are humans and we are prone to making mistakes. Acknowledge your flaws and weaknesses. Embrace them as a unique part that makes you who you are.
11. Learn to let go
There are times when we must let things go, whether it's a sentimental item, a doomed relationship, or a bad memory. In order to attain inner peace and heal, you must move on with your life. There's no point in holding on to things of the past if they only serve to harm your soul. Make amends with them and learn to let go. Soon, you'll feel more at ease with your life at present.
12. Surround yourself with positive people
There's no denying that the people around us affect the way we live our life. If you truly want to find inner peace, then you need to make more meaningful connections with the people around you. Let go of toxic and harmful relationships. Instead, surround yourself with loving and positive people who are willing to support you. And most importantly, be kind and supportive towards these people in return.
Closing Thoughts
Finding peace within yourself is an amazing yet difficult process to go through. I hope this article on how to find inner peace has at least helped you in making your first step towards true peace and joy. Don't regret your past and don't worry too much about your future. Instead, live in the present and stay true to yourself. Soon, you'll be at peace and be in full control of your life and emotions.