Today, everything seems to be going on a fast pace. Everything from coffee to documents can be produced in an instant. Everything seems to be racing as if there is a timer in our lives.
Stop and learn to slow down.
Don’t you want to just enjoy life? Granted that we are not able to let go of our responsibilities, but isn’t there a way to do these things more mindfully?
A peaceful way of living life and this includes slowing down and learning new habits that will not just allow us lessen our anxiety and stress but to actually make us more productive?
Yes, it’s possible and you’d be surprise how easy they are. They may require adjustments but if you’re focused, you can learn these and ultimately change the way you live your life.
So, let’s take a few minutes and understand how we can just slow down and aim to have more peace into our lives.
1) Be an early riser
We understand that waking up early is a bit hard, especially when you’re tired and you have a cozy and warm bed.
Though, waking up early will actually boost your energy and will allow you to have a clearer mind. Aside from that, you’d have more time to enjoy your day, right?
2) Start your day with gratitude
How we start the day will determine how our day would be. So, make sure that you start your day with GRATITUDE.
Instead of waking up and thinking about all the things that you must do – pause and appreciate life.
Give thanks that you woke up. Be grateful that you have a warm bed and food on the table.
See? If you look at all the things that you should be grateful for, you’ll see how fortunate you are!
3) Practice a mindful body scan
Is this the first time that you’ve heard about body scan meditation?
To do this, relax and pay attention to each part of your body starting at your toes to your head.
This is a very nice way to release stress and be at one with your body.
4) Practice proper breathing exercises
Did you know that by practicing proper breathing exercises, you allow your body to be more focused?
Even just for 10 minutes, it can already do wonders to your mind and body. Try slow and deep breathing – it will allow oxygen to better flow in your body and release tension and promote mindfulness.
5) Control your thoughts
Learn to control your thoughts. Don’t make negative thoughts a habit. Some people, without even noticing it, start their day with stress and negative thoughts – this becomes a habit.
Break that cycle!
6) Make your bed
How does making your bed add peace to your life? Is it even connected? The answer here is yes!
It may look like a waste of time for others but ensuring that your bed is clean and organized will add to your sense of well-being. Seeing a clean and well made bed starts your day with positivity.
7) Your bathroom routine matters
Did you know that even your bathroom routine matters?
That’s right, rather than rushing through everything just to get to work. Have an organized pattern right after waking up.
Even enough time to take a shower or bath matters a lot instead of rushing everything because you’re running late.
8) Try to meditate in the shower
When you’re in a hurry and decide to take a shower, you can’t even feel refreshed after.
This time should be a chance for your to relieve stress! Close your eyes and enjoy the warm water flowing to your body.
Imagine all your stress and tension being washed away – breathe.
9) Don’t skip drinking water
Nowadays, the first and last drink of people would either be coffee of boba tea.
While they are comfort treats, it’s not specifically good with our body. Don’t skip water. Remember when we were kids that we’re told to drink 8 glasses or more?
The reason is that it helps our body replenish, aid in metabolism, and cleanses our colon.
10) See your reflection? Smile!
Smiling at your reflection? It may sound silly for some but wait till you hear why it’s good for your mind and body.
Look at yourself and see yourself smiling – not only does this attract positivity but it also releases happy hormones. Instead of seeing yourself stressed, why don’t you spread happiness starting with yourself?
11) Meditate in the morning
If you don’t practice meditation then you should start doing it now. This will greatly help you and your mind to have peace and happiness.
Everyone is busy but if you can just take at least 10 minutes a day, it will already make a huge difference in your lifestyle.
As you learn how to meditate, you will see how it will become easier to tame your negative thoughts and replace them with peace and love.
12) Start a morning journal
Have you ever heard of morning pages or morning journal? How can this help you in your quest to have peace in your life?
Putting it in the simplest form, writing in the morning on your journal is like putting your thoughts into paper – thus giving it a chance to become reality.
We can daydream but writing it, it’s a whole new level of actually seeing your dreams, your happy thoughts, and even a list of the things that you are grateful for works well too.
13) Relax and read inspirational articles
Today, as we open our eyes, we already check our social media accounts where we don’t control what we see. Sometimes, we see not-so-good news that will even affect us throughout the day.
Grab an inspirational book and start your day reading it. One page will even do it, but we bet once you start loving this habit, you’d read more.
It will definitely inspire, and add peace not just to your mind but for your day ahead.
14) Focus on your intentions
We’re so used to planning everything that it becomes too normal and even if we don’t finish what we plan – nothing really happens.
That’s the reason why we should change how we set things. Intend to do it and not just plan it. If you focus on your “intentions”, then you are more inspired and even motivated.
15) Set practical goals
When we mean practical, that means around 3 or 4.
Why so little, you may ask.
The reason for that is because they are realistic. You can’t just define 5-10 goals a day and end up completing 3.
By setting a practical number of goals, then you allow yourself to focus and do a better job.
16) Learn to visualize your goals
It’s not enough that you set your goals. Learn to actually visualize them. You may ask why this is important and the reason is simple.
By visualizing your goals, you practice mindfulness, your creativity, and even divert negative thoughts to a more positive thoughts.
17) Enjoy your tea or coffee
Do you often just press the coffee maker and just be all hazy and sleepy? Change this and start having a morning coffee or tea ritual.
Create a coffee or tea corner and enjoy your mornings. Seeing an organized coffee section while you create your coffee is relaxing.
Enjoy the aroma, take time to sip the hot coffee and start visualizing your day. If you are early enough to wake up and make your bed, you’d have more than enough time for this.
18) Don’t skip breakfast
You can’t expect to have a productive and happy day without first adding fuel to your body, right?
Never skip breakfast because your body needs it. Eat a proper meal and don’t choose to grab one through fast food.
You are feeding your body fuel that will jump-start your day – make it count.
19) Don’t rush your breakfast
Grabbing a piece of toast and running towards your car because your late? That’s already loads of stress.
Eat breakfast properly. It doesn’t matter if it’s just coffee and toast. Just sit down and eat peacefully. Chew and taste your food.
Allow your body to eat and relax. Even this simple habit can create a lasting effect on us.
20) Start the day with your family
Sometimes, we are so busy that we forget to spend time with our family.
Rushing to work and even forgetting to greet your kids shouldn’t be the habit that we let them see.
If you’d see how everything so far makes sense, then you’d know that by practicing these habits, you’d even have time to spend with your kids and spouse.
Talk to your kids, ask them about their school. Ask them about what they like to be or just talk to them about anything. Your presence matter!
21) Family meditation
Once you have learned how to spend quality time with your kids. Try to incorporate healthy meditation practices with them too.
Kids also experience frustration and stress. They too need to know how to control their thoughts and everything starts with us. Be their example.
22) Establish a connection with nature
Getting too tired of the city? Then allow yourself to relax and have peace of mind. Reconnect with nature and you’ll see how much you’d benefit from it.
Take a few minutes and walk early in the morning. You can also plan activities like camping and hiking. Ditch your gadgets and just enjoy the beautiful lush trees and breeze.
23) Warm up and exercise
Do you think that exercise gets your drained and tired? Then that’s wrong.
A 10-minute exercise in the morning will jumpstart you and will even give you a better mood.
Your body and your mind will definitely thank you and you’d see how much more you can do if you practice this everyday.
24) Sun salutation yoga
We’re sure you’ve heard about yoga before and this is the time to start practicing it too.
Just like how we love meditation, we love yoga as well because of the many benefits that it can provide your body and your mind.
It’s definitely something that can give you peace of mind and a healthy body. Practice different poses such as the sun salutation yoga and you’ll see how it can help you have better physic and stamina.
25) Practice positive affirmations
A habit that is not just beautiful but will also do wonders to everyone. Make it a habit to recite positive affirmations. Do it daily or even more and see how it programs your mind to be more positive.
Instead of cursing, why not change your habit of reminding yourself how beautiful, fruitful, and at peace you are?
26) Organize and de-clutter
No one likes waking up on a dirty and unorganized home. Want a way to relieve stress and be productive?
Organize and de-clutter your home. You’d see just how addicting it is to clean and have an organized place. Plus, you get mind clarity and happiness.
27) Drive peacefully
Traffic in the morning can already start loads of stress and this can already strip you of your inner peace. Don’t let it.
Is there such a thing as peaceful driving? We may not be able to control the traffic or even the people around us but we can control on how we react to the stressors around us.
Practice deep breathing the moment you get in the car. Focus on your driving and not with your phone.
If you encounter triggers on your way to work, allow yourself to identify them and then think of ways to release that tension.
Before leaving your car, pause and take deep breaths.
Let go of any anger that you may have felt. Don’t let it ruin your work.
28) Understand what transition breathing is
Take it like a pause from one task to another. From driving and encountering stressors to starting to work.
We’re not talking about procrastination but a little time to take and breathe. It allows your to gain control of your thoughts and emotions and prepares you better on your workload.
29) De-clutter your work space
It’s hard to work with a messy workspace. So, even before starting to work, clear and declutter everything. Throw away unnecessary clutter like old receipts, notepads, and even that cold coffee.
Start with a clean desk and you’ll see how efficient you can be with it.
30) Why do you work?
We work because we need to earn and that’s given but have you ever stopped and think why you are staying in this one particular job?
Is it because you don’t have a choice? Is it your passion? Whatever your reason is, one thing is important.
Learn to love your work. If you hate your work – then everything about it will not make you happy and vice versa.
If you love and appreciate your work, then you’ll love every aspect of it.
31) Break the habit of always checking your email
Have you ever found yourself checking your email and totally ruining your mood?
Yes, that’s why we don’t bring work at home or atleast try to create a habit of checking it at a specific time only.
If you’re having dinner with your family and you check your work then that will already remove you from enjoying the moment.
By creating a productive way of working, you get to enjoy work, home, and even your time for recreation.
32) Organize your tasks
Having so many workloads for the day? Take them by batch and organize them.
Breathe. You can’t do them all at the same time so better to organize them and then do each task in a timely manner.
Stay focused and avoid unnecessary stress. This will not help you get those things done.
33) Try the Pomorodo Technique
If this is the first time that you have heard of the Pomodoro Technique, then it is a very famous and effective time management method.
It aims to use a timer to break down your tasks into what they call as intervals.
Commonly only 25 minutes in length, each pomorodo is separated by short breaks.
– Choose a task
– Set the Pomodoro timer to 25 minutes
– Work and focus on the task.
– Take a short break like 5 minutes
– Do around 4 Pomodoros then take a longer break of around 25 minutes
34) Avoid distractions
Isn’t it when we’re too busy and have too much work, that is the time where distractions show up?
Each of these distractions can stop us from being productive so we need to take control.
Be conscious with everything around you and from there, you’ll learn which are important and which distractions aren’t.
35) Focus on your desired outcome
Instead of just wanting everything to be done asap, try to focus on what you want the outcome to be.
This way, you don’t just do work and get pressured, you do your work because you aim to see the positive outcome. There’s a big difference in focus, dedication, and even how you work when you look forward to the desired outcome.
36) Know the Flow
Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defines “flow” as:
“a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”
It’s when focused, dedication, and finding happiness in what you do come together, then you’d see just how happily productive you are.
37) Work at a slower pace
Cramming to finish work? That’s not real productivity. When we talk about a slower pace, it’s not at all trying to do your work slowly to take more time.
Rather, you need to take that time you actually need to work on your task. Your work isn’t a race – it’s a job that requires your concentration and dedication.
38) Communicate with your co-workers
It’s normal to have differences with your co-workers, your boss, and the people around you at work but why focus on that?
Everyone has their differences but you don’t have to dwell on that or even pretend that you can be close with them. Instead, learn being civil, learn to be compassionate, empathetic, and be kind.
Show them that you are there, even for a few minutes a day and you’d see just how comfortable it can make you feel as well.
39) Always be willing to learn
We may not even realize it but sometimes we refuse to learn new things. We have to remember that there is always something to learn.
Learn to have an open mind and to be willing to absorb what you can learn. You will see how there can be so many possibilities in life if you would just listen.
40) Productive meetings
Hate meetings? Do you think it drains and stresses you?
Why let it?
It’s understandable that it may cause stress but if you come in mentally, physically, and even emotionally prepared in your meetings, then it won’t be as stressful as it may seem.
There can be many ways to ensure that you are ready for a productive meetings. Control your emotions, have an open mind and be able to receive criticisms, always respect and communicate.
41) Take a break and stretch those muscles
Sitting for almost 8 hours in front of your desk will have its effect on your body. It doesn’t matter if you work from home or in a office – you need to listen to your body.
Take a break and stretch, don’t let your muscles become weak. By practicing simple stretching exercises and even just moving around a bit can greatly help your body and even your mind.
42) Take a break from technology
It’s possible to spend a couple of hours without your cellphone. If you want to incorporate peace of mind and tranquility then allow yourself to have a much needed break from gadgets.
It’s very important to just breathe, take a nap, and even just lay down in bed not holding your phone.
43) Eat Healthy and don’t skip lunch
When we’re at work and we’re focused with work, sometimes we forget to take our lunch break or if we do, we often opt to fastfood.
This will not help us get throughout the day. Instead, we’re promoting unhealthy living. With proper and healthy food – we allow ourselves to nurture.
If we’re healthy, our body and our mind will be better even when we’re handling stress.
44) Don’t forget to listen to yourself
Why is it important to listen to yourself? When we’re too distracted with our work, our responsibilities, and even the stressors around us, we forget the most important thing – ourselves.
You may neglect the signs that your body is telling you such as your moods, your stress levels, your body signs that you’re tired and so much more.
Take time to scan your body and listen to it, evaluate and of course, do something about it.
45) Appreciate other people
Did someone offer to get you lunch or did someone bring you coffee? Did someone ask about your health today? Are you too busy to notice?
Don’t forget to show appreciation and gratefulness towards other people – no matter how small the kind deed was.
Taking time and appreciating these simple things and letting the people know you appreciate them starts an amazing habit for our mind and body.
46) Accept and move forward
47) Don’t let emotions cloud your judgement
We can’t avoid all issues. It happens and sometimes, when you’re involved, emotions can cloud your sense of reason and judgement.
Know that this isn’t personal but a way to grow. Look within yourself and see that the best solution will begin with ourselves. From there, you’ll know what to do next.
48) Learn to use Mind Maps
Have you ever heard of a Mind Map before? It’s a diagram that centers on a topic and allows your ideas to flow and connect.
This is better than just taking notes. It creates a more visual way of processing your choices and how one connects with the other.
49) Take a break – listen to music
Don’t have to enjoy music? Then make time for it, you’d thank yourself for doing so.
Take a few minutes break and relieve your stress by listening to your favorite music, you can even sing to it if you want to.
Go for soothing and even classical song selections when you’re stressed or even if you want to refresh your mind.
50) Be humble
Being humble means that you remain grounded. That no matter what the situation is, you know who you are and what your strengths are.
You no longer have the urge to show off, prove yourself, or belittle others as well. Practice humility and stay grounded.
51) Have the hunger for growth
Even if you’re smart, equipped with learning materials, successful and a famous, you will still have something to learn. Don’t be too confident but rather, have a growth mindset.
Be eager and open minded for growth and take it as a challenge to be better. Everyone has a lesson to share.
52) Be careful how your body speaks
When we communicate, we may not notice it but our bodies communicates as well. In fact, we may not notice it but our body language and facial reaction can give away our true feelings.
By being able to notice our own body language, then we are able to be one with ourselves.
53) Don’t be too serious
We understand why you may need to be serious but there can be so much to see, smile, and even laugh about.
Be present but enjoy the moment. Learn to let go sometimes and just laugh about something funny. It gives your body the break that it needs.
54) Love with kindness
We can show our love in different ways. There can be love that is selfish, a love that is insecure, and so much more.
Practice loving in kindness. It’s how you love without expecting too much, to love by giving, and to love by being compassionate. You can do this by using meditation, where you get in tuned with yourself.
55) Learn the ABC method
Distractions happen and we can’t avoid them that’s why we need to learn how to deal with them properly. Learn the ABC’s of dealing with distractions.
A is for awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. Know what is considered as a distraction. Once you’re aware – then you know what you need to choose.
B is for breathing. Don’t get stressed out about choosing which one you’d like to focus to first. You have a choice so you need to be mindful of what is right at this moment.
C is for choice. Know how to handle distractions. If you choose your work over it, then don’t be bother by it anymore. Staying distracted will not help you with your tasks.
56) Leave your stress at work
The day is finished and you’re stressed and tired but make sure that you don’t bring your baggage at home.
Your home should be your safe place and sanctuary. A place where you can bond with your children and your spouse. Still thinking about work and what happened today will not help. Create this habit and see how it adds peace to your life.
57) End your day peacefully
Once you enter your home. Smile. End your workday for it has been completed. No need to continue working at home unless it’s urgent.
At home, open your mind, heart, and eyes to your family. Eat with them and make sure you engage in a conversation. End your day with peace of mind.
58) Mental timeout
Whether you are a student, an employee, a boss, or even a parent, make sure that you have time for your self before you end the day.
Don’t end the day with exhaustion for you will wake up still carrying that baggage with you.
A part of separating your work and duties to your home and peace is to create a mindset. A mindset that you can actually visualize. Imagine a peaceful evening at home, imagine calm, a good warm bath, a moment to read and destress – then do it.
You’re definitely doing yourself a huge favor!
59) Get a massage and enjoy it
Know that you deserve to be pampered. Don’t think that it’s a waste of money or even time. Your body is working so hard and when you know how to listen to your body, then you will know when to do this.
Massage can relax not only your body but also your mind. It helps your mind relax as well and increase your happiness hormones.
60) The importance of connection with your family
Every relationship needs nurturing, and what best way to do this than to communicate and reconnect? From your spouse, your children, family, even your friends and your pets matter.
To show them they matter – give them time.
61) Take a walk
Taking a walk doesn’t need to happen every morning. Evening walks is also a great way to relieve stress and be in one with nature.
It releases stress, anxiety, and even refreshes the body. You’ll definitely sleep better too.
62) Have a proper dinner
Don’t just rely on ordering your food – create a proper dinner. A dinner ritual is like a bond and a way to relieve stress as well. It gives your meal a special touch of love.
It shows respect, labor of love, and will wash away any negative vibes that you have. Eat together, talk and enjoy your meal.
63) Help with the dishes
Do you think that washing the dishes and cleaning the table is a terrible task? Have you thought that it’s a way to lower your anxiety levels?
If you appreciate the dinner, the effort in making it, then washing the dishes won’t be such as daunting task would it?
Look at it at a hobby instead of a task.
64) Chores vs labor of love
Do you remember how our way of thinking changes everything? Just like this one here. If you think you have too many chores, then it’ll be stressful and tiring.
However, if you think that all of your tasks are for your loved ones – then would it be so bad?
65) Get some colored pens
Recently, adult coloring has been loved by many. It’s no longer for kids but for us adults too. Coloring allows you to cast away your stress and focus on something beautiful.
It creates inner peace and will make you slow down and appreciate beauty. Try it and you might find yourself falling in love with it.
66) Create handwork hobbies
Do you miss carving, painting, quilting, and creating crochet work? Or maybe you want to try it out?
Don’t hesitate and do it. Take time for these little things and enjoy it. It creates peace of mind, relieves tension, and refreshes your mind.
67) Turn the TV off
Do you watch TV to relieve stress? Not the best option to be honest.
Not all TV programs are beneficial for us – some can also cause added stress.
Turn it off and turn to a book, or a handcraft hobby, you can also work on some DIY projects as well.
68) Positive parenting
Parenting isn’t easy and we all know that. By practicing positive and mindful parenting, we are engaging in a peaceful way of being there for our kids.
We allow them to feel loved and we encourage them to talk to us. Instead of fear, we aim for them to learn what respect means and to ultimately mold them into good people.
69) Control your cravings and wants
“I want it!” this is the mindset that we should avoid. Sometimes, being too stressed out gives us a false belief that we deserve something because we are so tired and stressed out.
That’s not the case. This will only build a habit of frustration and anxiety whenever you don’t get what you want.
Instead. Think and reason out when you’re calm. Examine and be aware of these things, are they necessities or just wants?
70) Review your day before going to bed
How was your day? Go and ask yourself this. Was if fruitful or challenging? Analyze what you can improve and take a mental note of it.
Creating a habit like this will make us more in tuned with our attitude.
71) Visualize your day tomorrow
Remember how visualizing is important? Do plan what you intend to accomplish tomorrow.
With this, you get excited and you tend to look forward for the next day.
Remember, you don’t have to stress about it – plan and be guided.
72) Take a warm and relaxing shower
End the day with a warm and relaxing shower. While at it, have a scented candle, and do aromatherapy. You’ll see just how it can wash away the stress and tension of your long day.
Close your eyes and enjoy your bath and look forward to a beautiful sleep.
73) Have an evening journal
Just before you turn off the lights, enter something in your evening journal. Something to work on? Something to be thankful for?
How about a good quote that you’ve read? It doesn’t need to be long, it just has to matter.
74) Meditate before sleeping
Meditation before sleeping? It’s definitely something to try. It helps you to relax more, to prepare your body to sleep and to refuel your energy.
It helps you to tune out of the noise, the distractions, and any negative thoughts that might bother you. It will help you sleep better and soundly.
75) Peacefully recharge
Peacefully shut down. From closing your eyes to tuning out of the noise, the thoughts, and the heavy stress that has accumulated within the day.
Slowly, breathe in and take in the good energy. Slowly, release your tension and drift away to a peaceful sleep to be able to wake up refresh the next day.
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