When I feel scattered, lost or overwhelmed (in a positive or negative way), I need peace. I look for stillness and quiet. I find the ground so I don’t get swept away.
The more chaotic things are around you, the more challenging it can be to find peace within you so it’s important to create consistent practices to build inner peace. Then it will be there when you need it most.
Need Peace? 10 Ways to Cultivate Quiet in the Chaos.
When you need peace, here are a few ways to cultivate quiet in the chaos. Practice one at a time or if you already do some of these, see if some need more of your attention.
1. Meditate
When I wake up, before I do anything else, I sit quietly for 20 minutes and meditate. Call it meditation, mindfulness or sitting but carve out space to be you with you everyday.
2. Journal
I make sure to keep inner chaos at bay by writing it all down. Putting my mind on paper helps me to see it for what it is. It helps me let go of thoughts and ideas that aren’t serving me and to release any mind clutter trying to hold on. It clears the way for creativity and easier decision making.
3. Saying No
Creating peace means creating space in your calendar and on your to-do list so you can schedule more nothing. When we create boundaries around things that distract us from what matters, our level of engagement in what we care about becomes boundless. Say no to what you don’t have time for and to what you won’t allow in your life. You get to protect your time, attention and mental health. Say no more often to protect your health, your heart, and what matters most to you. Here’s how.
4. Move
I take a long walk and get on my yoga mat. If I don’t have extra time, I take a short walk and spend less time on my yoga mat but still I move. Stretch, do jumping jacks, have a dance party or do whatever else feels good.
5. Connect
Connecting might feel hard right now during the pandemic, but it’s still possible. Connect with people who lift you up and lift them right back. Socially distanced and even virtual connections are still a positive force when it comes to finding peace. Note: You don’t need a giant social circle or have to connect all the time to feel supported and be supportive.
6. Nourish
Stress makes me crave sugary food which often interrupts my sleep and causes more stress. Greens ground me and starting the day with a few servings of spinach, kale, and all the other fruits and veggies I include in my favorite smoothie helps me to focus. Find what fuels you in a positive way.
7. Make new noise
Sometimes the best way to drown out the noise of chaos is to create new noise. Make a playlist you enjoy with music that calms you. This one might help, or this classical playlist.
8. Limit input
No news, no social media, no breaking news.
9. Under-react
Have you ever made something bad even worse by over reacting? Catch yourself next time by taking a breath first. Does it even require your reaction? Most things don’t. See what happens when you let things unfold without your outrage, frustration or even a word. This can be challenging. If it needs to come out, see #2.
10. Ask for help
I recently asked my family not to call or text me with any news updates. They obliged. Ask for what you need … quiet time, an early night, a TV or internet-free space in the house. Ask for what will bring you peace.
What do you do to cultivate quiet in the chaos? How do you create more peace in your life?
