Experiencing Peace
10 Ways to Experience Peace Every Day
You may read this headline and say to yourself something like, “My day is full, from sun up to sun down. I don’t have time for peace,” or “I’m managing my stress just fine.” All of us have busy days and as women especially, we often take better care of others than we do ourselves. Right?
Sooner or later, the stress of daily living catches up with us and impacts our physical, mental and spiritual health. Significant fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, depression, irritability, inability to concentrate, or worse, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, we may find ourselves no longer able to help the family and friends we love.
NOW is the time to take care of YOU.
Here are 10 ways you can experience peace every day:
Slow down – We weren’t created to be “Wonder Woman”. It’s okay if you can’t get everything on your “To-Do List” done in one day. Life won’t fall apart. Slowing down decreases stress and you’ll feel less anxious. Be good to your body and your mind.
Unclutter your home/office and your mind – Throw away anything that’s no longer needed, organize your desk or a kitchen cabinet, or clean your closet by donating old clothes to a local charity. When your “space” is organized and simplified, you gain clarity of mind and a sense of order.
Set boundaries – This applies to both people and activities. It’s okay to tell people that you’re available to talk or meet only during a specific period of time. If you’re on social media or binge-watch television, set a limit on your activity. You’ll experience not only peace but also freedom when you set boundaries.
Accept and let go – If there’s something in your past causing stress, don’t be afraid to confront it. Ask for help. Avoiding or suppressing the issue will only make you feel worse. Refuse to let a negative experience control your present and your future.
Communicate – If you’re struggling to find peace in your life, have the courage and talk with someone who will encourage and support you.
Breathe – You can quickly alleviate a stressful situation by concentrating on and slowing down your breathing. Step away for two or three minutes and take deep breaths, slowly inhaling and exhaling.
Pray – God doesn’t want His children to live in a constant state of stress. Instead, He invites you to talk with Him every day about your struggles. He cares about every area of your life, regardless if it’s small or big. The Bible says God is bigger than your troubles. Reach out to Him in prayer and let His peace give you comfort.
Disconnect on Saturdays and Sundays – If at all possible, make your weekend time for enjoying family and friends. Plan fun activities to alleviate your stress and disconnect from television, social media, and your work phone.
Be thankful – The truth is there will always be people whose lives are much harder than yours. When you’re feeling stressed, start thinking about all the good things in your life and be thankful.
Plan some “me” time – Think about your favorite thing to do and make time to do it. Self-care is not being selfish. Whether it’s having a manicure or pedicure, going to your favorite coffee shop, taking a walk in the park, riding your bicycle, or going to the movies, schedule time each week to take care of yourself.
Written by Robin Reid
