6 Techniques to Move your Mind from Chaos to Calm
Releasing chaos and welcoming calm… doesn’t that sound amazing?! We can do this! Let’s make this our focus moving forward through the remainder of this year.
Only you know the stressors that you face on a daily basis, both internally and externally. And, as you already know, there is a lot going on in the world around us. No matter how much we try to limit our exposure to the negativity, sadness, and hate, some of it always manages to make its way into our protected, private, and sacred spaces.
We’ve got to do our best and start with ourselves to move forward with helping others, creating change, and making a positive impact on our small piece of the world. But remember, it takes peace from within to begin that journey!
Let’s get to it!
Here are a few techniques to guide our minds from chaos to calm. The goal is to minimize (even eliminate) the chaos and confusion that only distracts us from all the good stuff life has in store for us. Reaching a state of calm and peace places us in the best position possible to receive goodness & blessings!
Technique #1 - Let Go & Let God
My favorite, but sometimes the most difficult, as well. As a believer, I know the importance of faith and leaning into God's promises for me. The difficult part comes from the fact that I’m only human! As humans, we naturally allow doubt and fear creep into all areas of our lives.
I know that it is necessary to put that faith into action and live up to power & beauty that He sees in me. Praying, along with reading the scriptures and devotionals are a way for me to calm my mind, heart, & body.
Technique #2 - Incorporate Breathwork
Breathwork has a rich & deep history, and there are many different breathwork techniques. Each offers unique benefits that are meant to assist with different goals and needs.
Incorporating breathwork into your daily life can aid in lowering stress, increasing energy, managing pain, strengthening lungs, improving mood, and improving sleep... and that's just a few of the benefits. Take the time to look into whether this practice that may be good for you.
Technique #3 - Start a Meditation Routine
In the beginning, meditation may feel difficult because we find it seemingly impossible to "turn off our minds" from all of the things that are going on in our daily lives. But don't think of it that way... think of it as something that will ADD TO your day. It will become easier with practice and consistency.
Yogaeasy.com shares that "the purpose of mindfulness meditation is simply to become aware of what's going on without reacting to it. To avoid getting caught up in the 'stories' of the mind and instead let your awareness rest in reality - the present moment."
Technique #4 - Begin a Stretching Practice
I've shared about this one in depth, but let's refresh. As you know, there are so many physical benefits to properly stretching... flexibility, balance, posture, and circulation.
But... let us not forget the ability of a consistent stretching routine in helping you relax and reset. An effective stretch routine after a workout, after work, before bed, or even to start your day, can set the tone for what's to come... whether it be activity or chill time.
Technique #5 - Journaling
This one is relatively easy; you just need something to write on and something to write with. Oh, and a few minutes to be intentional about your thoughts.
If you don't have a safe person to relate to and share your day's happenings with (or, even if you do have that person), putting your words down on paper can be a great way to release thoughts & feelings that may be overwhelming your heart and mind. I know from experience that writing it down and getting it out helps... even just the act of slowing down with pen & paper can be cathartic.
Journaling can be used for both positive release and that which may not be so positive, it's truly personal.
Technique #6 - Get a Good Night’s Sleep
This one should go without saying but has to be said!
PLEASE remember what a good night of sleep can do: improve mood & manage stress; increase exercise performance; improve mental clarity; assist with health goals.
Take the time and care for yourself to get 6-8 hours of sleep each night. Realistically, there's no set amount of time that works for everyone, you have to find what works best for you, your body, and your schedule. But I promise you this, restful and consistent nights of sleep make a world of difference the next morning.
Did any of the six techniques resonate with you? Perhaps releasing chaos and welcoming calm has been a goal of yours. Hopefully, you can lean into one of these tips moving forward for the remainder of this year. Much love!
