Terri Ramsey Beavers Staying calm allows you to get a better hold of whatever you’re going through. Studies show that it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate, improves concentration, relaxes the muscles, and induces better sleep. Of course, calmness isn’t something you’re born with, but a skill you can develop, capable of transforming your mental, emotional, and physical health. Life’s hustle and bustle can easily make you feel like you’re constantly on the edge, struggling to stay calm. But if you’re tired of living under constant stress and panic, the following tips can help make you a calmer person.
1. Keep a journal
Writing about your feelings can help you process them better. According to research, writing a journal has a positive effect on the amygdala which is a part of the brain controlling the intensity of emotions. Writing (especially when done by hand and not typed on a computer) has been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala. The research proved that putting your feelings on paper can create a calming effect, putting you in better control of your emotions. But it should be a regular habit, not a one-off thing. That’s why it’s important to keep a journal. You can spare a few minutes each day to write down your emotions as a way of helping you process them and get them out of your head.
2. Practice the art of mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation (as practices) have been around for centuries. They’re not just emotional or psychological but have scientific backing regarding their ability to improve emotional stability and mental clarity. The more involved you are in such practices, the calmer you’ll be in life. Meditation has to do with training your mind in a structured way by focusing on your breathing while observing your thoughts. Mindfulness is the practice of being actively and fully present in the moment. It also allows you to observe your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations without getting caught up in them. Combine mindfulness and meditation as regular practices, and you’ll develop a calmer attitude regardless of what you’re going through.
3. Avoid rushing, no matter what
Rushing somewhere because you’re late can disturb your peace of mind and stress you out. Plus, it has no value. Similarly, rushing your decisions because you feel pressured can easily cause you to make the wrong choices. Regardless of the situation, refuse to rush yourself or your thoughts. Always give yourself more than enough time to get to where you’re going. Advisably, give yourself an extra hour to cover for unexpected delays when heading somewhere. In other words, set off at least one hour earlier than you plan to when going somewhere. Adopt the same habit when making decisions. Always give yourself a few extra minutes to think through a decision unless it’s an emergency.
4. Listen to calming music
Music can stir up emotions, and research has shown that it’s an effective tool for relaxation and stress management. Upbeat and high-energy music can give you a boost of energy and make you feel more optimistic about life, while a slower tempo can relax your mind and ease your agitations. Slower, calmer music can soothe you, allowing you to ease the stress of the day while you unwind. Making calm music a part of your daily life can help you feel more relaxed. Thankfully, there are several options out there to choose from. Even if music lyrics rev you up too much, you can just listen to calm instrumentals from a music genre like Jazz. Combine your calm music with other activities like journaling, gardening, reading a book, and nibbling on some mushroom gummies, which will help to double the calming effect.
5. Get into nature
Did you know that 30 minutes in a forest environment can lower blood pressure? Research shows that spending time around or looking at trees can reduce stress, improve your mood, and make you feel a lot calmer. Some experts even advise exercising in forest areas if you can. The combination of nature and your workouts can help reduce stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
6. Don’t take things personally
Many people rile themselves up for no reason by taking almost everything personally. Some even get offended by watching content on social media and reacting to them. Others tend to interpret actions they don’t like as a personal affront. You’ll find rude and upsetting people almost everywhere, and you’ll hardly find peace of mind if you allow everyone to work your nerves. Learn not to interpret everything as a direct attack on you and take yourself out of the center of people’s feelings, actions, or words. You’ll start enjoying a more calmer life if you learn to stop taking things personally.