The secret to maintaining a calm mindset isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about finding strategies that work best for you and incorporating them into your daily life.
But here’s the catch – you need to be intentional about it. Wanting to be calm isn’t enough; you have to actively cultivate it.
Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve tried numerous methods until I found these 7 strategies that truly worked for me. Now, I want to share them with you.
So, if you’re tired of feeling like a pressure cooker ready to blow, read on. These strategies could be the key to bringing that much-needed tranquility into your life.
1) Embrace mindfulness
“The true felicity of life is to be free from perturbations, to understand our duties towards God and man: to enjoy the present without any anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca (Seneca’s Morals, 1882)
If you’re aiming for a calm mindset, the concept of mindfulness is your best friend.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is mindfulness?
In simple terms, it’s being fully present in the moment. It’s about not letting your mind wander off into the past or future but focusing on the here and now.
Why is this important, you ask? Well, a lot of our stress and anxiety stems from dwelling on past mistakes or fretting about future uncertainties.
But when you practice mindfulness, you free yourself from these mental traps. You start valuing the present moment more and stressing less about things beyond your control.
Now, it might sound challenging at first, but believe me, with practice it becomes second nature. There are numerous techniques to help you get started – meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga – choose whatever works best for you.
Just remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but progress. The goal is to cultivate a calm mindset, not to become a Zen master overnight. So take it slow and steady.
2) Establish a morning routine
I can’t stress enough the impact a structured morning routine had on my quest for a calmer mindset.
For years, I would start my day in a rush – checking emails, responding to messages, getting ready for work – all while gulping down my breakfast. I’d reach the office feeling already drained, and the day had barely started!
I knew something had to change. So, I decided to establish a morning routine.
I started waking up an hour earlier than usual. This gave me time to engage in activities that set a positive tone for the rest of the day. I would journal, do some light exercise, read a bit, and have a leisurely breakfast.
It was challenging at first, but as days turned into weeks, I saw a significant shift in my mindset. The chaos of the mornings was replaced by calmness. I was more focused, less anxious, and overall more productive throughout the day.
Establishing a morning routine can be truly transformative. But remember, it’s not about copying someone else’s routine. It’s about finding what works best for you and sticking to it.
3) Limit exposure to negative news
Did you know that the human brain reacts more strongly to negative events than positive ones?
This is known as the negativity bias, and it’s one of the reasons why we’re more likely to remember bad news.
In our digital age, with 24/7 news cycles and social media feeds full of tragic headlines, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by negativity and things we cannot control. This constant bombardment can create a sense of chronic stress, making it challenging to maintain a calm mindset.
It’s not about burying your head in the sand and ignoring world events. It’s about striking a balance. Limit your exposure to negative news, especially before bedtime, when it can disrupt your sleep. Instead, try to fill your mind with positive thoughts and influences.
Cultivating a calm mindset is as much about what you block out as what you let in.
4) Practice gratitude
“Do not think of what are absent as though they were not existing, but ponder on the most fortunate of what you have got, and on account of them remind yourself how they would have been missed, if they had not been here.” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to cultivate a calm mindset. It’s about shifting your focus from what’s going wrong to appreciating what’s going right.
This doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or difficulties in your life. Instead, it’s about recognizing the good things amidst the chaos.
You could start by keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee, a warm sunny day, or a phone call with a friend.
Over time, this practice can help train your brain to spot positive things more often, leading to an overall sense of calm and contentment. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by how much there is to be thankful for.
5) Learn to say ‘no’
For a long time, I was a ‘yes’ person. Whether it was taking on extra work projects, helping a friend move, or attending social gatherings I wasn’t interested in, I always said ‘yes’. I thought this was the way to be liked and valued.
But over time, this inability to say ‘no’ started taking its toll on my mental health. I felt stretched thin and constantly under pressure. It was anything but calm.
That’s when I decided to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being. I realized it’s okay to decline requests that don’t align with my values or when I’m already overwhelmed.
Learning to say ‘no’ is not about being selfish. It’s about respecting your time and energy. It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
6) Engage in physical activity
Physical activity is not just great for your body, it’s a boon for your mind as well. As noted by experts, regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your overall mood.
Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a vigorous workout session at the gym, or a calming yoga routine, find a form of physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.
You don’t need to train for a marathon or master complex yoga poses. The aim here is to get moving and release those endorphins – the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.
So lace up those sneakers, unroll that yoga mat, and get moving. Your mind will thank you.
7) Prioritize quality sleep
If there’s one thing that can make a world of difference in cultivating a calm mindset, it’s quality sleep.
Poor sleep or lack of sleep can lead to an increase in stress hormones, irritability, and difficulty focusing. On the other hand, a good night’s sleep helps rejuvenate the mind and body, leading to a calmer, clearer mindset.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting enough quality sleep. This might mean creating a bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed, or making your sleep environment more comfortable.
Remember, sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Prioritize it.
Final thought: It starts with you
The journey to achieving and maintaining a calm mindset is deeply intertwined with our personal choices and habits.
It’s a simple yet profound sentiment, underscoring the importance of anchoring ourselves in the present moment to achieve peace and calmness.
The strategies shared in this article are not quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. They’re prompts to guide you, tools to help you navigate the complexities of your mind and emotions.
Whether it’s embracing mindfulness, establishing a morning routine, practicing gratitude, or prioritizing quality sleep, the common thread is intentionality.
It’s about making conscious choices every day that contribute to cultivating a calm mindset. It’s about taking active steps towards creating an environment within and around ourselves that fosters tranquility.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
