If ever there was a blog that needs to convey empathy, this is it. Give us clear tips on dealing with stress, but with a light touch, conveying positivity and hope.
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Stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted?
And that’s just Monday.
What if you knew the 6 secrets to leading a calm and peaceful life?
Psst. You don't have to sit cross-legged on a rock.
From traffic, trains and to-do lists to diaries, disappointments and deadlines - life is full on.
So, let’s get real. You know that life is fast, febrile, sometimes even frightening.
You crave a break, to slow down, to laugh more - actually, maybe to just daydream, pick up that novel or see friends without having to cross it off the damn list.
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But how? You’ve got your shit to get through. Why is there so little time? Why do I feel so stressed? What am I chasing anyway?
Let me tell you a secret.
You. Are. Not. Alone.
We often think it’s just me that isn’t coping.
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It isn't.
Am I the only one that feels constantly overwhelmed by everything, and well - who just wants a bit of me time?
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You're not.
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But is this elusive calm and peace just a pipe dream? Are we all doomed to exhaustion, swallowed by the chaos of our own lives?
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You know what, I’ve good news! We really aren't.
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Oh man, you are busy working for the world, and the world is busy trying to turn you out.
Abu Bakr
​So, the path to more zen in your life?
Put the list down, brew the kettle and let me tell you the secret that just might surprise you.
It’s simple.
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Give up the job, flat and friends to become a nun or a monk. See - nothing radical, then.
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Just kidding. I’m not about to tell you the only good habit is a nun’s.
Instead, here’s 6 one-worders with tips for a calmer, more peaceful life, without giving it all up to pray on a mountain.
There’s so much of it, isn’t there?
Noise.
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Taking time out to stop can have a profound effect on our sense of peace and calm. It doesn’t have to be meditation - it doesn't suit all. It could be listening to music, taking a walk or going for a coffee and some people-watching - anything that brings stillness and a break from the pace of our hectic lives.
Top tip: Stop. Listen. Reflect.
Remember those? Our busy and stressful lives can easily mean we spend less time with friends.
But we know that meaningful relationships are a big part of finding our happy, and of bringing some much needed calm to the chaos. So phone a friend, meet up, go for a walk and conquer the world together.
Top tip: Hug a friend.
The average person has their bum on a seat for between 4.7 and 6.5 hours a day. [source: CDC]
What exercise does for our bodies is music to our minds. Don’t go on an Olympic regime. It won’t last. Find what you enjoy and do it most days. Get those endorphins bubbling - they’re your calm-loving friends.
Top tip: Move over, armchair.
​You know those bleary-eyed, irritable days when nothing feels right? Don’t we all. Our bodies are good at telling us we’ve not had the sleep we need.
I say never go to bed alone. Take a book, a podcast, your favourite playlist. As long as it’s something that relaxes you – it can work wonders for getting off to a restful night of shuteye.
Top tip: Love your pillow.
We all make mistakes. Our fallibility is human, real and necessary for learning. But man, don’t we give ourselves a hard time when we get stuff wrong. And that’s a sure barrier to any sense of calm and peace of mind.
If it was a friend, you’d say, ‘Hey, it happens. You did your best, don’t worry about it.’ Try saying the same when it’s you.
Top tip: Be kind to yourself.
Play the guitar, bake a cake, devour that novel, binge on Netflix, paint a picture, kick a ball, invade the fridge.
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Sometimes our lives become so crowded, we push out the fun stuff. But the things we really like doing matter. They create a kind of smile inside, even releasing dopamine – quite literally the happy hormone. So don’t put them off. Do more of what brings you joy.
Top tip: Joy - make room for more.
Find your happy
Six ways, then, to a calmer and more peaceful life.
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Simple, aren’t they? But changing habits takes time. Give yourself it. Practise them.
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And, most importantly, allow in more peace. Make calm your friend. Your body needs it. Your mind will love it. You deserve it.
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And whoever you’re around might just catch some of it too.
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Big love 😊
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Let us know in the comments how you get on!