Maintaining peace of mind isn’t always easy. Financial stress, health concerns, relationship challenges, and other pressures can trigger emotional ups and downs. While negative or intrusive thoughts can’t always be avoided, you can learn to shift your focus in ways that support better mental health. Over time, questioning unhelpful thought patterns and letting go of past hurts may lead to lasting emotional relief.
Still, some challenges are harder to move past. Neurological conditions, for example, often involve ongoing symptoms that may worsen over time. Even when a cure isn’t possible, treatments and rehabilitation therapies can help manage these conditions and improve quality of life. In addition, the strategies below may help you maintain a more positive mindset, even during the most difficult moments.
Peace of Mind is Built from Within
Despite its title, peace of mind describes more than mental well-being. Your emotional and physical health are also factors. When you feel safe, secure, and serene in body and mind, you’ve achieved this calm, clear state of mind. Doing so allows you to focus on what matters without allowing negativity to overshadow your thoughts.
However, according to experts, this mindset is different for everyone, as are the methods of achieving it. Depending on your beliefs, peace of mind may involve self-discipline, a life of moderation, mindfulness, or a quest for meaning. Meditation helps soothe a turbulent mind, release stress, and achieve clarity. However, the following practices may also calm your stormy mind.
Learn to question your own thoughts, not obey them
Most of us have a voice in our head, detailing every thought that crosses our minds. Experts call it self-talk or your inner voice, and it’s always there, even when you’re not conscious of it. Your inner voice can be a very supportive guide, providing you with the strength and motivation to accomplish any task.
Unfortunately, these little voices aren’t always so positive. Sometimes, they are extremely negative, criticizing your mistakes and focusing on your flaws. Not only does this alter your mood, but it also affects your confidence, preventing you from reaching your goals. It doesn’t take long for negative self-talk to destroy your peace of mind.
Luckily, you don’t have to allow your inner voice to bring you down. Instead of listening to those nasty thoughts, question them. Recognize the negativity for what it is, challenge this voice, and replace it with a positive one.
Let it go and calm down
When we feel wronged, stressed, angry, or anxious, it’s not always easy to let things go. In fact, according to recent studies, you use the same areas of the brain to decide whether or not to forgive someone. These decision-making areas are also responsible for emotional regulation and cognitive control. So, choosing to let something unpleasant or hurtful go simply involves a new perspective.
However, emotional responses aren’t the only factors holding you back. Unhealthy attachments to material items also contribute. In fact, experts state that clutter affects sleep quality, energy levels, focus, and decision-making, and increases anxiety and stress. Sorting through your belongings can often be therapeutic, as it simplifies your life and fosters peace of mind.
Reducing electronic use is another way to improve mental health. You aren’t overwhelmed with information for hours on end. Unplugging allows you reconnect with loved ones and gives you more time to focus on what’s important to you.
Resources:
- Online Philosophy, Peace of Mind
https://onlinephilosophy.org/peace-mind - The Art of Living, Meditation For Peace Of Mind
https://www.artofliving.org/ca-en/meditation-peace-mind - Health Direct, Self-talk
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/self-talk - PMC, Dec. 9, 2013, How the Brain Heals Emotional Wounds: The Functional Neuroanatomy of Forgiveness
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3856773/ - Peconic Landing, Wellness Uncovered: The Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering and Simplifying Life
https://peconiclanding.org/wellness-uncovered-the-mental-health-benefits-of-decluttering-and-simplifying-life/ - Adventist Health, March 14, 2019, The Benefits of Unplugging From Electronics
https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2019/march/the-benefits-of-unplugging-from-electronics/
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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