Ananga Sivyer
is a new friend, prolific musician, blogger and sister anxiety slayer. Check out
what she has to share about adding some extra peace to your day.
We're all too busy to fit
everything we want to into our day. Over-committed and over-stressed,
we rush from one task to the next with little thought for our own well
being. And yet, we all want to be calm, peaceful and happy. Here are
five ways to show yourself a little love and squeeze some peace into
your busy day.
1. Put yourself on Pause
Sit, breathe and reflect. Take a
step back from rushing and emotional intensity and allow yourself a few
minutes introspection. You could watch your thoughts, or your breath,
or set a timer and free-write for ten minutes. Literally sit and pour
your brain onto a page, write out your thoughts, your ideas, your
worries, whatever is on your mind let it flow onto the paper. Then sit
back and savour the relief and clarity that comes from externalising
your thoughts.
2. Indulge in Peaceful Pleasures
Yoga, meditation and walking in
nature can leave you feeling calm and content in the knowledge that
you're doing something to take care of yourself, even 10 minutes can
make a big difference to your day. Get up ten minute early and start
your day with a breath focused meditation. For improved sleep and boosting your immunity try a massage or wind down with a guided stress relief exercise before you drift off to sleep.
3. Grace and Gratitude
Take time out before bed each
night to affirm "I am grateful for..." even if you only do it for a
minute this simple routine will help you end your day with a grateful
heart and peaceful mind. Going to sleep with a grudge or a gripe will
spoil the quality of your sleep so be sure to make a habit of settling
down with some thanks even if it's for the most basic liberties like
company, food and shelter.
4. Soothing Soundtracks
If you have an iPod or mp3 player, make yourself a peaceful playlist. You could use classical music, music for relaxation, self-hypnosis, or supportive podcasts. Anything you feel puts you in a good state of mind.
My iTunes library has several
"mood" playlists set up with different themes: relaxing, meditation,
music for writing, devotional music, lectures and pep-talk podcasts.
I'm listening to my "writing support" playlist as I write this - that's
the one that keeps me going when I've got an article to finish and my
mind's thinking of my next meal.
5. Hang out with Happy People
While it's good to be supportive
and lend an ear to a friend in need, it's also important to look after
yourself by keeping balanced company. Spending too much time with
people who are stressed or depressed will eventually affect you
negatively too. Make sure you spend time every day with someone
uplifting. If you can't be with them in person, call them and share a
sweet exchange. Positive company can also come from people you don't
even know. Look out for authors, inspiration speakers, or even a
personal development coach whose energy, mood, and values are in tune
with your own goals and aspirations. You can listen while driving,
washing dishes, or preparing meals, and turn chore time into a time of
learning and positive reflection.
Like what you just read? Head on over to
Return to Archive
