In our hectic, modern world, inner peace can seem like an elusive concept, especially if you have bills to pay and commitments to fulfill. But there are ways to find a sense of peace and balance in your life without heading off to find yourself or checking into a yoga retreat.
Inner peace is a decision you make every day. And, although the way you see the world and act within it determine how much peace you experience, true peace comes from within rather than being something you find through external means. With this in mind, inner peace and balance become a way of living rather than things to achieve.
Want to know how to find peace within yourself? Keep reading to find out!
1. Set Limits
One of the main drains on our quest for inner peace is the time we devote to doing unnecessary, unimportant, or unfulfilling tasks. By setting limits we can take back this time and energy and use it to fuel our inner peace instead.
Start with your to-do list. A list of endless items will only cause stress and anxiety. Instead, limit your list to two or three important but achievable tasks each day. Completing them will help you achieve a calm sense of satisfaction and will help motivate you for tomorrow’s tasks.
Set limits for how often and for how long you check your inboxes or social media accounts. If you find yourself procrastinating and overthinking small tasks and decisions, set a time limit for those too.
You should also set a limit for commitments. Saying no can be difficult, but by setting limits you avoid spreading yourself too thinly and increasing your stress levels.
2. Be True to Yourself
A huge part of finding inner peace is living a life that aligns with your true values.
It’s very common to feel pressure from society to fit a certain mold or follow a predetermined path. But allowing others to dictate your choices are is a surefire recipe for inner turmoil and unhappiness.
Instead, focus on finding and doing what you love. This could mean sticking with the job you have but devoting your weekends to your hobbies instead of doing overtime. Or it could mean finding a new job that fulfills your need to help others or be creative.
The same goes for the kind of person you want to be and the people you surround yourself with. Being part of a creative community for peace will help you direct your energy and actions toward living a life that’s true to you.
3. Spend Time in Nature
Finding inner peace can be difficult if you rarely see natural light or feel the ground beneath your feet. But making the time to enjoy nature can help us relax and achieve some much-needed balance.
If you’re lucky enough to live near an area of natural beauty, going hiking or camping is a restorative way to spend your free time. If not, a simple walk through a tree-filled park is often enough to provide a sense of calm.
What’s more, breathing in fresh air, feeling the sun on your face, and enjoying beautiful views are great for boosting your mood and reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. And, spending time in nature can also help you gain perspective about your place in the world and what’s important to you.
4. Learn Acceptance
Many people think acceptance means lying down and taking whatever life throws at you. But they couldn’t be more wrong. Learning to accept that some things are out of your control gives you the freedom and strength to devote your energy into the things you can control.
Accepting other people for who they are is a huge part of this. Instead of being angry or resentful about not being able to change the beliefs or behaviors of others, accepting them as they are brings a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Or, consider everyday problems like a slow-running computer or heavy traffic. In these common situations, acceptance means using this extra time to concentrate on another task rather than hammering at your keyboard or honking your horn.
You, too, will sometimes have days when you feel unproductive or uninspired. Instead of trying to fight this, give yourself a break and accept a bad day for what it is. Leaning into a problem rather than struggling against it preserves your energy and helps shift your focus. Then, if necessary, you’ll then be better prepared to take action in the future.
5. Make Amends for Your Mistakes
Just as you accept others for what they are, you must accept yourself, your mistakes, and your weaknesses. But inner peace also means striving to do and be better.
Rather than aiming for perfection, aim to always try your best. And if you make a mistake or do wrong, be sure to make amends at the first opportunity. Acknowledge your mistake and apologize as soon as you can. If possible, try to correct your mistake or offer to help. You won’t be able to undo the harm you may have caused but you can show that you are willing to learn from your mistakes and improve.
The others involved may not forgive you, but that’s their choice. You can find inner peace in the fact that you have faced up to your errors and tried to put them right.
How to Find Peace Within Yourself
As this list shows, finding inner peace is an ongoing process rather than something you can achieve overnight.
In the same way that you must learn to change your thoughts and actions to find inner peace, you must learn how to find peace within yourself when these changes don’t come as easily as you had hoped.
For more inspirational insights and helpful advice, be sure to check out our other blog posts.
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