Do you ever feel like you’re constantly running on high alert? Life can be incredibly stressful, leaving your body stuck in a permanent state of fight or flight. When your internal wires get crossed, it’s often hard to find peace.
The good news? You can actually retain your body to relax. By using these simple habits, you will learn to settle your mind and feel more balanced every day.
1. Deep Belly Breathing
Most of us breathe shallowly when we’re stressed, sometimes we even have bouts of shortness of breath when anxiety kicks in. By taking slow, deep breaths into your belly, you’re sending signals to your brain that you’re safe. Try inhaling for four second and exhaling for six. It’s a simple shift that slows your heart rate almost instantly, helping you move from a state of panic to a sense of quiet control.
2. Spend Time in Nature
Step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Whether that’s walking at the park or sitting under a tree, nature has its way of grounding humans. Looking at greenery and hearing birds can lower your cortisol levels. It reminds your body that the world is much larger than your current worries, giving you a much-needed mental reset.
3. Move Your Body Gently
You don’t always need a hard workout to feel better. Sometimes, gentle movement is key to a calm nervous system. Stretch or take a slow walk around the block. Movements like these burn off extra adrenaline that builds up when you’re worried. Shift your physical state and you’ll be giving your mind a break, making it much easier to process difficult emotions without feeling totally overwhelmed.
4. Enjoy a Playful Break
Rest isn’t about sleeping; it’s also about having fun. Take a few minutes each day to destress by playing a game as a great distraction. You might even find yourself enjoying a round of jili every now and then to clear your head. Letting yourself enjoy a lighthearted hobby helps break the cycle of serious thoughts and brings a bit of joy back.
5. Practice Weighted Comfort
Have you ever noticed how good a firm hug feels? You can mimic this feeling with a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure helps your body produce “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin. Wrapping yourself up at the end of a long day provides a sense of security, making it much easier for your nervous system to transition into a restful sleep.
6. Limit Your Screen Time
Constant notifications and scrolling can keep your brain in a state of high alert. Try setting a “digital sunset” where you put your phone away an hour before bed. Avoiding the blue light way before your bedtime keeps you off from the flood of information, allowing your brain to produce melatonin naturally. This simple boundary protects your peace and helps you wake up feeling much calmer.
Wrapping Up
Embrace these small changes to reclaim your peace. By prioritizing your well-being today, you ensure a steadier, much calmer year ahead.