How to Be Calmer: 5 Simple Practices

Life is so busy. We all have responsibilities such as family and work that must be attended to and require the majority of our time and attention. To offset this busyness and resulting stress, many of us are constantly seeking strategies and secrets about how to be calmer. Any ideas are worth considering, just to ease a bit of stress in our everyday lives. 

How to Be Calmer by Practicing Meditation

If you are looking for a way to settle your mind and open your spiritual self, you may wish to consider a routine spiritual meditation practice. There are many ways to practice spirituality, whether it is through organized and traditional religious houses, or non-denominational worship organizations. Spirituality means something different for each person who comes to know it. 

Mala Necklaces

Another way to bring calm into your life is to meditate while wearing mala necklaces. The simple act of putting the necklace on each day is one of purpose and intention. As you notice the necklace throughout your day, the light weight of it reminds you to be mindful, take a breath, and center yourself.

Mala beads have a deep and rich history that flows throughout different religions but always comes back to the core of the beads’ intent – to help us center ourselves. We can use the beads to count mantras or daily affirmations. Or we can simply use the necklace to help us focus on the here and now. Touch each bead. Focus on the act of your fingers touching the bead. Pay attention to your breathing. Count the beads or simply relax. Clear your mind of outside stressors and calm your body.

How to Be Calmer: Politely Decline Invitations

If you receive many requests for your time, you may need to take a break. Declining invitations, however, can feel uncomfortable, and you are not alone if you feel that way. The best approach to handling any invitation, whether you are excited about it or disinterested, is to be honest in your response or reply.

By being honest with our intentions we serve ourselves well and reduce stress. If we say yes to an event and we do not want to attend, we often stress about it before, during the event, and then afterward, when we think about all the ways we could have better spent our time.

To avoid this, simply give thanks for the invitation and state whether you can or cannot attend.

Or, if you are not interested, say that instead of leading someone on or leaving the door open for further unwanted invitations and interactions.

Saying no can feel uncomfortable, especially to those of us who were taught to always “be nice.” But taking care of our time is an invaluable way to take care of ourselves. When we value our time and honor ourselves it helps ensure greater inner peace.

Watch this video for quick tips on how to politely decline an invitation: How to Politely Decline an Invitation.

How to Be Calmer through Plants and Flowers

A little greenery can go a long way to improve your inner calm. If you have space, plant a garden, some shady trees, and plants that you will enjoy. Select varieties that have pleasing color palettes. If space is limited, consider a container garden on a balcony or stairway. Anything that brings us closer in touch with nature will help bring calm into our lives. 

Once you have your plants in place, sit amongst them. Soak up the sun and breathe in some fresh air while you do. Spending time outdoors as you plant is also a chance to get in touch with nature both physically and metaphorically.

How to Be Calmer through Music

Turn on some music to make the experience even better. Cut a few beautiful flowers and bring them indoors to continue the enjoyment. Pot a plant or two for inside your home, and you can appreciate your garden year-round.

You do you!

Make time every day to do something in which you find peaceful joy. Work on positive ways to maintain calm and decrease stress. Relax, and allow yourself to value your own personal time. It is yours to do with what you wish. It is ok to say yes when it pleases you and no when it does not. And always remember to stop and smell the roses. Inhale their heady fragrance; and as you do, count on your mala beads and think to yourself “breathe in 1-2-3…breathe out 1-2-3.”

Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.