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Cultivating calm: How to live a calmer life
Calm life, calm mind
We probably all want to bring more calm into our lives. Less stress, more quiet & peaceful moments. But how? How can we adjust and shift and change our current lives into a calmer, more balanced version? By intentionally cultivating, creating, and growing a calm life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to do just that: how to cultivate calm in your life by making small changes. You don’t need to overhaul your life completely to find more peace and tranquility, but cultivating calm can be as simple as making minor tweaks to your routine.
What does it mean to “cultivate calm”?
The definition of cultivating is to “prepare and use (land) for growing crops; to foster the growth of (something).” When we think about cultivating calm, we can think about it in a similar way: preparing and creating an environment that is conducive to peace and tranquility.
This might look like setting up your home in a calming and serene way or making time for regular self-care practices that help you relax and de-stress. It might also involve cultivating relationships with people who support and encourage your quest for calm.
Whatever it looks like for you, cultivating calm is about creating an inner and outer environment that supports peace, balance, and relaxation.
What are the benefits of a calmer life?
Intentionally creating a calmer life for yourself has countless benefits often overlooked in our society that values productivity and busyness. When you live a calmer life, you may find that you:
- Feel less stressed and anxious
- Have more energy and focus
- Are more productive
- Handle difficult situations more effectively
- Relate to others in a more positive way
A calmer life leads to less stress, less anxiety, and less overwhelming. And with that comes many other benefits like a stronger immune system, improved digestion, better sleep, and enhanced concentration and focus.
So if you’re ready to start cultivating calm in your life, read on for some helpful tools.
21 practical tips for living a calmer life
Like any garden, a calm life doesn’t just happen. It takes time, intention, and care to create the space for calm to grow. But it is so worth it! A calm life is a life lived more fully, with less stress and anxiety. It’s a life that feels more open and spacious, even in the midst of busyness.
Here are 21 practical tips to help you find that calmer life:
1. Make time for yourself every day
Start your day with intention by setting aside time for yourself in the morning, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Make a cup of tea or coffee, sit down and enjoy it without checking your phone or email. This is your time to relax and center yourself before starting your day.
2. Simplify your schedule
Take a close look at your schedule and start saying no to the things that don’t bring you joy or add value to your life. When you have less on your plate, you’ll have more time and energy for the things that matter most to you.
3. Set boundaries with technology
Make a conscious effort to unplug from technology and be present in the moment. Whether setting aside time each day to disconnect from your devices or putting your phone away during dinner or family time, creating space between you and your technology will help you relax and recharge.
4. Get moving
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being. Even a short walk outdoors can help clear your head and boost your mood.
5. Spend time in nature
There’s something about being in nature that is innately calming. So make time to connect with the natural world, whether it’s spending time in your backyard, exploring a nearby park, or going for a hike in the woods.
6. Make time for stillness
In our fast-paced world, it’s essential to make time for stillness and reflection. This might mean taking a few minutes each day to sit in silence, practicing yoga or meditation, or attending a weekly religious service. Whatever form it takes, stillness is an integral part of cultivating calm.
7. Find your breath
When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, one of the best things you can do is focus on just breathing. Simply taking a few deep breaths can help to center you. It’s amazing how often we can “forget to breathe” when we’re caught up in the busyness of daily life.
Try this: Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling up your lungs. Slowly exhale out through your mouth. Repeat this several times, focusing on nothing but the act of breathing.
8. Connect with loved ones
Spending time with loved ones is a great way to relax and de-stress. Whether you’re catching up over coffee, going for a walk together, or sharing a meal, quality time with those you care about is good for the soul.
9. Practice gratitude
When you take the time to appreciate the good in your life, it’s hard not to feel more calm and content. Make it a habit to pause daily and reflect on 3-5 things you’re grateful for. This can be something as simple as the sun shining or a kind gesture from a stranger.
10. Laugh often
Laughter really is the best medicine! Not only does it feel great, but laughter also has some amazing health benefits. It can help lower stress hormones, boost your immune system, and even relieve pain. So make time for some fun and laughter in your life!
11. Get enough sleep
It’s no secret that a good night’s rest can do wonders for your health and well-being. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to handle stress and make clear decisions. So make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night so you can function at your best.
12. Eat healthy
What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. Eating nourishing, whole foods can help to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. When you’re feeling run down, it’s harder to cope with stress. So make sure to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong.
13. Avoid unnecessary drama
Drama and conflict can be stressful and draining. If you can, avoid getting involved in situations that are more trouble than they’re worth. This doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, but it’s important to pick your battles wisely. Don’t allow yourself to get pulled into every drama that comes your way.
14. Do something you love
When you make time for things you enjoy, it’s hard not to feel happier and more relaxed. Whether it’s reading, playing music, or spending time in your garden, do something every day that brings you joy.
15. Simplify your life
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to simplify your life. This might mean decluttering your home, simplifying your schedule, or cutting back on commitments. When you’re not juggling a million different things, it’s easier to relax and focus on what’s truly important.
16. Learn to trust yourself
This is an important one! Learning to trust yourself means making decisions based on what feels right for you, not what others think you should do. It’s about being true to yourself and following your heart. When you trust yourself, it’s easier to relax and let go of stress and anxiety.
17. Don’t fall into the comparison game
Comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing yourself to others makes it easy to feel inadequate and overwhelmed. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey and what you’re doing well. We all have our own unique paths to follow.
18. Let go of perfectionism
Perfectionism is a surefire way to add unnecessary stress to your life. When you’re constantly striving for perfection, it’s easy to feel like you’re never good enough. Remember that mistakes are part of being human! Let go of the need to be perfect and give yourself some grace.
19. Don’t take things too personally
This is easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that not everything is about you. So when someone says or does something that bothers you, try to take a step back and see the situation from their perspective. This can help to diffuse the situation and prevent you from taking things too personally.
20. Do less
In our go-go-go society, it’s easy to feel like we’re always running around with our heads cut off. But sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to do less intentionally. This might mean saying no to commitments, taking a day off from work, or just taking time for yourself. When you slow down and take a break, it’s easier to relax and focus on what’s truly important.
21. Find what works for you
The above tips are just a few ideas to get you started. The important thing is to find what works for you and helps you feel more calm and relaxed. Everyone is different, so experiment until you find a routine tailored to your specific needs.
Final thoughts
Cultivating calm in your life is all about making small changes. You don’t need to overhaul your life completely to find more peace and tranquility, but cultivating calm can be as simple as making small tweaks to your routine. You can live a calmer, happier life by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, avoiding unnecessary drama, and doing something you love every day. Trust yourself and let go of perfectionism, and don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself. Find what works for you and stick with it. You can find more calm and peace in your life with a little effort.
