3 Ways to A Calmer Mind

A calm mind makes for a better week. 

More often than not, we are on a high stress mode, not stopping until we reach a breaking point when in reality, we need to rest!

These might be some of the simplest ways to add more calm and promote that 'rest time' to your week, but can be the most effective. 

Way 1. Unplug yourself.

Get. off. your. phone. How many of us are simply scrolling through while we are eating breakfast? When we have our morning coffee, are you scrolling? checking? browsing? Before work, are you checking in with everyone else's day- or are you setting your mind up for your own? What about if you set aside those 5-10 minutes to savor and have silence during your coffee time? Or even check in with the person across from you? If you're by yourself, what would your mind wander to? What are you stressing about that day? Did you forget something you needed to do last night? Take a minute. And breathe. This simply allows your mind to enjoy every bit of what is happening right in front of you, or around you. Maybe this opens up an opportunity to do something you keep meaning to do, but don't have the time. You can check your phone after. Set aside those moments to have for yourself. 

Way 2. Turn down the constant input.

What are you listening to? Do you have your music on? The radio on? Try switching it out with something different or turning it off. For me, this has proven to be the most effective. As much as I always have my music playing all day-everyday, it's nice to turn it off completely. Turning the tunes off can be just as peaceful, or even more. This goes with being off your phone during coffee. The silence can be a great rejuvenator for your mind! 

If you really like the idea of something playing in the background, switch out the travel music with a podcast, a sermon, or ted talk. Not only are you learning something new, you are engaging yourself with new ideas and gaining new perspective. Try it. See if it works for you. 

I prefer Podcasts right now. These are two I'm currently listening to. You can search for these in your podcast app, or download them to your phone to listen. 

http://www.trishblackwell.com/category/podcasts/

https://sandalschurch.com/thedebrief/

Way 3. Move.

It makes a difference. It doesn't have to be 2 hours in the gym. It doesn't have to be for weight loss reasons either. Something as easy as a 5 minute stretch in the morning, a 20 minute workout, a 15 minute walk. 3 minute yoga session, or just 2 deep breaths?? Anything to stretch out your body and open you up. This promotes a calm and peaceful mood that can last for most of the day, if you let it. 

To get a quick stretch or workout in, right now I like using Blogilates (quick at home pilates) or Yoga with Adriene. 

You know your own lifestyle and which one of these you can try. Maybe it's all three, maybe it's only one- or maybe it sparked an idea of your own. 

Even if it's stopping to get a cup of coffee, or taking a 10 minute walk. Maybe it's shutting off your laptop so you can get an extra hour of sleep, or sitting in the sun for 5 minutes just to listening to your surroundings. 

Setting aside the time to do the small things, help your mind reset. When you set aside that time, you are allowing that time for your mind just to be clear. Or to be cleared. 

It opens up the opportunity for you not just to reset your mind, but to reset your emotions and your energy levels as well. 

It promotes peace, a better mood, and a calmer mind.

And for me, that is something that is definitely needed.

love,

toria