6 ways to find stillness and inner peace in your busy life

Stillness is a state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance that allows us to focus on the present moment. Inner peace is a state of being calm, content, and at ease within ourselves, even in the face of challenges or stress. We often struggle to find stillness and inner peace because we live in a fast-paced world with many distractions and demands on our time and attention. It can be difficult to quiet our minds and find a sense of calm amidst the noise and chaos of daily life. 

Here are six ways that you can try to find stillness and inner peace in your busy life:

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment, letting go of distracting thoughts, and cultivating a sense of non-judgmental awareness. It can involve activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to your surroundings and your own thoughts and feelings. For many of us who have spent the majority of our lives focusing on the external, whether on people, situations or our environment, going inwards can seem quite a challenge.

Deep breathing can help to relax the mind and body, and it's something you can do anytime and anywhere. To practice deep breathing, sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Follow your breath as it moves in and out of your body. By focusing your attention on bodily sensations such as your breath or feeling the pulse of your heartbeat, you can bring your attention back to the present moment to quiet the mind and find a sense of stillness and calm.

Engage in physical activity

Physical activity can be a great way to find stillness and inner peace. Whether it's through a structured practice like yoga or tai chi, or simply going for a walk or run, engaging in physical activity can help to release tension and stress. Exercise can be a form of meditation in motion. When we focus on our breath and the movement of our bodies, we can quiet our minds and find a sense of calm and centeredness, increasing feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Physical activity can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to a sense of inner peace. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, which are chemicals that can improve our mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Being active can also give us a sense of accomplishment and boost our self-esteem, which can contribute to a sense of inner peace and contentment. Finally, physical activity can be a way to connect with nature and the outdoors, which can have a calming and rejuvenating effect on our minds and bodies.

Take breaks and carve out time for yourself

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it's important to make time for rest and relaxation. Taking breaks allow us to step back from the demands and distractions of our daily lives. When we spend time alone, we can give ourselves the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge. This can help us to feel more centered, grounded and at peace. Try to set aside time each day doing  something that brings you joy and helps you to unwind, whether it's reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with loved ones. Taking a few moments to be alone and unplug from the distractions of daily life can help you find stillness and clarity. This could involve going for a walk in nature, taking a bath, or simply sitting in a quiet place and allowing yourself to relax. With our busy schedule, we focus our attention on everything else except ourselves. Being in nature can be calming and help us find a sense of reconnection with the world around us. By stepping back from the demands of daily life and giving ourselves time to rest and relax, we can find a sense of calm and clarity.

Find a sense of purpose and meaning

Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life gives us a sense of direction and focus. When we have a clear sense of what is important to us and what we want to achieve, we are better able to make decisions and take actions that align with our values and goals. This can help us feel more centered and grounded, as we are guided by purpose and meaning. This sense of direction and focus can also help us to feel more peaceful and at ease because it allows us to let go of distractions and focus on what is most important to us. When we are clear about what we want to achieve and are taking steps towards those goals, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied, contributing to a sense of inner peace. 

In addition, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can also help us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, whether it's a cause, community, or belief system. This sense of connection can be very comforting and can contribute to a sense of inner peace. Overall, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can be very helpful in finding stillness and inner peace because it gives us a sense of direction and focus, helps us feel more centered and grounded, and allows us to find a sense of connection and meaning in our often disconnected  lives.

Engage in activities that bring you joy

When we do things that bring us joy and a sense of happiness, we are able to shift our focus away from stress and negative thoughts and towards something that brings us pleasure and a sense of satisfaction. This can help us to feel more at ease and content, as we are focusing on something positive and enjoyable. Feeling more at ease and content can, in turn, contribute to a sense of inner peace. Inner peace is often associated with a sense of calm and contentment. When we are doing things that bring us happiness and fulfillment, we are more likely to feel satisfied and at ease, which can contribute to a sense of inner peace. Overall, engaging in activities that bring us joy can be a powerful way to find inner peace. By taking time to do things that bring us happiness and fulfillment, we can better manage stress, find a sense of contentment, and cultivate a sense of stillness.

Practice self-care

Practicing self-care is an important aspect of finding stillness and inner peace because it helps us take care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When we prioritize self-care, we are able to nourish and support our bodies, minds, and emotions, which can help us feel more grounded and at ease. When we practice self-care, we are also better able to manage stress and maintain a sense of balance in our lives. 

Stress and imbalance can take a toll on our well-being and can make it difficult to find inner peace. By taking care of ourselves and engaging in activities that nourish our well-being, we can better manage stress and maintain a sense of balance, which can help us feel more peaceful and at ease. Some examples of self-care activities include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, setting boundaries, seeking support when needed, and engaging in activities that nourish our emotional well-being. 

It's important to note that finding stillness and inner peace is a journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Everyone is unique, and what brings a sense of calm and clarity to one person may not have the same effect on another. It may take some trial and error to find the practices that work best for you. It's important to keep an open mind and be willing to try different practices and approaches. While it may take some time and experimentation to find what works best for you, it's worth the effort. By discovering practices that help you to find stillness and inner peace, you are on your way to manage stress and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity in your life.