Finding Calm in a Chaotic World: 3 Daily Practices

In today's fast-paced world, it often feels like we've woken up on the wrong side of calm. Life's complexities, stressors, and chaos can make it challenging to maintain a sense of peace and tranquility. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective daily practices that can help us shift to the right side of calm. Here are three of them:

Breathe Mindfully:

1: Many of us are unintentionally shallow breathers, taking tiny, quick breaths throughout the day. This type of breathing is part of our evolutionary "fight or flight" response, designed to prepare us for immediate physical danger. However, our bodies often interpret everyday stressors, like bills or work deadlines, as threats, leading to constant shallow breathing.

2: One of the quickest ways to regain a sense of calm is to slow down your breathing consciously. Deep and deliberate breaths have a remarkable calming effect on both the mind and body. So, take a moment to inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times whenever you need to center yourself.

Acquaint Yourself with Acupressure Points:

1: Our bodies contain key acupressure points on the hands, face, and head. These points are located near bundles of nerves, and when massaged or tapped, they can help relax your entire nervous system. You've probably instinctively rubbed your forehead or temples when feeling stressed.

2: You can discreetly apply pressure to the fleshy part of your hand between the thumb and forefinger when in a stressful situation, such as a meeting or at the airport. This simple action can help calm your nerves without drawing much attention to yourself.

Practice Gratitude:

1: Before you drift off to sleep each night, take a moment to reflect on three things that happened during the day for which you are grateful. These moments can be small, like finding a convenient parking spot, or significant, like your child's well-being after a minor injury.

2: Cultivating gratitude can naturally bring calmness and shift your perspective towards a more positive outlook. Over time, this nightly exercise can rewire your brain to focus on the positive aspects of life.

While these daily practices can offer relief from brief bouts of stress and anger, it's essential to remember that chronic stress and anger may require professional help. Anger management can help you delve into the root causes of your stress and equip you with practical coping tools.

If you or a loved one is seeking support for anxiety, stress, or anger, please reach out now. We are here to discuss how our classes can be a valuable resource in your journey toward a calmer and more balanced life.