Learn to Be at Peace with Yourself
Written by: Thrishala Gunathunga
From the relentless demands of work and relationships to the constant baggage of social media, it can feel like we are constantly being pulled in a million different directions in today’s busy world.
So how can you learn to be at peace with yourself when everything seems like a continuous struggle?
There is no easy answer for this because it won’t happen overnight, but with dedication and practice, it is certainly a possibility.
In this post, we will explore 10 ways that you can learn to be at peace with yourself, which will ultimately help you to find a sense of calm and balance in a time of chaos.
1. Live in the present
Living in the present can be incredibly rewarding because it enables you to fully appreciate the world around you without being weighed down by regrets of the past or worries about the future. It will create a greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and actions, allowing you to manage them more healthily.
Imagine taking a stroll in a park near your home. Instead of getting lost in the complexities of life, take a moment to focus on the sounds of nature, the vibrant colors of flowers and trees, and the gentle touch of wind on your skin.
2. Accept your authentic self
It is very important to accept yourself entirely, including your strengths, weaknesses, and any flaws that you may have. Rather than comparing yourself to others, acknowledge that each individual is unique.
Let’s say you tend to stutter when you are nervous. In that case, it’s better to accept it as part of yourself and practice speaking in front of the mirror, taking deep breaths and pauses as needed. This will improve your self-esteem and help you to be confident in your own abilities.
3. Take a moment to be grateful
Being grateful is a powerful tool that can have a transformative effect on our lives. It allows you to develop a habit of looking for the good in every situation and helps one find joy in the most challenging situations.
Taking a few moments each day to be grateful for a hot cup of coffee in the morning, a good movie, a beloved pet, or a beautiful flower can help you cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for the world around you.
4. Acknowledge mistakes as a part of your life
No one is perfect, so it is absolutely okay to make mistakes! All you have to do is learn from them and make better decisions in the future. Doing so will allow you to get rid of any guilt and be at peace with yourself.
Let’s say you missed a work deadline. Ensure you take responsibility for what happened, apologise if necessary, and move forward with a plan to improve by creating to-do lists, or doing tasks with the Pomodoro technique.
5. Do something that makes you happy
By doing something that makes you happy every day, you can cultivate a greater sense of joy, fulfilment, and happiness, and improve your mental health and well-being in the process.
Go for a walk, play with a pet, read a good book, listen to music, cook a nice meal, do yoga, or simply spend some quality time with your loved ones!
6. Let go of the negativity in life
Negativity can come in many forms like anger, self-doubt, resentment, jealousy, anxiety, and shame. It is important to let go of them if you want to be at peace with yourself, or else it will drain your energy, create tension, and give rise to conflicts in your relationships, ultimately hindering your progress in life.
Say you received some constructive criticism at work that made you feel insecure. Instead of constantly worrying about not being good enough, you can take steps to improve yourself, and remind yourself of your accomplishments and strengths.
7. Prioritise self-care
Self-care means you learn to prioritise your needs and take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It also indicates that you are worthy of love and that you don’t always need external validation, and sometimes your own validation is sufficient.
Make sure to schedule self-care activities at least twice a week. For example, you can meditate, spend time outdoors, do yoga or Zumba, eat a well-balanced diet, and engage in other activities that make you feel relaxed and content.
8. Treat yourself with kindness
One of the best ways to learn to be at peace with yourself is accepting you are only human, and treating yourself with the same kindness that you would offer for your best friend.
Imagine that you feel less motivated at work when deadlines are approaching. Instead of punishing yourself with more negative self-talk, take a step back and see why you are feeling like that. Perhaps you need ample rest or a change of scenery. Allow yourself that space and then return to work with a refreshed mind.
9. Cultivate patience
Cultivating patience in life is a valuable quality, especially when learning to be at peace with yourself. Always remember that it is not an overnight achievement, and it requires time and effort, as well as practising various strategies, to reach a sense of calm.
For example, avoid getting frustrated or giving up when progress seems slow by being patient. Instead, you can focus on the small steps and stay committed to your journey.
10. Embrace change with open arms
Change is an inevitable part of your life. Whether you like it or not, things around you will keep changing – after all, change is a natural process of life. But if you can’t embrace change with open arms, you are less likely to achieve your full potential.
Imagine being stressed because you are stuck in a job that you don’t like. But you don’t leave that job because of the fear of not finding a new one. However, if you embrace change and step out of your comfort zone, you may find new opportunities that align with your passion and bring you a sense of peace and fulfilment.
These 10 ways to be at peace with yourself offer a path to enjoying your life and experiencing the best that it has to give you! So go out and enjoy your life while channelling your inner peace.