This gets said way too much, but that shows how accurate it is: life is stressful. 

We're all dealing with something. Whether it's health, relationships, kids, work (or maybe you have multiple jobs ...), or all of the above, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed on a regular basis.

Or maybe, you're technically in a fairly calm place in life, yet the world doesn't feel like a peaceful place right now. Regardless of the source of unease, I want to remind you that you need to protect your peace.

Before I make this sound like another thing you “must” do, bear in mind that protecting your inner peace is not meant to be a burden, but rather, it is something that serves you. So, make it fit into your life, not vice versa!

Let's look at five practical ways you could be protecting and nurturing your inner peace this month.

Choose Your Hill

I'm sure you've heard the saying, “You have to pick your battles.”  This can apply to so many things in life. Whether you're engaged in conflict with a family member, you're pouring a lot of time and effort into a particular project at work or sacrificing important self-care, I want you to take a moment to check in with yourself.

Is that task, project, or extra mental energy truly a priority? Is it worth it? Is this really the hill that you want to die on?
If the answer is ‘no,’ then it’s not worth the overtime at work, bickering on the phone, or skipping doing that thing that brings you joy.

Remember, you have the power to choose. Choose with intention.

Disconnect to Reconnect

It's crazy how too much mental stimulation can make our brains feel like they are physically spinning. Sometimes, an entire day passes before you realize that you haven't talked to anyone face-to-face yet. Or, it's been hours since your last sip of water or since you've stretched your legs.Maybe, it's been days, weeks, or even months since you've gone out into nature or spent a day with a good friend.

Take breaks during the day. There are great browser extensions you can use, apps that can be helpful, or just good old-fashioned media and screen-time fasts. Depending on your job and life, you might be able to take regular days, weekends, or even longer periods off from technology.

Go outside, breathe some fresh air, go for a long walk, or spend some time by a body of water. These times outside are unbelievably refreshing!

“No’s” and Boundaries

It can be hard to decline a request or admit that your plate is full. Practice saying “no.” It gets easier, I promise! 

This isn't about being selfish or unwilling to help. This is about respecting your well-being and understanding that there's just one of you!

If it's been a while since you've taken inventory of your life and responsibilities, this is your sign to do so. Sit down with a delicious beverage, and think about what your life looks like
right now. 

Are there things on which you can cut back? Is there an area of life where you're constantly saying “yes” even though you don't have to or want to?
For more pointers on learning to respect your time, check out my blog on “... Embracing the Power of No” by clicking here.

Embrace Silence

This one ties in with point two. Most of us are over-stimulated ALL.THE.TIME. Can you remember the last time that you just sat in silence for five or ten minutes?

Silence is powerful. If you're uncomfortable with it, you may need to ease your way in. Maybe, you want some white noise in the background to get started (there are white noise apps or videos on YouTube). 

Or, what I suggest is to make a cup of tea and sit on your balcony. Just look around outside, or lean back and close your eyes – enjoy the silence until that cup is empty. If you start in short bits and pieces, you may find that silence is something you've been craving!

You Are What You Eat

I don't just mean this regarding actual food. I also mean what you consume for entertainment, the people with whom you surround yourself, etc. 

What are you choosing to focus your eyes and ears on? Is it benefiting and growing you? Movies, books, music, etc., can cause us to relax and unwind or feel tense and burdened. How are you choosing to feed your soul? Do you maybe need to switch up your diet?
 
There are many ways to encourage and grow peace in your life, even if you are in a chaotic season. I hope you can find a moment to consider how important peace is to you and how you can soak in it in your daily life. Begin with small changes, take baby steps and practice them consistently.


If you want to share some peace-growing tips that have helped you, comment below and connect with me on Instagram @boldambassador.