3 Ways To Create A More Peaceful Life

In a world that is progressively volatile, while the pressure to accomplish more intensifies, the feelings of frustration, anxiety, and mental fatigue can easily strike us at any moment, rendering us overworked, emotionally exhausted, and physically drained. Here, we are defining "peace" as freedom from disturbance, chaos, and disarray. 
 
If you've reached this point, it means you are way overdue for a personal time-out to evaluate your life and make the necessary changes to live in peace, instead of settling for chaos.
 
1. Designate quiet time for yourself each and everyday. I know you're thinking...I don't have time to just sit and do nothing. Actually, taking 10 minutes or more for a mental break is time well spent to rejuvenate your mind and body. You can use this time to nourish yourself spiritually by praying or reading biblical verses for encouragement and inspiration. You can also simply take a walk outside or listen to soft music to replenish your motivation and increase your productivity. Setting a small amount of time to regroup, think and slow down can also improve your memory, attention, and increase your overall energy.
 
2.  Say no to prevent overcommitment-itis. This can be the hardest thing to do because we want to be available for everyone that wants our support and time. The reality is that it is just not possible to be present for each and every event, activity and invitation that comes our way. If we made ourselves available for everything, we wouldn't have anything left to give to what really matters most to us.  Will some people be disappointed? Absolutely, but establishing boundaries to protect your time and what you really value allows you to live purposefully and with balance. Decide what activities and opportunities matter to you most and which ones will only serve as a distraction from your life's purpose. Get comfortable with saying no (nicely, of course), so you are focused, energetic and at peace when you say yes to what you have prioritized as most important in your life.
 
3. Forgive those that hurt you. Carrying around grudges is like toting luggage around all day, but only worse. Resentment, hurt and bitterness changes your entire disposition and orientation toward life. Your attitude tends to be negative, interactions with people are not as pleasant, and you deny yourself the freedom to embrace new opportunities in relationships and business. Living with an unforgiving heart also wreaks havoc on your health. Studies have shown that bitterness can become toxic enough to affect your blood pressure, lower your immune system, increase anxiety and depression. At the end of the day, you have to decide if holding on to your anger is worth negatively impacting your health and your happiness. Forgiveness heals your heart, literally and figuratively. It also gives you tremendous peace. 
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"A peaceful life makes a beautiful life."  - Alice Giraud