Protecting your peace-There is nothing more important. -

One of the best decisions I have made has been to focus on my peace, and how I will protect it. I am nearing my 53^rd birthday and have learned much in those years. I have been through a ton of incredible experiences and through a ton of pain. I have experienced love and I have experienced hate, from all of these came lessons. I have traveled the world, made amazing friends, and now is my time to protect my inner calm. Come along with me and let’s take the best care of ourselves in this one life we have to live.

Here are the best ways that I have found to start protecting my peace.

** Prioritize self-care practices like meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and spending time in nature, while also setting healthy boundaries with others, actively managing your exposure to negativity, and consciously choosing activities that bring you joy and relaxation; essentially, putting your well-being first and actively managing factors that could disrupt your inner calm.

Key strategies to protect your peace:

Mindfulness and Meditation:

Regular meditation practice can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to better manage them and respond calmly to stressors.

Set Boundaries:

Make sure you communicate your needs and limits to others, saying “no” when necessary to protect your time and energy.

Limit Negative Exposure:

Be selective about the people you spend time with and the information you consume, minimizing exposure to negativity and drama. Do not allow someone to belittle you or make you believe that you are less than you deserve.

Self-Care Routine:

Participate in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, such as healthy eating, regular exercise, hobbies, and adequate sleep.

Practice Gratitude:

Focus on the positive aspects of your life by actively practicing gratitude through journaling or mental reflection. Grab a journal like this one here, and keep track of your emotions and the things that you are blessed with around you.

Time in Nature:

Spending time outdoors can significantly reduce stress and promote feelings of peace. Take a long walk in the woods, get some sunshine outside. Listen to the sounds around you, the trees, the birds, the wind.

Digital Detox:

Take breaks from social media and technology to avoid information overload and mental fatigue. If the news stresses you out, turn it off. If you find yourself getting burned out looking at all of the ads, or comparing yourself to others then it is time to turn off the social media and focus on yourself.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms:

Develop healthy ways to manage stress, like deep breathing exercises, journaling, or listening to calming music. Make yourself a playlist of songs that make you happy, read a really good book, or learn a new skill. For me, it is to cook. I love being in the kitchen creating good food for my family.

Seek Professional Help:

If you’re struggling with managing your emotions or maintaining peace, you could and should consider therapy or counseling to gain additional tools and support. Many factors go into our mental health and you deserve to feel your best. We all can benefit by getting things out of our heads, whether on paper or to a professional. Below is a list of resources that can help you. Above all, if you are considering or have considered suicide you must reach out for help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

Here are some incredible videos and podcasts that may help you, I know that they have helped me tremendously.

https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorRamani

https://www.youtube.com/@melrobbins

https://www.calm.com/blog/inner-peace

I use the Aura app and I absolutely love it! Find it here.