You’ve probably heard a million times that the trick to coping with everyday life, particularly if you’re prone to anxiety, is to calm your mind. Evidently, every emotion and thought you have stems from your mind, so it goes to show that your mental wellbeing is your ticket to a happy and wholesome life. So, if you find it challenging to calm your mind, try these simple tricks for instant results.
Pen on Paper
One of the best ways to distract yourself from negativity or overthinking is jotting down your creativity on paper. It really doesn’t matter what you put down, be it a drawing, words, or a painting.
If you already have a system that’s working out, good for you! If not, it may be time to try something new and fun like PennyDell Puzzles which details stimulating images that are surefire ways to improve your focus and offer instant relaxation.
The reason pen on paper works so well is because it highly engages your mind and body through contemplative thinking and intentional movements. For instance, it allows you to bring out your creativity and calmly express yourself when you write or paint.
Furthermore, it mimics a meditative state by slowing down your thoughts and keeping you at the present moment. This permits your mind to rest, ultimately promoting mindfulness.
With that said, the next time your mind is restless with thoughts, grab a book and start drawing or write your thoughts down for instant mental composure.
Outdoor Dining
Diet magazines aside! Food at stressful moments is a knee jerk reaction for many, not just because there’s such a thing as stress eating but because food releases serotonin, a calming hormone.
While eating at home gives you a conducive environment to eat your thoughts out, you may benefit more from outdoor dining like restaurants and cafes. Being outdoors offers you a change of scenery that sufficiently distracts your mind with new images and thoughts.
Moreover, outdoor dining allows you to socialize and breathe fresh air. Just speaking to people about similar interests engages your mind profoundly, stimulating positive thoughts and emotions.
Even if you don’t want to socialize, you can still enjoy the fresh air that comes with eating out. Instead of driving, opt to walk to the restaurant to loosen your muscles, control your breathing as you walk, and quickly relieve mental strains like stress.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises aren’t a farce. In fact, they’re science-backed remedies that promote stillness, mindfulness, and relaxation. Even when you’re having a nervous breakdown, you’ll find short breathing exercises helpful in calming your mind and nerves effectively.
When your mind is racing, it’s easy to block out the triggers when you purposefully breathe in and breathe out multiple times. More importantly, breathe in with your nose and out your mouth until you calm down.
In many ways, this exercise will help you visualize positive outcomes, instantly calming your mind.
A bonus trick is to do all the above with intent so your mind and body can stay in the present, slowing down your thoughts and breathing. Do these activities as often as you need and as slowly as possible because trying to rush over them only defeats the purpose of calming your mind.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.