Top tips for a calmer life in 2015

Trying to live life to your full potential can be immensely fulfilling and provide you with a wonderful sense of achievement and satisfaction. It can also be utterly exhausting! Juggling family and relationship responsibilities along with work commitments or running your own business in today’s information age, can take its toll on your health and state of mind.

It’s no wonder that meditation and yoga are so popular as we all try to quieten our minds and achieve the ultimate feeling of balance in our lives. I have been working with clients for 15 years to help them improve their health and well-being through regular holistic therapies. Here are my top tips to achieve peace of mind by living a calmer life.

Create an attitude of gratitude

When did you last stop to count your blessings? Being grateful for the people and things in our lives, as well as our health and talents is an important step towards achieving serenity. It reminds us of all the resources at our disposal and encourages us to take positive steps forward in our lives.

In his book, entitled It’s the Thought that Counts, Dr David Hamilton states that research has shown, “thoughts of appreciation, care and compassion can smooth the rhythms of the heart and elevate the immune system”. It is evident, therefore that demonstrating compassion for others and showing appreciation not only generates good feelings in other people, but is actually good for our health!

Be more mindful

Eckhart Tolle said, “Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life”, in The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. When we are more present we are less inclined to focus on feeling regret about the past or worrying about what the future may have in store.

Try being mindful and experiencing appreciation the next time you eat a meal. Feeling grateful for the food on your plate and savouring each bite will not only make it taste a lot better but it will increase your enjoyment and leave you feeling more satisfied.

De-clutter your space

When our environment is untidy we can find it harder to concentrate and think clearly about the tasks ahead. Spending a little time each week organising your space and clearing old paperwork can free your mind to focus more easily. It will also help you to feel happier and appreciate your surroundings more.

Set yourself bite-sized tasks such as sorting out a draw or tray at a time, so that you don’t become overwhelmed or tempted to procrastinate. You’ll quickly feel the benefit and satisfaction from having a clearer work-space and being able to find things more easily!

Invest in your wellbeing

One of the most common pieces of advice I give my clients is that if you are responsible for other people; either as a carer or parent or professionally as a nurse or teacher, it is vital that you take care of yourself first to ensure you can be there for others. In the event of an emergency on a plane, we are reminded to fit our own oxygen masks first and the principle is the same in life.

I regularly invest in taking care of myself so that I can be strong and well to support my clients to the best of my ability. Supporting yourself may include building relationships with people in your situation, having a regular massage or reflexology treatment to reduce tension and balance your body or simply taking time out to read a book or a short break away to recharge your batteries.

Spend time in nature

One of the best ways I find to relax and recharge is by visiting a favourite beauty spot, such as Carsington Water in Derbyshire (featured image) or my local nature reserve. Many people find being around water and green spaces helps them feel calmer and more grounded. The next time you have a big decision to make or a personal issue to resolve try going for a walk in the countryside to give yourself time and space to work through it in your mind, whilst being in an open, nurturing environment.

I hope you find the advice above helpful and I’d love to hear your thoughts about what helps you to live a calmer life? For further information about the holistic therapies I offer, you can visit my website or get further advice and offers on my Facebook page. I look forward to hearing from you!