It’s a measurable fact: The world is getting louder.
It is also getting busier and busier.
Demands (both internally and externally) are placed on us almost every day. And during some seasons of life, finding even a moment if peace can feel difficult.
But it is often when the world and circumstances are the loudest that we need moments of peace the most. These moments of quiet and reflection rejuvenate our minds, enrich our souls, engage our mind, clear our thoughts, and offer clarity and calm in a world of chaos.
And while it may not be possible to find peaceful moments 24/7, here are 20 simple ways to find a moment of peace in your day:
1. Go for a 10-Minute Walk Outside.
A short walk can do wonders for your mind and body. Whether it’s in a park, around your neighborhood, or a nature trail, moving your body and getting fresh air can instantly bring a sense of peace.
2. Set Your Phone Aside for an Hour.
Create some distance between you and your phone by leaving it in another room for a while. This break from constant notifications and distractions will help you be more present in the moment. Storing it in a different room eliminates the temptation to “just briefly pick it up to check something really quick.”
3. Turn Off the Television and Just Sit Quietly in the Room.
The constant noise from the TV can be overwhelming. When you’re watching it, you can find a moment of peace by simply turning it off and sitting in the stillness before moving to your next thing. Just let your mind wander. Embrace the quiet and allow yourself to just be.
4. Smell a Flower.
If you have flowers in your yard, take a moment to intentionally walk outside toward them and enjoy the fragrance. If you don’t have any at home, see great opportunity the next time you walk past a park to literally stop and smell the roses (or whatever flower is present). There are health benefits to this too.
5. Turn Off the Radio in Your Car and Enjoy the Silence.
During your commute, try turning off the radio and embracing the quiet. Use this time to reflect, think, or simply enjoy the absence of noise (or at least the absence of “extra noise”).
6. Take a Few Deep Breaths in Your Car Before Walking in the Front Door of Your House.
I received great advice from a mentor years ago. He told me that before he walks into his house after work, he takes a brief moment in his car to breathe deeply, center himself, calm himself, and actively remind himself how important the interactions are that he is about to have with his wife and children.
So before entering your home and diving into the next set of tasks or interactions, take a moment to breathe deeply in the quietness of your car. The mindful practice can help you transition calmly and intentionally from one environment to another.
7. Soak Up the Sun for a Few Minutes.
Step outside, close your eyes, and just let the warmth of the sun wash over you. Pause long enough to focus on how the sunlight feels on your skin.
8. Take a Two-Minute Breathing Break.
Pause whatever you’re doing, close your eyes, and focus solely on your breath. Feel the air enter and leave your lungs, bringing a sense of calm with each breath.
9. Sip a Cup of Tea or Coffee Slowly.
In the morning, when you make yourself a cup of coffee or tea (if you do), sit down and savor each sip slowly. Focus on the flavors, the warmth, and the simple pleasure of the moment. This works best if no one else in the house is awake yet, but it’s possible even if you’re not the first one up. It’s all about mindset in the moment.
10. Listen to the Birds Singing.
Step outside or open a window and listen to the birds. Their songs can be incredibly beautiful and soothing and a gentle reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us.
11. Write Down Three Things You’re Grateful For.
Take a few minutes in the evening to reflect on and write down three things you are thankful for. This practice will not only slow down your mind for a bit, it will also help you shift your focus from stress to gratitude.
12. Stretch Your Body.
Stand up, reach for the sky, bend down to touch your toes, or do a few yoga poses. Stretching can release tension and rejuvenate both body and mind. Not only will this bring a moment of calm into your day, there are physical benefits as well. Here’s a helpful 5-minute routine.
13. Read a Chapter from a Book.
Escape into a good book for a few minutes. Reading can be a great way to relax and temporarily distance yourself from everyday stresses. Fiction or nonfiction, physical or digital, it doesn’t matter. The goal is to immerse yourself in thoughts beyond the immediate surrounding you.
14. Meditate for Five Minutes.
Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath or a calming word. Meditation can help clear your mind and reduce stress. My meditation focuses on prayer and Scripture readings, but any type of meditation can help you find a moment of peace.
15. Read Inspirational Quotes or Poems.
Spend a few minutes reading inspiring quotes or poems that bring you comfort and peace. If you don’t have a poetry book in front of you, a simple Google search will result in virtually limitless poems to read.
16. Look at Family Photos.
Take a moment to flip through a photo album or scroll through pictures on your phone. Reflecting on happy memories can bring a sense of peace and joy.
17. Pet an Animal.
If you have a pet, spend a few minutes in quiet petting them. The act of connecting with an animal is incredibly soothing. As my friend likes to say, “All pets are therapy pets, most are just working undercover.”
18. Practice Mindful Eating.
Eat a meal or snack slowly, savoring each bite. Focus on the flavors, textures, and the act of eating without distractions. This is similar to the coffee exercise above. But not everyone drinks coffee, so it made sense to include an alternative.
19. Take a Warm Bath or Shower.
Use this time to relax and let the warm water wash away stress. The solitude and warmth can be very calming.
20. Sit by a Window and Watch the World Go By.
Find a comfortable seat by a window and just observe the outside world. Notice the trees swaying, people walking, or cars passing. This can be done in the city, in the suburbs, or in the country. There is always something to see outside. Let yourself be a silent observer.
I don’t offer this list as twenty new items to add to your to-do list. The last thing I’d want to do is make it more difficult to find peaceful moments in your day.
But, if you find yourself in a bit of a whirlwind season right now, and would welcome a few moments of peace in your day, any of these 20 ideas would be helpful in providing it.