There is so much change and uncertainty in the world at present and plenty of negative news stories. This is a reason that many people are feeling confused and why the world is chaotic at the moment.

Modern life can get so busy that it can be challenging to stay calm and relaxed. We have been conditioned to think in terms of instant gratification and results. Today’s fast paced society allows us access to so much information and resources and can leave us feeling overwhelmed. The advancement in phones, laptops and tablets can make us feel like we are always “switched on and connected.”

There is also a new phenomenon “FOMO” (fear of missing out) which keeps many people spending lots of time connected to social media feeds to catch up on all their connections latest news. It means that our minds struggle to get a rest. The demands of life can mean that we have limited patience to let things unfold naturally. Our Instant gratification society can also lead to people not really appreciating fully their life experiences as they move quickly from one event and experience to the next.

It can mean that people don’t really ground their goals and allow them to take root. They can fail to appreciate all that they have and spend time thinking about what they lack and what’s missing in their life. It’s very easy to set goals and then become so focused on the destination and outcome that we fail to enjoy the process and journey of pursuing and achieving them.

Here are a few thoughts on things that can help us to stay calm and centred:

Reduce the amount of time spent on technology

Have a cut off time for when you stop checking your phone, e mails and social media feeds. Consider a technology detox and give yourself a technology free day (or weekend) every week.

Develop greater patience

It is said that patience is a virtue. Having more patience helps to create more life balance and stops us expecting instant results. Letting life unfold naturally develops inner calm and reduces anxiety.

Remember the word acceptance

Accept things as they are and stop trying to rewrite history. This means that you can focus on being more present and consider options and solutions to resolve challenges.

Externalise thoughts

Get into the habit of doing a mind dump of things that are worrying you or causing anxiety. Regularly record your reflections, lessons, desires and insights in a journal or notebook.

Create some quiet time – no distractions

Schedule some daily time where you are alone with your thoughts. It can be just 5 or 10 minutes. This will allow you to gain valuable insights and allow your inner wisdom to rise to the surface.

Less is more

Plan to focus on fewer things. Get rid of unwanted items and clutter. Reduce the number of goals and tasks that you’re responsible for. Let goals take root rather than give them superficial attention.

Reduce the amount of news that you watch

Negative news stories can have a detrimental effect on our mood and energy levels. Reduce the time you spend catching up on news stories. Read a book or watch something uplifting instead.

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider what action steps you can take to bring greater calmness to your world.

This week’s quotations:

“A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” Dalai Lama.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk