8 tiny habits that help train your brain to be more peaceful

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | June 25, 2025, 4:02 am

Training your brain to be more peaceful can seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be.

The truth is, it all comes down to habits. Tiny ones, in fact. Like taking a moment to breathe, or choosing not to engage in negative self-talk.

These small habits can make a big difference in the tranquility of your mind. And I’ve got eight great ones to share with you.

Here’s a little sneak peek into my article “8 tiny habits that help train your brain to be more peaceful”. Get ready to journey towards a calmer mind.

1) Start with mindfulness

We often find our minds cluttered with countless thoughts, worries, and to-do lists. This mental clutter is one of the major barriers to achieving peace of mind.

That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgement. It’s about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it can be practiced anytime, anywhere. It could be as simple as focusing on your breath for a few minutes, or really savoring the taste and texture of your food while eating.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine is a tiny habit that can lead to significant improvements in mental peace. And the best part? It doesn’t require any special equipment or skills, just a desire to live more in the present.

So if you’re looking to train your brain to be more peaceful, starting with mindfulness might just be the way to go. But remember, like any other habit, it takes consistent practice. So be patient with yourself.

2) Embrace gratitude

One tiny habit I’ve personally found incredibly helpful in achieving mental peace is practicing gratitude. It’s amazing how such a small act can have such a profound impact on your mindset.

I make it a point to start each day by writing down three things I’m grateful for. Some days, my list includes big things, like good health or a supportive family. Other days, it’s the little things, like a delicious cup of coffee or a beautiful sunrise.

This practice has helped me focus on the positive aspects of my life. It’s easy to get bogged down with our problems and challenges. But when we take a moment to appreciate the good, it shifts our perspective and helps create a sense of peace.

So, if you’re looking for a simple habit to train your brain to be more peaceful, try embracing gratitude. It might take some time to make it a regular part of your routine, but trust me, it’s worth it.

3) Prioritize physical activity

Physical activity is not just good for your body, it’s excellent for your mind too. When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins. These are often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones because they trigger a positive feeling in the body.

So if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, a quick walk around the block or a short yoga session can do wonders for your peace of mind. Not only does it distract you from your worries, but it also helps in releasing tension from the body.

While we often associate exercise with rigorous routines and sweaty workout sessions, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Even a short walk in the park or stretching your body for a few minutes can make a difference.

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is a tiny habit that can significantly improve your mental peace. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, give it a try. It might just be the peace-bringing habit you’ve been looking for.

4) Avoid information overload

We live in an era of constant information. Our phones, computers, TVs – they’re all constantly feeding us news, updates, and notifications. While staying informed is important, this constant barrage of information can be overwhelming and detrimental to our peace of mind.

I found it helpful to set boundaries for my screen time. Designating specific times for checking emails or scrolling through social media can prevent you from getting sucked into the digital vortex.

Remember, it’s okay to disconnect. You don’t have to be available or informed every second of every day. Take time for yourself, away from the screens. Read a book, take a walk, or just sit in silence.

This tiny habit of avoiding information overload can make a huge difference in training your brain to be more peaceful. It gives your mind the much-needed break and space to relax and rejuvenate.

5) Practice kindness

Kindness is one of the most underrated habits when it comes to achieving peace of mind. There’s something incredibly peaceful about extending kindness to others without expecting anything in return.

It can be as simple as giving someone a compliment, helping a neighbor, or even just smiling at a stranger. These tiny acts of kindness don’t just make the other person feel good, they also boost your own mood and contribute to a sense of peace and wellbeing.

What’s more, the beauty of kindness is that it often comes back to you. When we put positive energy out into the world, we’re likely to receive it back.

So if you’re striving for a peaceful mind, try sprinkling a little more kindness into your day. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your personal tranquility and the world around you.

6) Embrace imperfection

Ah, the pursuit of perfection. It’s a trap many of us fall into. We strive for the perfect job, the perfect body, the perfect life. But here’s the thing – perfection is an illusion. And chasing it can be incredibly stressful.

I remember a time when I was constantly pushing myself to meet impossibly high standards. It left me feeling drained and perpetually unsatisfied. It was only when I let go of this need for perfection that I started to experience real peace.

Learning to accept and even embrace imperfection can be liberating. It takes off so much pressure and allows you to appreciate life as it is, not as you think it should be.

So if you’re looking for a way to train your brain for more peace, try letting go of perfection. Celebrate your flaws, your mistakes, your uniqueness. They’re all part of what makes you, you. And that’s perfectly enough.

7) Cultivate a positive mindset

Our thoughts have a significant impact on our feelings. Negative thinking can lead to stress, anxiety, and a general lack of peace. On the other hand, positive thinking can promote feelings of wellbeing and tranquility.

Cultivating a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about approaching these difficulties from a more positive and productive viewpoint.

Try to catch yourself when you’re thinking negatively and consciously shift your perspective. Look for the silver lining in difficult situations. Focus on solutions rather than problems.

This may seem difficult initially, but with practice, you can train your brain to lean towards positivity automatically. It’s a tiny habit that can greatly contribute to a more peaceful mind.

8) Practice regular meditation

Meditation is one of the most effective ways to train your brain to be more peaceful. It helps you focus, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing.

It’s a simple practice. Just sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Let go of any thoughts that come to mind and just be present in the moment.

Even a few minutes of meditation each day can make a significant difference. So if you’re seeking peace, make meditation a regular part of your routine. It’s a tiny habit that can bring about big changes in your mental tranquility.

Final thoughts: Peace is within reach

The quest for a more peaceful mind might seem like a mountain to climb, but the reality is surprisingly simple. It all comes down to habits. Tiny ones, at that.

Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in mental tranquility. Mindfulness, gratitude, physical activity, disconnecting from information overload, practicing kindness, embracing imperfection, cultivating positivity, and regular meditation – each of these has the potential to train your brain to be more peaceful.

Socrates once said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” These habits are about building the new – a new mindset, a new approach to life, a new sense of peace.

So take a moment to reflect on these tiny habits. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones are you willing to try? Remember, change takes time. Be patient with yourself. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Here’s to your journey towards peace. You’ve got this.