If you suffer from inner turmoil, say hello to these 9 new habits

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | May 28, 2024, 5:28 pm

Inner turmoil can feel like a constant unwelcome companion. It’s that inner voice that throws you into doubt, causing you to question yourself and the world around you.

But what if I told you there are habits that can help quiet this internal chaos? Yes, simple daily behaviors that can bring calmness and clarity into your life.

These are habits that have worked for me and countless others. They’re not a magic cure-all, but they do offer a way towards a more peaceful existence.

Get ready to wave goodbye to inner turmoil and welcome these 9 habits with open arms. Stick around as we delve into them in this article titled “If you suffer from inner turmoil, say hello to these 9 habits”.

1) Mindfulness meditation

Imagine there’s a storm raging inside you, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?

Well, mindfulness meditation is like a safe harbor in the middle of that storm. It’s a time-tested practice that can help you cultivate inner peace.

Mindfulness meditation is all about focusing on the present moment, without judgement. It’s about letting go of regrets from the past and anxieties about the future.

It may sound simple, but it’s not always easy. It requires practice. But the more you do it, the more you’ll find that it offers a sense of calm amidst your inner turmoil.

Many people have found mindfulness meditation to be incredibly beneficial in managing their inner chaos. It might just be the habit that helps you say goodbye to your inner turmoil too.

Just remember, it’s not about forcing your mind to be quiet. It’s about becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting lost in them.

So why not give it a try? Start with just 5 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you get comfortable with the practice. And remember, like any habit, consistency is key.

2) Journaling

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt swamped by my own thoughts and emotions. It’s like being stuck in a labyrinth with no clear way out.

Then I discovered the power of journaling.

Journaling has been my personal lifeline in times of inner turmoil. It’s like having a conversation with myself, untangling the web of thoughts and emotions that cloud my mind.

I remember one time when I was particularly overwhelmed. I sat down with my journal and just started writing. I didn’t censor anything. I let all my thoughts and feelings pour out onto the paper. And before I knew it, I was feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide a sense of relief. It’s like offloading some of that mental weight onto the paper. Plus, it provides valuable insights into your own thought patterns and emotional triggers.

So next time you find yourself in the throes of inner turmoil, try reaching for a pen and paper. You might be surprised at how much it can help.

3) Regular exercise

Regular exercise is more than just a way to keep your body healthy. It’s like a natural mood booster, releasing feel-good chemicals in your brain, like endorphins and serotonin.

Did you know that consistent physical activity has been found to have similar effects on the brain as antidepressants? Scientific research has shown that it can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are often at the root of inner turmoil.

Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Not only will you be doing wonders for your physical health, but you could be paving the way towards a calmer mind as well.

4) Digital detox

We live in an age where we’re constantly connected, constantly bombarded with information and notifications. It’s no wonder that it can sometimes feel like our minds are in a state of turmoil.

Taking a digital detox, even if it’s just for an hour a day, can do wonders for your mental health. It’s about giving your mind a break from the relentless stream of digital stimuli.

During this time, focus on activities that bring you joy or peace. It could be reading a book, going for a walk, or just sitting quietly with your own thoughts. The key is to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.

Remember, your mind needs time to rest and recharge just like your body does. So give it the break it deserves with a regular digital detox.

5) Practice gratitude

When your mind is filled with inner turmoil, it’s easy to focus on the negatives. But shifting your focus to the positives can help bring a sense of balance and perspective.

Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’. It’s about actively recognizing the good in your life, no matter how small.

Start a gratitude journal where you jot down three things you’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a call from a friend, or even just the fact that you’re alive and breathing.

Over time, this practice can shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance, from focusing on what’s wrong to appreciating what’s right. And this can be a powerful antidote to inner turmoil.

6) Reach out to loved ones

In times of inner turmoil, it’s easy to feel isolated, as if you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Reach out to the people who care about you. Share your feelings, your fears and your hopes. Let them provide the comfort and support you need.

There’s something incredibly healing about sharing your struggles with someone who genuinely cares. It can make the burden feel lighter and give you a sense of being understood.

So pick up the phone, send a text or meet up for a coffee. Let the people who love you be there for you in your time of need. You may be surprised at how much this simple act can alleviate your inner turmoil.

7) Adopt a healthy diet

I’ve always been a bit of a food lover. Sweet, salty, spicy – you name it, I crave it. But over the years, I’ve learned that what I put into my body has a profound impact on what goes on in my mind.

Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can nourish not just your body, but your mind as well. Certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins are known to support brain health and can help manage mood swings and anxiety.

I’ll be honest, changing my eating habits wasn’t easy. But with time and persistence, I learned to make healthier choices. And the difference it made to my mental wellbeing was worth every effort.

So if you’re struggling with inner turmoil, consider taking a closer look at your diet. You might find that a few simple changes could go a long way in helping you find the inner peace you’re seeking.

8) Learn to say no

Respecting your own boundaries is crucial when dealing with inner turmoil. And sometimes, this means learning to say no.

Saying no doesn’t mean you’re selfish or uncaring. It simply means you’re taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their limits. Taking on too much can lead to stress, burnout, and yes, inner turmoil.

Learning to say no can be difficult, especially if you’re used to putting others’ needs before your own. But with practice, it can become a powerful tool in maintaining your inner peace.

Remember, it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your mental health. Sometimes, a simple ‘no’ can be the most self-loving word you can utter.

9) Seek professional help

When inner turmoil becomes too much to handle, it’s okay to seek help. There’s no shame in reaching out to a mental health professional.

Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate your feelings and provide you with tools and strategies to manage your mental health.

Getting professional help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re strong enough to recognize when you need support and brave enough to ask for it.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. And just like you would visit a doctor for a physical ailment, it’s perfectly okay to seek help for your mental wellbeing.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Dealing with inner turmoil is undeniably challenging. It’s a journey of self-discovery, of learning and unlearning, of making small changes that can lead to big transformations.

Remember, the nine habits discussed in this article aren’t quick fixes. They’re stepping stones towards a calmer, more centered you.

You may stumble along the way, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the process. What’s important is that you keep moving forward, keep trying, keep striving for inner peace.

After all, as famed psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

So take a deep breath, gather your resolve, and embark on this journey towards tranquility with patience and self-compassion. You might be surprised by the strength and resilience you discover within yourself along the way.