Finding inner peace isn’t always easy. It’s a journey that requires letting go of certain habits that only hold us back.

Remember, it all boils down to choice. Continuing these habits may seem comforting, but in reality, they prevent us from achieving a peaceful state of mind.

If you desire to feel at peace with yourself, it’s about understanding what not to do. And guess what? There are 8 things you should definitely stop doing.

Below, I’m going to share these eight habits. They’re the barriers standing between you and inner tranquility. So let’s get started!

1) Comparing yourself to others

We live in a world where it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Social media platforms showcase the best snapshots of everyone’s life, making it hard not to compare our own lives with theirs.

But here’s the thing – comparison is the thief of joy. And more importantly, it robs you of peace.

Understand this, everyone’s journey is different. Everyone has their own pace and their own unique circumstances.

When we compare ourselves to others, we set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration. It’s a self-defeating habit that only fosters negativity and unrest.

So, if you wish to feel at peace with yourself, it’s vital to stop comparing your life with others. Embrace your individual journey, celebrate your progress no matter how small, and remember that everyone is fighting their own battles that you may know nothing about.

Stopping this habit isn’t easy, but it’s a crucial step towards attaining inner peace. And remember, it’s about progress not perfection. No one gets there overnight but each step you take towards breaking free from comparison brings you closer to peace within yourself.

2) Holding on to grudges

We’ve all been there. Someone wrongs you, and you can’t seem to let it go. I, too, struggled with this once.

A few years ago, I had a falling out with a close friend. A misunderstanding turned into a full-blown argument and we stopped talking. The worst part? I held onto that grudge for far too long.

But then, I realized something. That grudge I was holding? It was doing nothing but hurting me. My friend had moved on, but I was stuck in the past, reliving the argument over and over again.

The moment I decided to let go of that grudge, a weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt lighter, freer, and more peaceful than I had in a long time.

Holding onto grudges is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. It only harms you.

So if you want to feel at peace with yourself, learn to forgive and let go. It doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or condoning the action; it simply means choosing your peace over your pain.

3) Overthinking

Ruminating on past mistakes or worrying about future uncertainties can be a significant peace-killer. Overthinking traps us in a cycle of anxiety and stress, preventing us from enjoying the present moment.

Did you know that according to research, an average person has about 6,200 thoughts per day? Now, imagine if a significant proportion of these thoughts were negative or filled with worry. It’s no surprise that overthinking leads to a lack of peace.

If you want to be at peace with yourself, it’s crucial to break this cycle. Practice mindfulness, focus on the present, and accept that you cannot control everything. When you catch yourself overthinking, redirect your thoughts towards something positive or productive. It’s about training your mind to focus on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t.

4) Neglecting self-care

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. We often prioritize work, responsibilities, and others over our own well-being.

But here’s the thing – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Neglecting self-care leaves us feeling drained, stressed, and far from peaceful.

Self-care isn’t always about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about doing things that replenish your energy and make you feel good. It could be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising regularly or taking a few minutes each day to do something you love.

If you want to feel at peace with yourself, start prioritizing self-care. Remember, it’s not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it’s necessary for maintaining inner peace and overall well-being.

5) Ignoring your feelings

Feelings are powerful. They’re our body’s way of communicating with us, signaling when something is right or wrong. But too often, we ignore our feelings, pushing them aside in an attempt to ‘stay strong’ or ‘keep it together.’

This can lead to a buildup of emotions, creating internal turmoil and robbing us of our peace.

Feeling sad, angry, or anxious isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s human. And it’s okay to feel these emotions. What’s not healthy is ignoring them.

It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to experience them fully. This doesn’t mean wallowing in them but rather understanding them and allowing them to move through you.

By acknowledging your feelings, you’re honoring yourself and your experiences. And in doing so, you’re fostering a deeper sense of peace within yourself. It’s okay to feel. Remember that your feelings are valid, and you have every right to experience them without judgment or guilt.

6) Chasing perfection

As a recovering perfectionist, I know firsthand how the pursuit of perfection can steal your peace. Always striving to be perfect creates an endless cycle of stress and dissatisfaction, as there’s always something more to achieve or an area to improve.

Perfection is an unattainable standard. It sets you up for constant disappointment and prevents you from appreciating your achievements.

The day I decided to let go of my pursuit of perfection was the day I started to feel more at peace with myself. I started celebrating my progress, no matter how small, and learned to appreciate my imperfections. After all, it’s our imperfections that make us human, unique, and relatable.

If you want to feel at peace with yourself, let go of the need for perfection. Instead, aim for progress. Celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and remember that you are enough just as you are.

7) Living in the past or future

It’s easy to get caught up in the past, replaying old memories, or worrying about what the future holds. However, this only leads to anxiety, regret, and a lack of peace.

The past has already happened and can’t be changed. The future is uncertain and largely out of our control. The present moment is all we truly have.

Living in the present allows you to fully experience life as it happens. It’s a powerful way to reduce stress and increase your feelings of peace.

If you want to feel at peace with yourself, practice mindfulness. Be fully present in each moment, whether you’re eating a meal, having a conversation, or simply breathing. By focusing on the here and now, you can cultivate a sense of calm and peace within yourself.

8) Ignoring your intuition

Your intuition is like your internal compass. It guides you, nudges you in the right direction, and alerts you when something isn’t quite right. But often, we ignore or second-guess our intuition because we’re influenced by external factors or fear of making mistakes.

Ignoring your intuition can leave you feeling off-balance and far from peaceful. It’s like driving without a map – you feel lost, uncertain, and stressed.

If you want to feel at peace with yourself, start trusting your intuition. It’s the voice of your true self and knows what’s best for you. Trusting this inner voice can lead to better decision-making, increased confidence, and a profound sense of peace within yourself. Because at the end of the day, your intuition knows the path to your inner peace. Listen to it. Trust it. Follow it.

Final thought: The journey to peace

Inner peace isn’t a destination, but a journey. It’s about navigating through life with a sense of calm and acceptance, regardless of what comes our way.

Ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” This perfectly encapsulates the essence of what we’ve been discussing.

Finding peace within ourselves often means letting go — letting go of comparisons, grudges, perfectionism, and more. It’s about being present and accepting life as it unfolds.

Remember, inner peace is not the absence of chaos or difficulties. It’s the ability to remain calm and centered amidst it all. It’s about finding tranquility within yourself, independent of external circumstances.

So as you move forward on this journey, take these eight points to heart. They serve as guideposts, gently nudging you towards a more peaceful existence.

And always remember, peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.