7 simple habits of people who are genuinely at peace with themselves

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | January 23, 2025, 8:22 pm

Ever heard that saying, “Peace comes from within”?

Well, it’s true.

Being genuinely at peace with oneself is not about the absence of problems. Rather, it’s about how you react to them, and more importantly, how you perceive yourself.

But here’s the catch.

You might be unknowingly engaging in habits that are preventing you from reaching this state of inner peace.

So, if you’re thinking, “How can I be more at peace with myself?” then stick around.

In this article, we will explore seven simple habits of people who are genuinely at peace with themselves. These habits might just be the key to unlocking inner tranquility you’ve been seeking.

1) They practice mindfulness

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of inner peace?

For many, it’s mindfulness.

People who are genuinely at peace with themselves practice mindfulness. They live in the present moment and are fully engaged in what they’re doing, right here, right now.

Here’s why this matters.

When you’re mindful, you’re not dwelling on the past or anxious about the future. You’re in tune with your thoughts and feelings, and you accept them without judgment.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, it takes practice. But once you master it, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for finding inner peace and contentment.

2) They embrace imperfections

Embracing imperfections is another habit of people genuinely at peace with themselves. Let me share a bit of my personal journey here.

There was a time when I was obsessed with perfection. Whether it was my work, my appearance, or my relationships, I strived for flawlessness in everything. But this pursuit of perfection left me exhausted and discontent.

Then, one day I stumbled upon a quote by Leonard Cohen: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

This got me thinking.

I began to understand that it’s our imperfections that make us unique, that make us human. So, I decided to embrace my flaws and see them not as something to hide, but as something to celebrate.

Since then, I’ve experienced a profound sense of peace and acceptance towards myself. And you know what? It’s liberating.

So, remember, being at peace with yourself involves accepting and embracing your imperfections, not fighting them.

3) They’re not afraid to say no

Now here’s a habit that might surprise you.

Saying no.

For the longest time, I was a serial people-pleaser. I said yes to everything, even when it drained me, even when I didn’t want to. I thought this was the only way to be liked and accepted.

Turns out, I was wrong.

I learned that people who are genuinely at peace with themselves aren’t afraid to say no. They understand that their time and energy are precious. They know that it’s okay to prioritize their needs without feeling guilty or selfish.

This was a hard pill to swallow.

But once I started practicing this, I noticed a significant change. I felt less stressed, less overwhelmed. I felt more in control of my life.

Don’t be afraid to say no when you need to. It’s not about being rude or unkind, but about respecting your boundaries and valuing your well-being.

4) They nurture their relationships

We’ve all heard that old saying – no man is an island.

And it’s true.

Even the most self-sufficient among us need social connections. These connections nurture our mental and emotional well-being, and can be a significant source of joy and comfort.

People who are genuinely at peace with themselves understand this. They value their relationships and invest time and effort into nurturing them.

This doesn’t mean they’re constantly surrounded by people or that they have an endless list of friends. Rather, they maintain a close circle of meaningful relationships, and these connections are a priority in their life.

Now here’s the kicker.

It’s not just about having people around you. It’s about having the right people around you – those who uplift you, support you, and challenge you to be your best self.

Go ahead, reach out to a loved one today. It might just bring you one step closer to finding that inner peace you’ve been seeking.

5) They take care of their bodies

Did you know that physical and mental well-being are closely linked?

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who engage in regular physical activity have lower stress levels and better mental health.

People who are at peace with themselves understand this connection. They make a conscious effort to take care of their bodies. This doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym for hours every day.

From taking a short walk outside to practicing yoga or even just getting enough sleep, there are plenty of ways to take care of your physical health.

These individuals know that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, and that it’s hard to feel at peace when you’re not taking care of your physical needs.

So remember, taking care of your body isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling good inside and out, which can ultimately contribute to your sense of inner peace.

6) They practice forgiveness

We’ve all been hurt at some point, haven’t we?

Whether it’s a harsh word from a loved one or a betrayal from a close friend, these wounds can leave scars that are hard to heal.

But people who are genuinely at peace with themselves have found a powerful remedy – forgiveness.

They understand that holding onto resentment and anger only hurts them in the end. It’s like carrying a heavy burden that weighs you down.

So, they choose to let go. They choose to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because they deserve peace.

Now, this doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or allowing others to hurt you again. It simply means releasing the negativity associated with those experiences, so you can move forward.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. It takes strength and courage. But once you master it, it can be a powerful step towards finding inner peace.

7) They cultivate gratitude

At the heart of inner peace is an attitude of gratitude.

People who are genuinely at peace with themselves practice gratitude regularly. They recognize and appreciate the good in their lives, even in the face of challenges.

Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you already have. It fosters positivity and helps you recognize the abundance around you.

So, take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a heartfelt conversation with a friend.

Cultivating gratitude can help you find contentment, joy, and yes, that elusive state of inner peace.

The final thought

So there you have it – seven simple habits of people who are genuinely at peace with themselves.

It’s important to understand that achieving inner peace isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small, consistent changes in how you think and act.

Start by becoming more mindful. Embrace your imperfections. Learn to say no when it’s necessary. Nurture your relationships and take care of your physical health. Practice forgiveness and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

As Gautama Buddha once said, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” So, take a moment to reflect on these habits. Which ones resonate with you? Which ones do you need to work on?

Finding inner peace is a personal journey that’s unique to each of us. It might be challenging at times, but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and remember – every step forward is a step towards achieving the inner peace that you seek.