It’s completely normal to feel stress or anxiety—especially when life doesn’t go as planned or the day-to-day challenges start to pile up. But peace is still possible. In fact, it often comes through small and simple habits that bring us closer to God, help us feel grounded, and remind us that we’re not alone.
Here are eight peaceful practices to try when your mind or spirit needs calming:
1. Talk with God
Set aside time to really have a conversation with your Heavenly Father. Speak out loud if you can. Picture Him near you, listening and offering comfort. Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be real.
2. Practice Gratitude
Reflect on the blessings in your life. Consider starting a daily habit of writing down one way you see the Lord’s hand. As President Henry B. Eyring once shared, doing this regularly can change your perspective and open your heart to more peace.
3. Evaluate Expectations
Sometimes stress grows from unmet expectations. When life doesn’t unfold how we imagined, it helps to remember the Lord’s counsel: “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7).
4. Take a Break
Pause for a moment. Take several slow, deep breaths. Let go of your racing thoughts. Stretch, close your eyes, or step outside for a few minutes. A short break can reset your nervous system and bring calm.
5. Get Moving
Physical activity helps release built-up tension. Whether it’s a walk, some gentle stretching, or dancing to your favorite song, moving your body—even for just a few minutes—can uplift your mood and reduce anxiety.
6. Limit Overload
Take a look at your schedule, your news intake, or your screen time. Sometimes we’re overwhelmed simply because we’re overstimulated. Try scaling back or creating pockets of quiet in your day to give your spirit room to breathe.
7. Connect with Someone
Don’t carry the weight alone. Call a friend, talk to a trusted family member, or reach out to someone who understands. Sharing how you feel with someone safe can lighten your emotional load more than you expect.
8. Turn to Uplifting Words
Spend a few minutes with the scriptures or other words that inspire and reassure you. Revisit a favorite verse or quote. God’s words are designed to comfort and guide—and often, the right phrase at the right time can quiet the noise inside.
These practices won’t make all your problems disappear—but they can help shift your perspective, soften the tension, and open the door to spiritual reassurance. Peace is a gift the Lord wants to give you. Sometimes we just need to pause long enough to receive it.
dyejo
Guest Author
J Washburn
