In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, it's important to create a sense of calm in our daily lives. Calmness is not the absence of stress or anxiety; it is a state of mind we can create through daily practices and mindfulness.

Here is a daily framework that can help you find more calm in your life!

1. Start your day with mindfulness: Begin each day with a mindfulness practice. This could be a short meditation, deep breathing exercises, reading your devotions, or simply sitting quietly and setting an intention for the day. Mindfulness helps to ground us, clear our minds, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. My favorite time to do this is early morning before the kids awake. I brew a dark roast coffee and take it outside on our back deck to begin the day.

2. Practice gratitude: Remember to acknowledge the good in your life. Take a few moments each day to write down things you are grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from what’s lacking or stressful to what’s abundant and joyous in your life. Honestly, I need to be more mindful about practicing gratitude. I practice sarcasm a lot, so this is one area where I need to decrease the sarcasm and increase the thankfulness. “I am thankful that my children love to talk to me, always, never stopping or leaving me alone to my thoughts…” Ugh. There I go again….

3. Get moving: Physical activity is crucial for maintaining a calm mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Find an exercise you enjoy and make it a routine. Last year, I joined a small lifting group at a local gym. I lost 17 pounds by learning how to eat better and showing up consistently to do the work.

4. Eat mindfully: Pay attention to what you eat and how you eat. Avoid mindless snacking and try to eat balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients. Also, try to eat slowly and savor each bite. If I’m not focused, this is the first thing to go. I need to keep coming back to this, and I’m not sure I’ll master it any time soon.

5. Limit screen time: Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Limit your screen time and engage in other activities that relax you, such as reading a book, doing a puzzle, or spending time in nature. I love a good John Grisham book! Photography has also been a great mindfulness practice, although I use a lot of screen time while editing… so finding balance there.

6. Practice self-care: Make time for yourself each day. Whether reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with your friends, spouse or kids, taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining a calm mind. Self-care looks different for everyone too. Take time to discover what self-care looks like to you! I love a good nature hike.

7. Manage your thoughts: Our thoughts significantly impact our feelings and actions. Be aware of negative thought patterns and try to reframe them into more positive ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll never get this done,” try thinking, “I’ll do the best I can.” I love Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

8. Stay organized: A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Take a few minutes each day to organize your space and make a to-do list for the next day. This can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. I could write a book on this point. Easier said than done. But start very, very small. That side table next to your bed? Try keeping that clean for a week. Start with that ;)

9. Connect with others: Maintaining solid relationships with friends and family can significantly contribute to a sense of calm. Try to stay connected with loved ones, even if it’s just a quick phone call or text message.

10. End your day with reflection: Before going to bed, take a few moments to reflect. Acknowledge what went well and what didn’t, and set an intention for the next day. This practice can help you release any residual stress from the day and set a positive tone for the next one. I use Evernote and have a daily refection note that has these three things:

Date:

What went well?

What didn't go well?

What can I improve on?

Copy and paste that into your Evernote note, Notion note, Google Doc, or whatever note-taking or journaling app you use. Oh, and then fill it out each day or twice a week.

Remember, it’s essential to be kind to yourself and not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Consistency is key; the more you practice these habits, the more natural they will become. Because of my ADHD, I find it incredibly hard to be consistent, so I’m learning this very thing: to be more kind to myself and create simple, easier-to-do daily habits so that I can be more consistent without even knowing it!

A calm life doesn't mean we won’t struggle or have challenges; rather, it's about facing those challenges with a clear mind and a positive attitude.

xoxo ~Jessica