Less stress
Finding inner peace – how we can achieve it
Those who find inner peace are balanced and stable
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The to-do list is full, one call follows the next. The result: inner unrest. Many Germans want to avoid stress in the new year. What inner peace is and what tips we can use to become more balanced.
Every year at the turn of the year, many people in Germany make something new. According to a survey commissioned by the health insurance company DAK, 62 percent of Germans want 2024 Avoid stress. The representative survey was carried out by Forsa. 1006 people in Germany were surveyed in mid-November. The desire for peace and quiet is understandable, especially in stressful times, but not always easy to implement. What inner peace is and what tips can bring us closer to this state.
Lobna Chérif, Ryan Niemiec and Valerie Wood summarize the term “inner peace” as a positive emotional state in their article in the “International Journal of Wellbeing”. It is characterized by a feeling of balance and contentment. Inner peace means being in a stable state – in balance. In a 2013 study, the 378 participants found the words calm, comfortable, peaceful, harmonious and secure to be the most appropriate to describe inner peace.
Inner Peace: Our thoughts are the key
Whether we can feel inner peace or whether we are plagued by inner restlessness depends on how we deal with our thoughts, summarizes psychologist Victoria Bindrum in “Hello Better”. Trying to think more positively doesn’t help at this point. Negative thoughts are also ok, you should just avoid diving into them. Better: let the thoughts come, notice them and accept them. If you get caught up in negative thoughts, you can concentrate on your own body to get these nasty voices out of your head, says the expert.
In a 2018 study, researchers looked at strong character traits, well-being and inner peace. The scientists conducted interviews with 900 participants to find out what can create inner peace. The researchers identified the following points:
- Close relationships, social support and trust can help us find inner peace.
- People with characteristics such as optimism, empathy and flexibility are more likely to feel inner peace.
- Those who accept other people, can forgive them and are tolerant are also more likely to be balanced.
- The extent to which we can treat ourselves with friendship and gratitude also has an influence.
- Spirituality, religion or belief in something can also lead to a positive state of mind.
- Time in nature can calm us and make us content.
- Physical activity, health and stable finances also help people feel positive and balanced.
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Tips for more inner peace
Tips can be derived from the study on how we can achieve inner peace:
- Integrate physical exercise into everyday life. Whether it’s a walk, jogging or yoga – do whatever helps you clear your head. And: every step counts.
- Mindful practices like meditation can help you focus on yourself and the moment. And ensure relaxation!
- Every evening, write down what was good about the day and what you are grateful for – this focuses our thoughts on the positive aspects and makes us feel more balanced.
- Check in with your friends more often. When we have close social ties, we feel safe and can enjoy the exchange.
- Treat yourself and other people with a certain amount of forbearance.
- Schedule time in nature every week.
- Religious and spiritual people should also integrate this part of themselves into everyday life.
Sources: International Journal of Wellbeing, Study 2018, Study 2013, Hello BetterDAK survey