If I could bottle up anything and sell it, I would choose PEACE. There are so many people who stay up late at night, not being able to sleep because their mind is constantly racing. Some people do not have peace because they are blaming themselves for remaining in relationships they should have ended, they are not where they want to be personally or professionally or just simply unhappy with themselves. Chaos and distractions are the two main culprits that keep a person’s mind wondering while taking away their sense of calmness. But there are a few things that you can do to still the mind.

1. Journaling
   Journaling is one of my favorite coping skills and helps with facing distractions. One of the reasons is that it helps you to write down what it is that is bothering you. In this way you are acknowledging the issue. Writing down your thoughts will allow you to take note and come back to this issue to work on solutions later. You are essentially bookmarking the problem and taking note to handle it when you are mentally ready.
2. Facing the thing/person that is stealing your peace

   Sometimes it is just easier to run away from issues and bury your head in the proverbial sand. Many people think that maybe their situation will get better with time if they just leave it be. Avoiding any issues and refraining from confrontations can be the worst thing that you can do because it causes negative emotions to fester. Also, the situation can even get worse. Whatever/whomever is bothering you or stealing your peace…address it! You may be anxious in the moments leading to it, but surely you will have a sense of relief knowing that you faced the thing/person that is causing you to lay awake at night.

   I could go on for days about what you can do to preserve or regain your peace, but I am going to leave you with these two for now. Make sure that you follow my blogs as I will continue to give insightful information that may would help you in this area.

Joan Hampton, LPC