8 Ways to Calm Down and Relax The Mind

Published: Nov 05, 2020
Updated: Sep 13, 2024
8 Ways to Calm Down and Relax The Mind
In this article
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    8 min

    There is a lot going on in the world, and a lot that can cause stress. Modern technology means the world is constantly connected, and so are you. It’s always hard to calm down, and even harder to sleep!

    Unfortunately, that means you’re also connected to your anxiety triggers: big or small. This can make calming down and achieving inner peace very difficult.

    Sometimes the best option is to step back and try an activity to center yourself. Try these ways to relax your mind and calm down if you’re having trouble calming your thoughts. 

    Key Takeaways
    Visual distractions like unscripted nature scenes or cooking videos can divert your mind from worries.
    Guided meditations help center your mind away from anxieties, promoting focus.
    Gentle stretching routines help release tension, promoting both physical and mental relaxation.
    Center yourself away from anxieties by focusing on activities like watching videos, breathing exercises, meditation, calming music, stretching, online yoga, having tea, and consciously slowing down.
    Practice deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation. Seek professional help if needed, engage in physical activity, and develop a regular routine for calming the mind to combat stress and anxiety.

    How To Stay Calm When Feeling Overwhelmed?

    Feeling overwhelmed is a natural response to life’s challenges, but it doesn’t have to consume you. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you have the strength and resilience to navigate through this moment. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. It’s important to prioritize your mental well-being, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks when needed.

    Find a calming activity that works for you, whether it’s meditation, going for a walk, or listening to soothing music. Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. 

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    Easy Relaxation Techniques To Calm Your Nervous System

    After a long and stressful day, it’s important to find ways to relax and unwind at home. Some easy relaxation techniques to try include deep breathing exercises, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. These techniques can be easily incorporated into your daily routine to help manage stress and promote a sense of calm.

    1. Watch Relaxing Videos

    Sometimes, one of the best ways to calm down is to watch something. Humans are visual creatures, so watching something is a great way to focus your mind away from your worries.

    Relaxing unscripted videos of natural scenery or tasty cooking are great options. Capturing your attention without monopolizing it. Capturing your attention without monopolizing it.

    person watching Relaxing Videos before bed

    2. Take Deep Breaths

    For immediate relief, practice focused calm breathing. Find a quiet space and breathe calmly for a few minutes. Let your breaths flow in and out like waves on a beach, and try to focus on nothing else. 

    ShutEye ways to clam down before bed Breathing

    3. Meditation For Stress Or Anxiety

    If you have a little more time, try meditating. Guided meditations are a great way to learn how to center your mind away from your anxieties so that you can actually focus and not just worry.

    Try to find a good app or series that will help you on your journey. To get started easily, ShutEye offers all the standard meditating functions, plus a few extras.  

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    5 Best Meditation Apps

    woman doing meditation in open area

    4. Calming Music

    Listening to soft music signals your mind and body to relax. Even if it’s not your favorite, try to listen to relaxing sounds and music.

    Meditation and mindfulness apps often have playlists set up for this. It might not be trendy music, but the goal is calming down, not head-banging. 

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    5. Stretch When You Need To Calm Down

    One way to calm your mind is to center your focus on your body. If you have a few minutes, a gentle stretching routine can help your body relax and release tension, which will help your mind relax as well. 

    woman streching her hand in front of her work desk

    6. Online Yoga

    If you have more time, Online yoga (AI yoga) is another great way to focus your mind on your body. Yoga can be strenuous or gentle, but the combination of balance and breathing is always a great way to bring your soaring mind back to earth. 

    woman doing yoga

    7. Have Some Tea

    Not as energizing as coffee, a nice hot tea is a great way to wind down from your day and sleep well.  Different kinds have different benefits, but the act of taking a few minutes to sit down and relax can be immediately calming and rejuvenating. 

    woman having a cup of tea sitting on sofa

    8. Slow Down

    Give yourself permission to take things slow. Not everything is a race. In fact, comparatively little is a race. Oftentimes, it’s actually your own personal standards that you’re running against, and nothing more. Take time to relax and slow down when this is the case. 

    woman relaxing sitting on sofa

    In Short, 8 Ways To Relax Mind And Calm Down

    • Watch Relaxing Videos
    • Breathing
    • Meditation 
    • Calming Music
    • Stretching 
    • Yoga
    • Have Some Tea
    • Slow Down

    Final Thoughts

    Calming your mind is all about centering yourself away from your anxieties and worries, and focusing on something else.

    A task easier said than done. Fortunately, there are many simple activities or new skills you can try. Meditation, for example, might be a necessity in this modern buzzing world.

    Whatever you try, we hope this list gives you a few ideas for how to achieve peace. 

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    FAQ

    There are several effective ways to calm your mind, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, seeking help from a mental health professional, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in physical activity.

    Deep breathing can help calm you by slowing down your heart rate, reducing the activity of the stress response in your nervous system, and lowering your stress hormone levels.

    Yes, seeking help from a mental health professional can provide you with effective strategies and support to learn how to calm your body and mind, especially in moments of feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

    Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters and stress relievers, helping you feel more relaxed and reducing the impact of stress and anxiety on your body and mind.

    Some warning signs include feeling overwhelmed, constantly feeling stressed, struggling to stay calm in challenging situations, and facing difficulty in calming down your body and mind even after trying various techniques.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.
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