Ten ways to find inner calm

1. SLOW DOWN If you often arrive places unable to recall the journey, it’s time to check your internal speedometer. Take your time and be present in each moment – even just by appreciating the fresh air or a certain sound or smell, or by looking at a familiar sight afresh. When you stop your mind whizzing ahead, your body’s relaxation response kicks in to lower your blood pressure, heart rate and levels of stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline. 2. MAKE ‘ME TIME’ Whether it’s taking a solitary walk, soaking in the tub with your favourite music, or reflecting on your day or week in a journal, set aside time each day to check in with yourself and how you feel. If you get into the habit, your awareness of your life desires will grow – as will your self-confidence. “When you stop your mind whizzing ahead, your body relaxes, lowering your blood pressure and heart rate ”3. STRETCH OUT “Yoga is considered one of the most effective techniques for balancing hormone levels,” says Dubai-based yoga instructor Elaine Kelly, who conducts the annual Yoga Fest at DIC. “The poses encourage fresh blood flow to all the glands, causing them to be gently pressurised and depressurised.” Research published last year in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine also showed that long-term yoga practice could decrease stress and boost your mood. “Yoga allows your mind and body to relax and de-stress,” says Elaine. “By practising specific breathing patterns – known as pranayama in yoga – we slip into the ‘rest and digest’ state, allowing our minds and bodies to get relief.” Yoga classes become even more beneficial when the style fits your intention. Elaine suggests taking ashtanga or vinyasa yoga to get the heart pumping, a heated bikram class for a detoxifying sweat, and a restorative yoga class like hatha if you want to chill out. 4. DE-CLUTTER It takes practice to clear your mind through meditation, but it’s amazing how much sharper your head feels – and how much easier it is to relax and be efficient – when your external world is well organised. Creating order from chaos may seem overwhelming, so begin with something small: a drawer, or a pile of paperwork. Just making a start will make you feel better. 5. LOVE AND BE LOVED The Dalai Lama suggests that inner tranquility and happiness are created by love and compassion. But to share these feelings with others, you must first learn to love yourself. If you’re not already your own best friend, learn the art of self-acceptance. Forgive or fix, rather than cursing what you consider to be your faults and flaws and you’ll be amazed at the results. Turn to page 42 to learn how to love your body. 6. CONNECT WITH NATURE When we cocoon ourselves and live by artificial light, it’s easy to forget our connection with nature and the benefits it brings. Studies show that exercising in ‘green’ spaces like parks, or on the beach near water, improves our mood and self-esteem. And the best bit is, the effect kicks in after just five minutes. So pull on your shorts and get out there in the energising fresh air. 7. QUIETEN THE MIND Meditating for 30 minutes a day for eight weeks increases grey matter in areas of the brain linked with learning, memory, compassion and self-awareness; and decreases it in areas that play a role in anxiety and stress. “Just as one needs a clean board to write on, we all need a calm and clean mind to operate at our highest potential” says mind therapist and healer, Dr Aarti Khosla, who is the founder of Temple of Inspiration in New Delhi. “Meditation is a self-empowering habit that not only cleans and clears cobwebs in the mind, but enhances body and mind output as it conserves energy at all levels. The overall performance of people who meditate manifests itself in higher levels of patience, strength and inner peace.” She continues: “It brings a sense of control, provides a calmer and deeper insight into daily life, and enhances your ability to focus. Meditation can be beneficial in helping resolve problems, alleviating phobias and releasing fears, as well as releasing stress and anxiety.” Dr Aarti’s meditation and healing workshops take place in Dubai this month. Call Anjali on 055-6257580. 8. CUT CAFFEINE It may sound obvious, but the body finds it harder to relax and become peaceful if you spend the day riding a caffeine rollercoaster from one cup to the next. So put down that espresso! 9. BE SELF-AWARE “Our unconscious habits often interfere with the peaceful way our body functions,” says Peter Nobes, who teaches improved posture with the Alexander Technique. Poor posture, inefficient breathing and unnatural movement zap our energy. “Don’t furrow your brow or hold your breath while you think,” says Peter. “Try to work mindfully: for instance, don’t hunch or frown while using your PC. 10. PASS IT FORWARD “Experiments have shown that doing something kind can make you feel more optimistic and energetic,” says Louise Burfitt-Dons, co-founder of the World Kindness Movement (www.ukkindnessmovement.org). Louise believes that kindness has a profound effect on our wellbeing because helping others takes our mind off our own problems. What’s more: “When we are kind, we experience an endorphin rush that creates a feeling of bliss,” she says. You don’t have to be a saint to enjoy the benefits of being kind. “Brief, regular acts of kindness lead to the highest levels of wellbeing,” Louise reveals. Therefore, punctuating your day with small kind deeds is better for you than, say, donating all your worldly possessions to charity. So, make regular kindness a habit – it will make you a happier person.