Figures from the American Institute of Stress confirm that over half of all people (55%) experience stress daily. That figure is even higher within the workforce, with 83% of employees feeling stressed daily.

Whether it’s an increasing workload and unrealistic expectations in the office, financial worries, or anxiety about what’s next for our nation, it can feel like our minds and bodies are constantly besieged by issues that make us feel anxious, tense, and worried.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another” –William James

While a certain degree of stress can be a good thing by motivating us forward, too much is most certainly harmful. Stress overload negatively impacts our mental and physical health.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though.

It is possible to stay grounded and achieve inner peace even in the middle of our crazy world. All we need to do is find the peacemaking daily habits that help us stay grounded.

Take a few deep breaths and find the gift of calm with these tips to feel less stressed:

• LIVE INTENTIONALLY: Stay present and fully engaged in each moment through intentional activities like meditation, mindful breathing, or simply observing your thoughts without judgment.
• PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS: Regularly reflect on emotions, triggers, and thought patterns. Journaling can be helpful for this.
• CONNECT WITH NATURE: Spend time outdoors to reconnect with the natural world, which can help quiet the mind and foster a sense of rootedness.
• CREATE ROUTINE: Establishing a daily rhythm can provide structure and stability, making it easier to remain centered.
• PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Keep a gratitude journal or take time each day to mentally list things you’re thankful for.
• LET GO: Release the need for control or perfection. Accept that life is fluid and that you can find peace in accepting things as they are.
• LIMIT DISTRACTIONS: Cut down on excessive noise — whether it’s from social media, news, or busy environments — to create space for inner calm.
• BREATHE: Practice deep breathing to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
• MOVE: Regular exercise, yoga, or simple stretching can help release tension and keep us physically grounded.
• SIMPLIFY LIFE: Declutter living and working spaces to reduce visual pollution. A clean, organized environment can contribute to a clearer, more peaceful mind.
• NURTURE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Surround ourselves with people who uplift and support us, and let go of toxic relationships that drain our energy.
• SELF-COMPASSION: Be kind to ourselves, especially when facing challenges. Treat ourselves as we would a good friend — with understanding and care.

The bottom line is that we, as people, can learn to navigate our anxious and stressed world with greater calm, connection, and compassion by embracing practical peacemaking practices and staying grounded in mindfulness.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Get Grounded: Peacemaking for Stressed People in a Crazy World with Danny Penman PhD or wherever you get your podcasts.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Danny Penman, PhD, a meditation teacher, award-winning writer, and journalist. He currently writes features for the UK Daily Mail, having previously worked for the BBC, New Scientist, and the Independent newspaper. Danny co-authored the international bestseller Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World.

Danny’s books have been translated into more than 25 languages and are used in healthcare systems around the world to help people cope with anxiety, stress, depression, and chronic pain.