You can also invite your neighbors over for dinner or a drink to connect with them. Offer to help your neighbors. If, for example, you have an elderly neighbor, offer to help them with yard work or a chore like cleaning out the gutters.
For example, you may schedule a coffee date once a week with a friend. You may also have monthly game nights with a group of friends. Create traditions with your friends. Try things like getting together on the anniversaries of special events or taking an annual trip together.
Even if you aren’t super close to your family, you can still try to connect to them once in a while. You may find that the more time you spend with your family, the more harmonious around each other you will become. Embrace your family’s traditions, and try to create new ones. Sharing life event and remembering shared moments helps create a sense of belonging.
For example, if you’re having a rough day, you may tell your friends, “Today was a bad day. I need some cheering up” or “I’m not feeling great today, I need some support. ”
You can do this by telling your partner regularly, “Thank you for all that you do” or “I appreciate you. ”
If you are very upset, you can try stepping away from the situation and returning when you are calm and more relaxed. Acknowledge the other person’s anger and offer to talk about the situation a little later. Allow both of you to cool off a little so that you can have a more productive discussion that isn’t dominated by emotion.
For example, if you get in an argument with a friend, think about how they might feel in the situation. Try to empathize with their point of view and respond to them with compassion, rather than anger. Remember that different events have different meanings to different people. Try to understand where they are coming from by saying, “Help me understand how you see this situation. "
Avoid interrupting them when they are talking. Instead, wait for them to finish speaking. Then try repeating what they said back to them so they know you heard them correctly. For example, you may say, “What I think you said is. . . " or “What I am hearing you say is. . . “.
For example, you may find a compromise with your partner where you split the household responsibilities, rather than argue about them. Or you may reach a compromise with a coworker where you work together on a project, rather than fight over the project or compete against each other. Compromise means that both parties give up a little bit to facilitate getting part of what each party wants. Be prepared to give up a little so that you can both be happy.
Just because you do not agree with someone or see eye to eye does not mean you cannot still have compassion and empathy for them. You can still connect with people you do not agree with and find a sense of harmony with them.
For example, you may go see a family member who is feeling ill or unwell. Bring food for them if they are too sick to cook. You can help your neighbor by trying things like shoveling snow for them or taking care of their pet while they are away on vacation. You can also spend time with a friend dealing with a recent break up. Cheer them up by inviting them out or by taking them on a special friend date.
Volunteering is also a great way to meet like minded people and make new friends or acquaintances. This can broaden your social network and make you feel less alone in the world.
You may try donating money to a worthy cause once a year or once a month, based on your income.
You can also mentor others by being a volunteer tutor at an after school program. Some alumni associations at colleges and universities have mentorship programs for students to connect with professionals in their field of interest.
For example, you may shop at your local farmer’s market and get to know the vendors who sell their goods there.
Doing things you like to do can make you feel more at peace. You will then give off a positive vibe that others around you will pick up on.
Deep breathing and yoga are also great for centering your mind and feeling more at peace with yourself and your surroundings.
If you have a busy, chaotic schedule, try setting aside 30 minutes to one hour a day where you focus on self-care. Schedule it in so you cannot skip it or forget about it.
For example, you may say, “I am at peace with the world” or “I feel harmonious and happy today. ” Try to live according to your values. When your lifestyle aligns with your personal values and beliefs, you feel more at ease overall.
