by Dr. Deborah Bauers

Created on: March 01, 2008   Last Updated: October 02, 2009

Yoga, meditation, restorative sleep,and stress management tools-they each take time and self-discipline to incorporate into your daily routines, don't they? Although all of these practices can help bring balance to your life, none is a quick fix for inner peace. That's because peace is something you experience through a process of learning to wisely pick and choose, from a myriad of choices, how you live your life. It is something you cultivate by not dwelling on regrets of the past, and by forgiving yourself and others. Peace is a process that takes time.

Most of us would agree however, that the occasional ten minute mental health break, to step into the sunshine or take a brisk walk can turn an overwhelming morning into something doable. Simple activities such as these momentarily remove us from the cares of the day and bring a measure of tranquility into our lives. So there must be some other quick tips to help restore inner peace during those times when life feels like a runaway freight train that is headed for a cliff.

As a mental health therapist with a very busy practice. I listen all week long to the kinds of true stories that could easily take their toll on body, mind, and spirit. Like me, you probably know that there are times when restoring inner peace can't just be accomplished through rest and inactivity. In fact, sometimes sleep doesn't come easily after an emotionally charged day. Occasionally, you and I need laughter more than solace; people more than solitude.

Now and again, when everyone else is asleep, I stay awake and write into the wee hours of the morning. Writing helps me detox the brain and recharge my emotions. The best gift I can give myself may be to put a good article to bed, before I go there. Toward the end of the week I spend one day getting energized chasing my three year-old-grandson around the park or racing cars with him across my kitchen floor. Most Saturdays, there's time for a latte with a friend or a quick trip to the farmer's market to smell the fruit and squeeze the produce. Doing something just for myself can be the ticket to feeling really grounded. Sunday is my spiritual refreshment. It's a day to attend church and spend time with the family. I'm also an adjunct professor at a local seminary. Teaching is rewarding and helps keep the brain from aging. Sound like a hectic schedule? Well, it's full, that's true. But it contains the invaluable ingredients necessary to help restore my inner peace. By balancing the activities

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