Throughout our lives, we try to achieve many things. Whether it is success, increased self-esteem, recognition from others, getting fitter, losing weight, quitting smoking or financial independence, these quests are all attainable with more or less effort and time.

But if there is anything that is much more difficult to achieve, it is peace of mind. Some people seek it all their lives.

I don’t know why nature made us like this, but it seems that human beings are not capable of not worrying. We worry about everything and often about nothing.

Without giving you specific examples, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and I’m sure that sometimes your “little hamster” gets carried away.

So if you are looking for peace of mind, here are six ways to help you achieve it.

1- Face the situation. Is a problem bothering you? Do you have some control over it? If so, face reality and deal with it. Take a step back, reflect, consult, find a solution and take action.

2- Train your mind to think about something else. Have a word, phrase, song, thought or other mental reflex that allows you to “move on” when your hamster gets carried away. Over time, it will become a new reflex. Feeling anxious? Snap! You use your mental reflex trick and move on.

3- Keep yourself busy. This truth is implacable. “When you’re not busy, you become “preoccupied”. So I suggest you keep your mind busy doing productive things, rather than letting it wander into the recesses of negativism. Work, read, sing, create, whatever – as long as your mind is busy, you’ll be in control.

4- Do some cardio. Whether it’s working out at a gym, riding your bike or logging on your woodlot, the fact is that when your heart is pumping, your body is flooded with endorphins and you see life in a better light. Panicking? Do any physical activity and you’ll forget your problems.

5- Meditate. I call it the Dalai Lama method. Whether accompanied by yoga or tai chi, meditation is a powerful tool to help you “disconnect” from your stress and “reconnect” with what’s essential, YOU. I encourage you to read books on meditation, and above all to practice it. Over time, you’ll be able to “disconnect – reconnect”.

6- Let go. 99% of the negative things you imagine will never happen. So why worry? I suggest you “let it go”, give up and give yourself time. Time always sorts things out, and most of the time they sort themselves out in ways you could never have imagined.

Whatever way or ways you use to achieve your “peace of mind”, in time you’ll get there, and it’ll be the greatest gift you’ve ever given yourself.