5 Keys to Calming a Restless Mind and Finding Internal Peace

Although it's difficult to control at first, it's possible to learn how to manage a restless mind. In this article, we'll give you some tips.
5 Keys to Calming a Restless Mind and Finding Internal Peace
Valeria Sabater

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 10 July, 2022

A restless mind gives neither a break nor rest.  You end up jumping from one worry to another and from fear to anxiety. You also slowly end up weaving complex webs in your brain that rob you of that amazing privilege known as internal peace.

Some people could confuse this concept of a restless mind with curiosity and productivity. While it’s true that our internal energy sometimes reflects the desire to learn, most of the time, this restlessness is actually just mental noise. It’s confusion, exhaustion, and unhappiness.

In this article, we’re going to make some suggestions for you to reflect on to help you find a sense of calm and internal peace.

We think you may like to read this aticle, too: 5 Tips to Calm the Mind and See Things in a Positive Light

A restless mind and the turbulent ocean of your mind

Internal peace: a worried girl with a cup of coffee.

One of the most well-known books regarding the complex situations where mental noise is intermingled with depression is written by Kay Jamison.

This psychiatrist at the University of Johns Hopkins in Baltimore explains her unique case in this interesting work.

“As a young girl, I was always prone to emotional instability.  Sadness accompanied me throughout my adolescence, and when I began my professional life, I fell into inescapable cycles between fear, anxiety, and a restless mind that barely allowed me to live,” says Jamison in An Unquiet Mind.

Do you identify with these lines? You’re not the only one. This is a problem that’s affecting more and more people in many different areas of their lives.

With this in mind, try to think about these 5 dimensions that can help you with your restlessness.

1. Get rid of unnecessary weight to find internal peace

You’re carrying this around, even though you can’t see it.  As soon as you begin to see the weight in your mind, you’ll feel better.

  • You’re surrounded by people that, rather than providing for you, rob you of energy.
  • You could be prioritizing things that are not beneficial for you.
  • Understand that sometimes “less is more.”

2. Stop for a minute and breathe, turn off the mental noise

The past has already gone. You can’t edit it, and the future doesn’t yet exist. So center your attention on the here and now, where you find yourself in this very moment.

  • Stop and breathe. Take in a deep breath and hold it for five seconds. Then exhale loudly.
  • This simple exercise, believe it or not, will free your mind. It brings oxygen to your brain and will help you feel calm.
  • When your body feels good, that is the time to connect with yourself.
  • Then, humbly ask yourself what you want, what you’re searching for, what you don’t want, and where you’re headed.

It’s a good idea to practice this exercise every day as soon as you get up in the morning.

3. Build your protective walls

A restless mind suffers because it is very permeable. It lets outside worries come through, along with egos, and the interests of those around you.

When negative energy interrupts your internal peace, it becomes intertwined with your personal weaknesses.  This is a dreadful combination.

You need to build your own walls in the following way:

  • Distance yourself from things that don’t put you in harmony.
  • Raise walls against people who bring storms on calm days.
  • Build walls against people who don’t respect you. Forgive them but let them go.

4. Silence heals a restless mind

At least once a day, for an hour and a half, two hours, you need to bathe yourself in absolute silence.

  • These moments of internal peace and tranquility will allow you to connect with your needs and calm a restless mind. Nervous minds that jump from one worry to another have forgotten to tend to themselves. They no longer remember just how valuable or important you are.
  • Relax in the silence and turn off your fears and internal voices. Let yourself be surrounded by feelings like satisfaction, internal peace and balance between the heart and mind.

5. Cultivate gratitude

This aspect is undoubtedly the most complicated to carry out. Relax and reflect on the following thoughts:

  • If you feel uneasy, give yourself a little twist of thought: choose not to be that way. Turn off those feelings and remember that you are valuable.
  • Say thanks for the small things that surround you that you quite possibly have overlooked.
  • Give thanks for being well physically, by having certain people you love by your side, and who love you back.
  • Learn to give thanks for every new day. New opportunities open on the horizon every day so you can reach your goals.
A woman's hands with a heart in them.

Ask for help if you need it

If you think these feelings are preventing you from living your life normally or are dragging on for too long, don’t hesitate to get professional help. A good psychologist will help you develop strategies so that you can learn to silence this mental noise.

Don’t worry. It’s very common to feel this way and there are many people who are going through the same thing. In the same way, many others have seen their quality of life increase thanks to the support of a therapist, so don’t think twice: you only have one life and you deserve to be happy.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.