Most of us over-complicate things most of the time (think of how many of those “must have” functions on your gadgets that you’ve never used) so going back to basics is usually a good idea.
Apart from anything else, the simplest self improvement techniques are usually the ones we can do almost anywhere and with no preparation.
Breathing meditation
This is a great technique to calm you down.
Much like your parents probably told you to count to 10 when you got too angry.
Take a long, slow, deep breath in until your lungs are full enough (don’t make yourself uncomfortable)
Maybe hold the breath for a second or two – this part is personal preference.
Then slowly exhale.
And repeat…
The number of repetitions varies depending on circumstances but I find that ten or so is a good number to aim for.
It’s a simple way to get calmer and more relaxed.
Be grateful
Being grateful is a place that it’s worth getting into more often.
Simple things like saying please and thank you make a lot of difference.
Partly because they’re not used as often in our modern lives as maybe they should be.
But also because they tend to generate a good response back from the other person.
It’s also worth keeping a gratitude journal and jotting down at least three things that you’re grateful for at the end of each day.
They don’t have to be gigantic things – just things that you’re happy have happened.
The more often you remember to do this, the more good things tend to flow towards you.
Be an active listener
It’s a cliché that we have two ears and one mouth and should use them in that proportion.
But it’s also true.
Active listening is unlike normal listening where your mind is mainly focused on what you’re going to say once the other person stops talking.
With active listening, you actually pay full attention to what the other person is saying.
Listen, maybe repeat what they’ve said in your own mind and run through what they’re talking about.
This is one of the most powerful self improvement techniques I’ve used – you get more out of the conversations you have and people actively seek you out because you’re a good listener.
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This is a great technique to calm you down.
