Finding peace of mind isn’t always easy, especially when things like work and other responsibilities are constantly demanding your attention. You might also have a hard time relaxing due to anxiety about life stressors or events going on in the world around you. In a 2024 poll, 43% of adults said they felt more anxious than they did the previous year.

When you’re struggling to reach a calm mental state, it can be a challenge to find strategies for mindfulness and relaxation that work for you. The good news is that you don’t have to be on a quiet beach or in a cozy cabin to experience peace of mind. With the right habits and support, you can find peace wherever you are.

How to find peace of mind virtually anywhere: 6 helpful practices

• Practice mindful breathing — When it feels like your thoughts are going too fast, one of the best things you can do is pause and breathe. Slow, intentional breathing can calm your nervous system and shift your focus away from stressful thoughts. Try to breathe in for four seconds, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four and breathe in again. This breathing technique is called box breathing. Do this for just one minute and see how you feel. If you’re still feeling stressed, you can keep measuring your breaths until you start to calm down. Box breathing can counteract the rapid, shallow breathing that accompanies anxiety. help prevent hyperventilation, which often contributes to rising anxiety. Practicing breathing techniques can also help you focus on your breathing instead of your anxiety. This can be key to getting out of spiraling negative thought patterns.
• Go for a walk — Going for a walk can be a great way to get out of a stressful environment and give yourself some peace of mind. You don’t necessarily need to travel far for a productive walk, though. If you don’t have a nearby hiking trail or walking path, don’t worry. A quick walk around the block or even pacing your hallway can help, especially if you focus on making the walk mindful. Put your phone away, feel your feet on the ground and tune in to your surroundings. Whether you’re walking in nature or around your bedroom, using a walk as an opportunity to disconnect can be a great way to get some peace of mind.
• Set digital boundaries — Being online all the time can wear you down. The constant stream of stimuli from nonstop emails, social media, streaming platforms and more might make it hard to hear yourself think. If you’re looking to get peace of mind, try giving yourself permission to unplug. Try taking short, scheduled breaks from all electronics. Turn off notifications on your devices to make sure you aren’t disturbed. Taking intentional breaks from your phone or computer each day can be a great way to set boundaries and create more time for yourself.
• Check in with someone supportive — Talking with someone who gets you can be like opening a window and letting fresh air into your brain. You might talk to a trusted friend, family member or licensed clinical therapist. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to reach out. Check in whenever you notice your mind is troubled. A quick “Hey, can we talk?” might be the best thing you can do for yourself today.
• Practice self-compassion — It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you’re stressed or anxious. Negative self-talk isn’t helpful, though. Finding peace of mind often starts with how you talk to yourself. If your inner voice is contributing to your struggles, try talking to yourself the way you would speak to a friend who’s struggling. When talking to a friend, you probably want to be gentle, encouraging and patient. You deserve that kindness too.
• Explore virtual mental health support options — Sometimes, you might need more than self-guided strategies to feel better. If your mental health symptoms are affecting your daily life, consider getting structured support. With Virtual Services, you don’t have to find an in-person treatment center to get the care you need. You can get tailored care online through a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) or Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP). A Virtual PHP includes individual therapy, psychiatrist visits and personalized treatment, all available online. You might benefit from vPHP if you need more support than traditional outpatient care and you’re looking for treatment that fits into your daily routine.

At Lightfully, we believe mental health care should meet you where you are. That’s why we offer virtual and in-person options across multiple levels of care. Our Precision Care Model uses the most effective aspects of evidence-based treatment to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms. This treatment framework is centered around compassionate, data-driven, whole-person-centered care. Whether you’re looking for an online support group or need a higher level of care, there’s a place for you at Lightfully.

Change is possible. Contact us to ask about an assessment and find out how treatment can improve your peace of mind. When you’re ready to seek virtual care, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.