Why Is Peace Important?

What’s the hype about? Why are so many people talking about centering and grounding ourselves? Is that just some hocus-pocus or a New Age trick? Friends, it’s quite the contrary—it’s science. For so many years, practices like these were frowned upon, and often dismissed due to a lack of understanding. They seemed strange or unnecessary simply because they were new or unfamiliar. But as we’ve learned more, science has shown us why these techniques are not only valid but also transformative for our well-being.

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There are many interpretations of peace, so let’s get on the same page and see peace as science does. Peace comes from the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your body in charge of relaxation. Its job is to shift you from stress and worry to a calm state where you can exhale deeply and feel safe. However, sometimes life’s challenges, like overwhelming stress or unresolved trauma, make it hard for this system to do its job. In those moments, we need to help it along.

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Believe it or not, you can actively support your body in finding peace every day, even in difficult situations. When your body is in a balanced state, also known as homeostasis, it doesn’t mean everything around you is peaceful. It means your brain has assessed that you’re not in danger, so it doesn’t trigger a flood of stress hormones to "save the day." These stress hormones, while essential in emergencies, are often the culprits behind chronic anxiety because they keep your body on high alert, even when there’s no immediate threat. By actively communicating with your brain and showing it when you’re safe, you can help your body relax. It’s important to note, though, that your brain doesn’t immediately understand the difference between past and present worries. Habits formed by past experiences take time to unlearn, but with consistent effort, change is possible.

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Research shows that dedicating just five minutes a day to a breathing exercise, like the 4-7-8 technique, can help regulate your nervous system and bring it to a place of calm. Practicing this daily for a year can have profound effects, essentially “resetting” your body’s stress response system.

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Self-love is so much more than painting your nails or buying a new dress. True self-love includes taking care of your body and nurturing its needs. As this year draws to a close, consider adopting new habits that can cultivate roots of peace and well-being. These habits, when nurtured, will grow into something truly special.