I had a great childhood, but I got angry easily and often threw tantrums. This reactivity manifested itself such as restless overthinking and anxiety later in life. It took years for me to see the connection between being overly reactive and quick to judge, and the distress I felt as a result.
I spent many years with the goal of living an undisturbed life as often as possible. I studied calm, undisturbed people. I learned about Zen, spirituality and Eastern wisdom. I practiced in public. Over time, I have integrated a sense of tranquility into my daily life, and I am not talking about a stoned, passive calm – but an experience of living with greater ease and peace.
The things that unbothered people do casually without breaking a sweat:
1. They move their bodies
At least a 20-minute walk every day or the exercise equivalent. There must be movement. Just like caged animals, humans don’t do well if we sit still for too long. This also includes the self-imposed immobility that comes from rarely leaving the comfort of the living room.
2. They shift their gears to neutral
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When we slow down our movements and even the way we physically talk, which we are all capable of, it is as if we are shifting down a gear or two to match the speed of the current moment. Agitated people are often a gear or two too fast, and as such, life comes at them very quickly, and they have to do more to process everything.
3. Undisturbed people do not stray too far from nature
John Muir, the naturalist, once said: “I just went for a walk and eventually came to the conclusion that I had to stay outside until sunset, because going outside, I discovered, was actually going inside.” He alluded to the power of nature to remind us to be aware and to remember that we are one with it.
Sometimes a walk in the woods is all it takes to get us out of our heads and back into our bodies. Unhindered people all the time cherish their bond with nature.
4. They don’t take things personally
Undisturbed people, whether they are aware of it or not, view their sense of self loosely. Insecure (and therefore often very agitated) people have a vivid image of who they are think they are. They believe they have to defend the idea of who they are, and are easily triggered by criticism or anything resembling an attack, which is rarely the case. Undisturbed people see things for what they are and don’t make everything about them.
5. They use practical spirituality
Many people associate “spirituality” with a kind of blind idealism used by unrealistic, woo-woo hippie types, who like to dress in baggy clothes. Calm people have an idea of the forces that exist beyond the material world.
For example, they know that when we are calm, creative insights come to our aid and guide us through life. They are consciously open to this supply of energy and wisdom, while stressed people are not.
6. Unhindered people listen to their bodies
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Not everyone responds in the same way to external stimuli and certain types of food, for example. Being a highly sensitive person (HSP).I may find stimulation overwhelming at high doses. Through my understanding of how I respond to things like caffeine, sugar, and noisy environments, I’ve developed an awareness of what works for me.
For example, I know I drink too much caffeine, and that can make me more anxious than necessary, but it’s a choice I’ve made. This will vary for everyone, so there is only so much expert advice one can give on this. You know your body and how you feel. If something makes you repeatedly anxious, reduce it, it’s that simple.
7. They have an internal locus of control
Undisturbed people understand that thoughts, not circumstances, are the source of any stress or tension. If we can see the mind for what it is and what it does, we can be free.
How? Because when we know that our emotions are internally generated by thoughts, we are aware of our power to navigate life with a sense of ease, regardless of the circumstances. We then become the creators, and not the victims.
8. Undisturbed people choose calmness
Living quietly is not always possible. Sometimes we have to be assertive and alert to rapidly changing situations. But for the most part, being undisturbed is not a passive act; it is intentional. Unhindered people regularly and recommit to a peaceful life.
They rearrange their environment to maximize tranquility. They use boundaries in their relationships to minimize stress. They choose to act with a grace that initiates a positive feedback loop of well-being. When they have doubts, they choose not to let things happen to them. They choose to live a carefree life.
Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a profitable personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He is the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.
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