The definition of Zen is, a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition or peaceful and calm.

But what does it mean when someone tells you to “Find your Zen”? Essentially, it means finding the peace and calm you need. And during trying times or when you feel stressed, or things are chaotic, it’s important that you have a means of bringing some serenity to your life.

Do you know how to return that sense of peacefulness back to your life when things go awry? Here are a few suggestions you can try.

• Take a moment and close your eyes: This is so simple and can be done anywhere. Take a minute or two, close your eyes, and clear your thoughts. You may need to put your focus on something else at the moment in order to clear your thoughts. You could think about a serene location, a happier time, or a simple image. 
• Do a slow count to 10: You’ve probably heard to try this technique when you’re angry – so that you can avoid doing or saying something you might regret. It works when you need to restore calm, too. A slow count to ten gives you time to refocus and gather your thoughts.
• Laugh: “Laughter is the best medicine” may never be more true than when your life is feeling a little out of sorts. When you laugh, you release endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals”) and your mood improves. 
• Repeat your mantra while taking deep breaths: Repeating your personal or calming mantra while taking deep breaths can go a long way to making you feel better. Of course, if you don’t have a mantra – you might want to choose one or two. Here’s a list of 33 different mantras you can use to quickly calm your stress response. 
• Go for a walk: Stressed? Head outdoors for a quick walk. Getting in some fresh air and exercise can calm your feelings. 
• Start your morning off with time for yourself: Does it seem that every moment of your day is accounted for and that you have no time for yourself? It’s a common occurrence. But it’s essential that you have some time for yourself each day to gather your thoughts. Five minutes in the morning may be all you need. 
• Meditate: If you have the time, meditate. Think meditation is not for you? You might be surprised. There are all sorts of apps to help you or find some on the internet. Tara Brach has some good ones, and so does DoYogaWithMe.
• List the things you are grateful for: Even when it doesn’t seem possible, there are sure to be things that make you grateful. Take a moment and write them down or, if pressed for time, list them in your mind. It’s a great reminder of all the good things that are happening – even when life is crazy.
• Do one thing at a time: In a world where multitasking seems to be key, why not do just one thing at a time? Putting your focus and energy into one thing allows you to concentrate on that activity alone – blocking out other things – at least for the time being. 
• Simplify your life: Can you pinpoint what in your life is making you stressed? Then it may be time to simplify things. You may need to clear the clutter or establish a routine or cut back on the number of things you say yes to. There are lots of ways you can simplify your life.
• Accept the things that can’t be changed: Finally, learn to accept the things you can’t change. If you can make things better, fantastic. But if not, accept it and move on.

Which of these techniques can you try to help you find your Zen? You might be surprised by how much better you feel in times of stress when you put these into practice.