The Eight Point Guide to Love, Peace and Soul

Discover the essentials to living a balanced, joyful life.

#BestLife - It’s more than just a sign-off — love, peace and soul are essential to living a balanced, joyful life. Read on for tips that will help you achieve yours. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Boone Rodriguez/Corbis)

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#BestLife - It’s more than just a sign-off — love, peace and soul are essential to living a balanced, joyful life. Read on for tips that will help you achieve yours. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: Boone Rodriguez/Corbis)

Create an Affirmation - Thoughts become things. Start each day by repeating aloud a thought that mirrors your goals for yourself. Don't know where to start? We like: “I am joyful. I am adored. I am blessed.”   (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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Create an Affirmation - Thoughts become things. Start each day by repeating aloud a thought that mirrors your goals for yourself. Don't know where to start? We like: “I am joyful. I am adored. I am blessed.”  (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis

Meditate Regularly - Not only is meditation an important tool for those who seek balance in stressful times, but it can make you more aware of your own thoughts and emotions, and help you approach your interactions with the world in a more compassionate, thoughtful way. The Stop Breathe & Think app (Apple, Android) will guide you through daily, customized practice. (Photo: Flint/Corbis)

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Meditate Regularly - Not only is meditation an important tool for those who seek balance in stressful times, but it can make you more aware of your own thoughts and emotions, and help you approach your interactions with the world in a more compassionate, thoughtful way. The Stop Breathe & Think app (Apple, Android) will guide you through daily, customized practice. (Photo: Flint/Corbis)

Pamper Yourself - If you don’t make time to take care of yourself, who will? Set aside time at least once a month to do something simply because it feels good. From an hour-long massage to an afternoon at the movies, write it into your budget and your schedule and keep your appointment with yourself.   (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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Pamper Yourself - If you don’t make time to take care of yourself, who will? Set aside time at least once a month to do something simply because it feels good. From an hour-long massage to an afternoon at the movies, write it into your budget and your schedule and keep your appointment with yourself.  (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

Make a List - No, not a grocery list, or even a list of what you want in an ideal partner. Nope, make a list of how you want to feel every day. Then check in to make sure the things you choose for yourself — your job, your partner, your friends — reinforce those feelings. And promptly change the things that don’t. (Photo: Nancy Ney/Corbis)

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Make a List - No, not a grocery list, or even a list of what you want in an ideal partner. Nope, make a list of how you want to feel every day. Then check in to make sure the things you choose for yourself — your job, your partner, your friends — reinforce those feelings. And promptly change the things that don’t. (Photo: Nancy Ney/Corbis)

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Be More Vulnerable - It can be hard to share how you really feel, to expose your weaknesses, to acknowledge and apologize for your shortcomings. But the only way to have authentic relationships — to be yourself  — is to let down your walls and let people love you. Researcher Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability is a great place to start. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

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Be More Vulnerable - It can be hard to share how you really feel, to expose your weaknesses, to acknowledge and apologize for your shortcomings. But the only way to have authentic relationships — to be yourself  — is to let down your walls and let people love you. Researcher Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability is a great place to start. (Photo: Image Source/Corbis)

Get a Hobby - Carve out time that’s strictly devoted to your enjoyment. Whether you revisit something you loved to do as a kid (hello, knitting needles!) or pick up a new hobby (hola, Spanish classes!), doing something you enjoy that has nothing to do with work or school or anyone else is an important part of self-care.   (Photo: Corbis)

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Get a Hobby - Carve out time that’s strictly devoted to your enjoyment. Whether you revisit something you loved to do as a kid (hello, knitting needles!) or pick up a new hobby (hola, Spanish classes!), doing something you enjoy that has nothing to do with work or school or anyone else is an important part of self-care. (Photo: Corbis)

Do Yoga - There’s a reason Janelle Monáe made an entire song about it. Yoga is a powerful twofer — regular practice will tone your body and quiet your mind. Find a local class, or try the Yoga Studio app (Apple) to get the maximum benefit.   (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Do Yoga - There’s a reason Janelle Monáe made an entire song about it. Yoga is a powerful twofer — regular practice will tone your body and quiet your mind. Find a local class, or try the Yoga Studio app (Apple) to get the maximum benefit.  (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

Go to Therapy - We know, we’re supposed to be strong and handle things ourselves. But if you have never had the pleasure of sitting with a therapist to work through why you do the things you do, you are missing out. The right counselor can help you unlock the keys to your relationships and career. Psychology Today can help you find one.   (Photo: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Getty Images)

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Go to Therapy - We know, we’re supposed to be strong and handle things ourselves. But if you have never had the pleasure of sitting with a therapist to work through why you do the things you do, you are missing out. The right counselor can help you unlock the keys to your relationships and career. Psychology Today can help you find one. (Photo: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Getty Images)