Having an understanding of what things you do control can make it easier for you to gain control of your life and everything in it.

1. What you do.

Your actions are yours alone. You choose to make them or not make them and you are responsible for effects of those actions.

2. What you say.

Likewise, words you speak (or write) are also consciously chosen. Like actions, they have an impact on your life and lives of those you contact.

3. What you think.

Yes, there are some subconscious thoughts that you can't control. But things that you really think about, your beliefs, your ideals, etc. are concepts you have chosen to accept and believe in.

4. Your work.

Many people like to overlook this one, it being much easier to say "Oh, I'm trapped in my job because I don't have a degree, experience, etc."

Hogwash! That's simple a way of denying one's responsibility in having chosen job in first place. It's your job and you chose it. If you stay (or go), that's a choice as well.

1. Plan daily "quiet time"

The best way to quiet down is to plan 30-minutes (or more) of daily quiet time. Time you can spend quietly, with yourself and your thoughts.

2. Create a noise-free zone

Designate one room of your house as a noise-free zone where family members can go relax.

3. Turn off television/radio

Do you leave your t.v. or radio on as "background noise?" If so, try turning them off.

4. Turn off your telephone, especially at night

Nothing is more disturbing than shrill ring of a telephone when you are trying to relax. Turn off your phone's ringer. Let answering machine or voicemail system get a message.

5. Turn off your cel phone

In fact, leave it at home. After a while you may find that you don't even need it.