If the disturbances are external, do not be always combating them, but close the channels to the mind.

According to Chuang Tzu, a person has the power to keep the “tower of the mind”, that is, the heart, sheltered from turmoil: without arguing with each worry, one can simply not let it in. Today, when an agitated thought or a rumour comes up, do not start debating it: let it pass, and gently return to your breath and to what you are doing.