It’s no lie that life can be incredibly chaotic at times. Maybe you have a full time job, a family to run, and numerous other activities which sap your energy. Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are ten ideas to help you create a sense of calm amidst chaos.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. You can practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath, noticing your thoughts without judgment, and bringing your attention back to the present moment when your mind starts to wander. If you can find just ten minutes, or even five, at various points in the day to focus on your breath that’ll be a big help.
Create A Calming Environment: Surrounding yourself with things that make you feel calm and relaxed can help create a sense of peace amidst chaos. This might include things like candles, plants, soothing music, or a comfortable space to sit. If you work in an office see if you can put a little something on your desk or have a calming picture. If you can’t, or the desk is shared, then pop out for a few minutes throughout the day…even if it’s just a visit to the bathroom.
Disconnect: In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by technology, social media, and the constant stream of news. Taking a break from these things can give you a mental break and help reduce feelings of anxiety. For some the first thing they look at when they wake up is their phone. I prefer tomeditate for 10 - 20 minutes when I wake up and don’t check my socials until after breakfast.
Engage In A Relaxing Activity: Finding a hobby or activity that brings you joy and helps you relax can be a great way to reduce stress and create a sense of calm. This might include activities like reading, yoga, taking a bath, or cooking. Personally I love doing embroidery and colouring in, these two activities are very therapeutic, especially with quite music in the background. If cooking is a chore or necessity, find some other activity.
Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the good things in your life, even amidst chaos, can help shift your mindset to a more positive one. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for. Practising gratitude also gives you a more positive outlook on life.
Get Some Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and increase feelings of calm. Even a short walk or workout can help clear your mind and improve your mood. Use your lunch break to go for a stroll. If work is close enough drive to work in the morning, walk home, then walk to work the next day and drive home. Some establishments have a gym you can use. If there’s no activity available why not start one?
Connect With Others: When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to connect with loved ones or friends for support. This might involve talking to someone about your feelings, or simply spending time together doing something fun. Social media does have its uses as it can help us connect with others easily.
Practice Self-Care: Making time for yourself to do things that make you feel good is an important part of reducing stress and creating a sense of calm. This might include things like getting a massage, taking a nap, or enjoying your favourite food. Self-care is not selfish, it’s a self-wish. You are looking after yourself.
Simplify Your Life: When things feel chaotic, simplifying your life can help reduce unnecessary stressors. This might involve decluttering your living space, simplifying your schedule, or saying no to commitments that don't serve you. Saying “no” can be extremely difficult, especially if you’re a people pleaser or worry that a “no” will cause upset. At the end of the day though you’re not on this planet for anyone but yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to be a dick about stuff, but it does mean that you just say no without guilt. If you have too much stuff there is tremendous power in decluttering.
Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to create a sense of calm, seeking professional help from a therapist, life coach or counsellor can be a great option. They can help you develop coping strategies and provide support during challenging times.