5 Things To Try When The World Feels A Little Too Busy

It’s super easy to become overwhelmed when everything around us is going a million miles an hour. But finding the small moments to yourself among the chaos is a practice that can be adapted in the most simplest of ways. Here are five activities you can try when you just need to slow down, even for a few minutes.

1. Drink your morning cup of tea or coffee outside

It can be tempting drinking your morning coffee while scrolling through your phone on the dining table, but if the weather permits, why not begin your day outside in your backyard or front porch with some fresh air and sunlight on your skin? There’s nothing quite as relaxing as being out in nature and taking in your surroundings before you begin your day. And reading your favorite book while you do so is another great way to unwind before the work begins.

2. Go for a long walk with a friend

Catching up with a friend while getting your daily dose of exercise is a great way to unwind and clear your mind. Going for walks alone can be just as relaxing in their own right, but sometimes you have a lot of nagging thoughts and talking it through with a friend can help alleviate your overthinking. And let’s not forget the added benefits of those endorphins!

3. Have a hot bath with relaxing music in the background

Dim the lights, light a candle, throw in some bath salts, and play some jazz or lo-fi beats in the background and feel the stress melt away. Uninterrupted time alone to close your eyes and feel the heat on your skin is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed afterwards and more equipped to tackle whichever tasks need your attention later in the day.

4. Draw your feelings

You don’t need to be an artist to find drawing therapeutic. Nobody even has to see your work. Buy a scrapbook or grab a blank piece of A4 paper lying around and express yourself. Use highlighters, pencils, pens. It’s very grounding to be able to create, and it will allow you at least half an hour to yourself without the electronics to be in tune with your creative self.

5. Stretch

Stretching is usually something that both precedes and concludes an exercise session, but stretching has many health benefits and can be used to enhance feelings of mindfulness and relaxation. Sit on your bedroom floor and allocate five minutes to stretch your muscles whenever you need some time out. Not only will stretching over time help to improve your posture, flexibility, and blood flow, but during a stretching session, you will place more focus on your breathing and the way your body feels in the moment. The world around you will feel a little more quiet, a little more serene.