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Writer's pictureCara McLauchlan

3 Simple Ideas for When Life Feels Chaotic



This week, I needed a minute.


Somehow life went from easy breezy summer mode to a full-blast almost fall press. Can you relate? This week my heart needed a bit of recalibration as the season begins. If this is you too, here are three simple things I have been practicing this week to help me catch my breath.


3 Things I Do When Life Feels Chaotic


Slow It Down.

When life gets crazy, my body tends to follow suit. Lately, I've been trying to go through the day as if each task on my to-do list is the only thing I need to do. Slowly driving to a meeting, creating a calming space for focused work and errands, coming home and being present to folding laundry or cooking -- all of this can feel restorative. There is something lovely about mindfully doing only one thing at a time. The same amount of work gets done and my heart is grateful for the chance to rest in the moment. When I slow myself down to fully engage in what's before me, my mind can rest as if this is all there is to do.


Get it Out of Your Head.

One day I was feeling overwhelmed by thoughts swirling in my brain. I opened up a plain page in a notebook and dumped it all on paper. I started by writing down praises or things I was grateful for, a food section for what I planned to eat/cook that day, what I did for a workout or walk plans with a friend, prayer requests that had been on my heart and then copied a scripture I wanted to marinate on that day. Lastly, I made a simple list of any appointments or things I wanted to accomplish that day. By writing it all down I could get it out of my brain. Seeing my day mapped out on paper invited a sense of calm. It shifted an overwhelming day to one that held a sense of order and purpose, even in its ordinariness.


Do Something That Nurtures You.

I may not be in control of many things, but I can control my fridge. When life gets out of hand, I find a strange sense of comfort by cleaning out the fridge and chopping stuff. There is something orderly about making a simple soup, using up old scraps, or preparing a nourishing meal ahead of time. Maybe you don't like to cook, but perhaps cleaning out a messy drawer calms you. Sometimes taking a walk helps me to clear my head and get rid of anxious thoughts. Whether it's meal prepping, decluttering, or taking a walk, harness the power of small things to make you feel more grounded. Even if it's only for five minutes, make space to do one thing that nurtures you.


What About You? What Do You Do When Things Get Out of Hand?

Having our own little personal hacks might not solve all that ails the world, but engaging the small things that nurture us can support us in stressful moments. My encouragement is to consider all the little ways you love to bring order to your heart.


Taking the Time For Nurturing Your Heart Might Be the Most Important To Do Today

 

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4 Comments


mchudson77
mchudson77
Aug 31, 2023

I hear you, friend. Get it out of your head is what I often need to work on. Usually, journaling helps but I also like your option of taking a walk. Anything that puts the focus somewhere else is a win. Thanks for sharing this and know you're in my thoughts. ♡

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Cara McLauchlan
Cara McLauchlan
Aug 31, 2023
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Good stuff! Lots of walking going around here!

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pammyroo
Aug 31, 2023

I love cleaning something really dirty. The visual accomplishment brings me peace and I give myself permission to say, “At least that’s done!”

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Cara McLauchlan
Cara McLauchlan
Aug 31, 2023
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Yes! Funny how strangely satisfying how organizing a little pocket of disorder gives a sense of relief and calm. Completely agree!

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