Remember to Listen to Your Own Advice
Life has a way of sweeping us up in its whirlwind of chaos—whether it’s work, relationships, or the day-to-day demands that seem to grow the longer we ignore them. Last week got very chaotic for me on Wednesday afternoon at 4:04 pm. I won’t share details at the moment as it is all very raw, but I will remind myself and others that it’s ok to pause. It’s easy to forget what we know we need to do to take care of ourselves. But sometimes, in the midst of all the noise, we need a reminder. So, this is me reminding myself to slow down, take a breath, and go back to the basics—the things that help me stay grounded.
1. Stick to Your Routines
When everything feels unpredictable, routines are a stabilizing force. It’s tempting to throw them out the window when life gets hectic, but those routines are anchors. Whether it’s starting your day with a cup of coffee and a few minutes of quiet, or setting aside time for a walk or a workout, these small acts of consistency help create a sense of control, even when everything else feels out of hand. They’re not rigid rules; they’re your lifelines.
2. Eat Good Food
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of convenience, grabbing whatever is quickest or most comforting in the moment. But I know that eating well—not just grabbing food to fill the void—makes a huge difference in how I feel physically and mentally. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals don’t just fuel the body; they fuel the mind, too. When you’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s especially important to nourish yourself in ways that help you cope, not just survive.
3. Take Your Meds
I’ve been there—thinking that maybe I can skip a dose, or that I’ll be okay without them for a while. But the truth is, my medication is part of what helps me stay balanced, mentally and emotionally. There’s no shame in needing support, and the routine of taking meds is a tool in my toolkit for coping. I need to remember to stay consistent, to not let the chaos or distractions of life take me off course.
4. Rest
We often mistake being busy for being productive, and in doing so, we forget the importance of rest. Whether it’s taking a 20-minute power nap or simply stepping away from the hustle and bustle for a few minutes to reset, rest is essential for both body and mind. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. In the chaos of daily life, I need to pause and honor my need for recovery.
5. Breathe
In the rush of the moment, we forget to breathe. Not just the shallow breaths that keep us alive, but the deep, mindful breaths that ground us. When stress builds up, my chest tightens, and my mind races. Taking a few moments to simply breathe, to center myself, helps me regain focus and calm. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to reset and remember that everything doesn’t have to be solved in one moment.
6. Reach out for help if you need it. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been so great at keeping in touch. Call the friend. Text the family. It takes a village and honestly we get so caught up in trying to face things alone, either for shame, or whatever, we hurt ourselves more. Get the help, if its just a hand to hold or professional help, reach out.
Pause and Remember
In the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. But I have to remind myself—especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed—that these simple routines are the things that help me cope. Taking care of my body, my mind, and my spirit is not a luxury. It’s the foundation that allows me to face the chaos with more resilience.
So, when life starts to feel like it’s spinning too fast, I’m going to pause, take a deep breath, and return to the basics. I’ll remind myself of the advice I’ve given before and continue following the steps that help me move through this life with more ease and less stress. Because at the end of the day, I can’t pour from an empty cup.
Mothersense and Miscellaneous 