This is a collaborative post.
How can you create calm moments in a busy day? When you’re trying to keep up with the demands of the day and to be as productive as you can, the fuel is going to run out eventually, leaving you at risk of crashing and burning out. Here, we’re going to look at how you can create those opportunities for calm, no matter how hectic the schedule, so that you can pick it back up after and stay on track.
How To Create Calm Moments In A Busy Day
Breathe With Intention
You might be skeptical that something as simple as breathing could have a real impact, but if the stress is piling up, intentional breathing gives you a way to physically hack your stress response, effectively. Options like box breathing can help a great deal. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold again. Just one minute of focused breathing can calm your nervous system and bring clarity. Do it while you’re taking a walk away from the screen, and it can be extra grounding.
Laugh It Up
There is nothing like a shot of endorphins to help lift your mood and break you out of a funk. If you’re taking a small break, then try some laughter therapy. Set up a playlist of your favourite funny videos, sitcoms, or podcasts to spend 10 to 20 minutes with and let laughter give you the endorphins you need while reducing the impacts of the stress hormone cortisol, and also reducing your adrenaline levels. Someone might think you’ve gone around the bend if they pass your desk, but that’s nothing if you get to keep going after.
Find Your Mini-Rituals
A mini-ritual can be any kind of activity that serves as a ground totem, allowing you to take your focus away from your work and touch base with yourself for a moment. They don’t have to be anything complicated. For some, it’s sipping coffee slowly or stepping out with a vape for a five-minute breather. What matters is that you are intentionally taking a moment to pause, reset, and relax. The more you invest in doing these rituals consistently, the more effective they become, acting as a signal for your body to chill out without needing an extended break.
Leave The Tech Behind
Whatever you’re doing for your moment of calm, leave the devices behind. A lot of people underestimate how much of a stress trigger the notifications on your phone can be. Designate certain moments as tech-free: during your lunch break, first thing in the morning, or the last hour before bed. Even 15 screen-free minutes can help lower stress and allow your brain to decompress. It can allow you to connect with your environment and the other practices above a lot more effectively if you’re not tempted to check your phone in your pocket.
You can only put off your need for a real break for so long. The tips above can help you to mentally and physically reset and get the calm moments you need to stay strong.
