
When the world feels chaotic, it’s easy to get swept up in the overwhelm. Breaking news, political drama, natural disasters, and the endless rabbit hole of social media can leave us feeling completely unbalanced. For many of us, these feelings can trigger emotional eating or other patterns that keep us stuck. But what if we could navigate these moments of chaos with confidence and reclaim our sense of calm?
In this post, I want to share the tools, practices, and mindset shifts that have helped me stay grounded during stressful times. Whether you’re someone who turns to food for comfort or just feels like the world’s weight is too much, I hope these ideas resonate with you and offer you a path to reclaim your calm.
The Island of Despair vs. The Island of Possibility
Let’s start with a metaphor I’ve shared before: the “Island of Despair” and the “Island of Possibility.” In my mind, these are two distinct places we can visit with our thoughts. The Island of Despair is where we dwell on worst-case scenarios, doom scroll, and feel completely overwhelmed by the chaos around us. The Island of Possibility, on the other hand, is where hope, balance, and opportunity live.
The truth is, we have the power to choose which island we spend time on. It’s not always easy, but it starts with awareness. When you notice your thoughts drifting toward despair, ask yourself: How can I shift toward possibility?
Step 1: Detox Your Environment
A powerful way to shift toward calm is by taking stock of your environment—both physical and digital. What are you letting in? What are you consuming? Who are you spending your time with?
Media Boundaries: One of the best things I’ve done is set limits on my social media use. For example, I’ve set a daily limit on TikTok to no more than an hour. This simple boundary ensures I’m not getting lost in endless videos or exposing myself to too much negativity.
Curate Your Feed: Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or the news, I consciously curate my feed to focus on content that feels uplifting. When I notice my “For You Page” getting heavy with drama or bad news, I reset by engaging with positive, inspiring content.
Energy Check: Pay attention to the energy of the people around you. While you can’t always avoid difficult relationships (especially at work), you can protect your energy by setting boundaries and focusing on self-care. One of my daily practices is visualizing myself wrapped in a bubble of white light and protection—a simple act that helps me feel safe and grounded.
Step 2: Small Habits with Big Impact
When life feels overwhelming, small, intentional habits can create a big ripple effect. One of my favorite new practices is what I call the “Morning Gratitude Email.” Here’s how it works:
Each morning, I email myself three things that are going well in my life.
When the email hits my inbox, I note the time and look up the meaning of the corresponding angel number (e.g., 6:58 AM = Angel Number 658).
I save the message and reflect on it throughout the day.
Some mornings, it’s hard to think of even one thing going well. On those days, I start small: “I’m breathing,” or “I slept in a warm bed last night.” Starting with the basics often opens the door to more gratitude and perspective.
Step 3: Recognize the Role of Food
For many of us, food becomes a coping mechanism during times of stress. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying food, it’s important to recognize when it’s being used to numb or ground us.
Think about it: Eating can feel grounding because it physically fills us up and weighs us down. But if you’re looking for alternatives to using food in this way, here are a few ideas:
Get Outside: Fresh air and movement can help you reconnect with yourself. Even a short walk can make a difference.
Meditation and Prayer: A few quiet moments to center yourself can be incredibly grounding. One of my go-to practices is a simple prayer where I focus on protection and gratitude.
Creative Outlets: Writing, drawing, reading, and connecting with friends can provide a sense of joy and connection.
Step 4: Grounding Practices Beyond Food
If you’re looking for additional ways to feel grounded, here are a few that have worked for me:
Walking: My husband and I have started going on more walks, even in the winter. Being outside, even briefly, helps me clear my mind and reconnect with nature.
Journaling: Writing has always been a powerful tool for me. Putting my thoughts on paper helps me process emotions and find clarity.
Reading: Books have been a lifeline for me. In fact, I started a local book club with friends, and it’s been a wonderful way to connect with others and share a love of reading. If you’re a book lover, I highly recommend finding or starting a book club in your area.
Step 5: Embrace Progress, Not Perfection
Finally, remember that you don’t have to get it all right all the time. Life will throw curveballs—that’s a given. The key is to have tools and practices at your disposal so you can navigate those moments with resilience and grace.
On tough days, go back to basics. Ask yourself, “What is one small thing I can do right now to feel a little better?” Sometimes, simply acknowledging that you’re breathing is enough to start shifting your mindset.
Conclusion
Reclaiming your calm isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about finding balance, protecting your energy, and being your own best ally. Life will always have its chaos, but how you respond to it is entirely up to you.
For more insights and practical tools, be sure to listen to my latest podcast episode on Fat2Fierce The Confidence Chronicles. Don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode! You can also join the conversation and share your thoughts in the Fat2Fierce Facebook group. Let’s navigate this journey together!
With love and support,
Amy English Creator & Coach | Fat2Fierce®
Empowering women to reclaim their power with food and find peace with their bodies.
Comments