Week 49: Holding on to Your Calm

I just got back from a much-needed escape — the kind where time slows down and you almost forget the world outside exists. No buzzing phone, no endless list of “shoulds,” just ocean air, slow mornings, and the rare luxury of feeling fully present. For a moment, it felt like I’d stepped out of life’s storm and into a quiet, protected space.

But then… the storm found me again. My inbox was overflowing, no breaks in my schedule, traffic was a mess, the laundry pile had somehow multiplied, and as a caregiver, I was pulled right back into the steady rhythm of other people’s needs. I know I’m not alone in that jarring shift — especially now, when the world feels heavier than usual and calm can seem like a rare, fragile thing.

If you’ve been there, you know how fast the calm can slip away. But here’s the good news: you can hold onto pieces of that peaceful feeling and weave them into your everyday life — even when the noise, demands, and worries don’t stop.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with the smallest things — like this:

1. Anchor Yourself in Sensory Memory

Your body remembers calm just as much as your mind does. For me, it’s the sound of waves at night and the slow, unhurried coffee ritual I allowed myself each morning.

When the day feels too loud, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and bring myself back there for a few moments. It’s not a magic eraser for stress, but it’s a reminder that my calm still exists — and I can access it anytime.

2. Bring a Souvenir into Daily Life

I’m not talking about the seashell in my bag — I mean something intangible I can weave into my week. For me, it’s the slower pace I felt in the mornings. For you, it might be a playlist, a new routine, or even a mantra you brought home.

These things are like little tethers to your “vacation self,” keeping you connected even in the thick of real life.

3. Build “Pause Points” Into the Week

I realized I don’t need another trip to recharge — sometimes, I just need five quiet minutes. Remember to create intentional pauses:

• Sitting in my car before heading inside.

• Drinking coffee without scrolling on my phone.

• Stepping outside for a deep breath between tasks.

These aren’t indulgences — they’re part of staying sane.

4. Accept That Chaos is Part of the Landscape

One of the biggest lessons? The chaos never truly goes away. The key is to carry your calm with you instead of waiting for the world to quiet down.

I picture myself walking through the noise with a little “quiet bubble” around me. Some days it’s stronger than others, but it’s still there.

5. Treat Recharging as a Cycle, Not a One-Time Event

I’ve stopped thinking of rest as a “treat” I get once or twice a year. It’s a cycle I need to keep returning to, just like charging my phone.

That doesn’t mean booking another week away — sometimes it’s something as simple as blocking out a Saturday morning to go for a long walk, have breakfast at your favorite café, and leave your phone on silent. It’s small, but it fills the tank enough to keep you steady.

Plan your next mini-recharge before I’m running on fumes — because maintaining my calm is a lot easier than rescuing it from empty.

Finally…

Coming back to the “real world” after a break can feel like whiplash, especially when you’re caring for others on top of everything else. But small, intentional choices can help you keep that sense of calm alive. Life will keep spinning — but you get to decide how steady you feel while it does.