Finding Stillness: Simple Practices to Calm an Overactive Mind
If you’re anything like me, your mind is probably always on the go. From the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep (if you even manage to sleep), your thoughts are racing, your to-do list is endless, and your brain feels like it’s on overdrive. Welcome to the club, my fellow busy-brained friends!
Does Your Brain Feel Like It’s Running a Marathon?
Being a high-achiever with a neurodivergent twist can be a superpower, but it also means your mind is rarely ever at rest. And that constant mental chatter? It can leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to focus. So, how do you find calm amidst the chaos? How do you quiet the noise when your brain is working overtime?
Let’s dive into some simple yet powerful practices to bring stillness to your mind, so you can reclaim your peace and feel more grounded, even on your busiest days.
Step 1: The Art of the Mindful Pause
I used to think that being still meant I was being unproductive. But the truth is, taking a moment to pause can actually make you more efficient. It’s like giving your brain a quick power nap so it can come back refreshed.
Start with Micro-Pauses: You don’t need a 30-minute meditation session to reap the benefits of stillness. Start with just 60 seconds. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and simply focus on your breath as it goes in and out.
Use Your Senses: Engage your senses to ground yourself in the present moment. What can you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell right now? This quick exercise can help quiet your mind and bring you back to the here and now.
Try the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique: Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This technique is great for calming your nervous system and can be done anytime you need a quick reset.
Step 2: Get Outside and Connect with Nature
I know it sounds cliché, but nature truly has a way of calming an overactive mind. There’s something about fresh air, the sound of leaves rustling, and the feeling of the ground beneath your feet that brings instant peace.
Go for a Walk: Even a 10-minute stroll around the block can do wonders for your mental state. Leave your phone behind if you can and just be present with your surroundings.
Practice Grounding: Take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the grass, sand, or dirt. This simple practice, known as earthing, can help reduce stress and anxiety by connecting you to the earth’s natural energy.
Observe the Small Details: Whether it’s the colors of the leaves, the sound of birds, or the way the sun feels on your skin, immersing yourself in nature’s details can be incredibly calming.
Step 3: Create a Daily Stillness Ritual
Making stillness a part of your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better.
Morning Mindfulness: Before you reach for your phone in the morning, take a few minutes to sit in silence. Set an intention for the day or simply focus on your breath.
Tea or Coffee Meditation: Turn your morning beverage into a mindfulness ritual. Focus on the warmth of the cup, the aroma, and the taste with each sip.
Evening Wind-Down: Before bed, take a few minutes to stretch, do some deep breathing, or practice gratitude. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and prepare for rest.
Embrace the Power of Doing Nothing
This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to calm an overactive mind is to do absolutely nothing. And I mean nothing. No scrolling, no multitasking, no planning your next move. Just be.
I used to feel guilty for not being “productive” every waking minute. But I’ve learned that stillness is just as important as action. It’s in those quiet moments that we find clarity, creativity, and calm. So, give yourself permission to be still. It’s not laziness—it’s self-care.
The next time your brain feels like it’s going 100 miles per hour, remember: you don’t have to keep up with it. Slow down. Breathe. Be still. You’ll be amazed at how much more focused, creative, and energized you feel when you give your mind a break.
Let’s Find Your Calm Together
If you’re craving more peace and stillness in your life but aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to guide you. Let’s work together to create a personalized plan that fits your unique needs and helps you calm your busy mind.
👉 Book a 1:1 "Calm the Chaos" call with me here: Calm the Chaos Call. Together, we’ll explore simple yet powerful techniques to help you find stillness and reclaim your mental space.
👉 Need more resources to support your journey? Visit our Resources Page for tips, guides, and tools to help you thrive.
Remember, finding stillness isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about creating space for what truly matters. Let’s find that space together.
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