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Calming a Chaotic Mind

Does anyone else feel like their mind is on overdrive literally ALL the time? I have always been a busy body and my mind has been equally as busy. Sitting still often feels stressful for me because I'll make mental lists of all the things that I need or want to be doing. It takes intention and effort for me to relax.


I actually love having a busy mind. I think it's what keeps me excited about life and motivated to keep pushing forward. It also makes it so I have a wide variety of interests. I am truly never bored. However, if I don't have many activities lined up at all times, my overdriven mind starts to feel out of control, and that is an unsettling and unwelcome feeling. My friends have always made fun of me because to this day whenever I fly--no matter how long or short that flight is--I will have multiple activity options. This includes my regular 30-60 minute plane flights I take for work!


For those who don't struggle with a chaotic mind, that is awesome! How would it be?! The good news is that I've found a routine that helps me to keep my mind occupied and stimulated, which for me, helps me to feel relaxed and organized.

First, making our bed is a non-negotiable. It is a physical reminder for myself to calm tf down and get ready for the day. Plus, it is so nice to crawl into fresh sheets at night!

Next, I have not one but THREE places to write things down. Now, is this excessive and extra? For sure. But I have developed habits over the years that are hugely helpful for my daily life. This is my SEVENTH year using a "One Line A Day" journal. My best friend got me my first journal and I fell in love with the practice. It helps me to remember important (or mundane) events throughout the year, without the pressure of writing full journal entries. When I realized I was not using my ridiculously expensive iPad a couple years ago, I made a change and started to use it for EVERYTHING including planning! This is my second year using a digital planner and I'm hooked. Not only does it give me my calendar, but also provides me with a habit tracker, gratitude journal, sleep tracker, and more. It's been so fun to actually get a ton of use out of my iPad. TikTok influenced me to get a Hobonichi Weeks planner and it has been so fun! I use it as a book tracker as well as a priority tracker. For example, each day I earn a sticker if I 1) hit 10,000+ steps, 2) exercise, 3) do not spend money. Since fitness and finances are my priorities this year, it's been great to have a designated spot just for them. Plus, I got planner decorations and it's been fun to use it as a little creative/artistic outlet.

I am reading at least two books at all times. One on my Kindle and one audiobook. And I'm listening to the audiobook at 2.0 speed. This drives people NUTS, but for me, it's just how my brain processes the story best without getting bored. I love reading so much--I'm pretty sure many people with active minds do!

I'm not a particularly creative person, but I like to have at least one art project that I'm working on all the time. One of my favorite things to do is turn on an audiobook and work on my embroidery!

Finally, exercise has become absolutely pivotal in calming my mind and my body. For the past couple years, I have lived a sedentary lifestyle, a sharp contrast to the rest of my life that was full of sports. Prioritizing exercise over the past three months has transformed not only the way I feel about myself, but it has brought structure and calmness to my always-wandering mind.


Sometimes it's exhausting having a mind that seems to create chaos and always has to be busy, but it's also part of who I am! Finding ways to co-exist with and manage the chaos rather than fight against it has been transformative for me. Do you have a busy mind? I'd love to hear how you manage it!


Happy Monday, everyone. Hope it's a beautiful week!

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I'm Ashley, Audiologist by day, cookie-connoisseur by night. 

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