There are rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
I live in India right now and I’m genuinely worried for my family and friends who reside in this country along with me.
I’d leave in an instant but I have dogs, and I care for a lot of animals in my neighborhood. I cannot just pick and up and move.
So, I’m writing this post because if the news is getting too much, I understand.
The noise, the news, the never-ending to-do lists—it all piles up until you’re left feeling overwhelmed and untethered.
Life can be a little heavy and uncertain.
In those moments, it’s essential to find anchors that bring you back to a place of safety and calm.
Here are 11 gentle ways to help you feel safe again, each accompanied by a book that offers solace and insight.
I write all my posts myself so if you want to talk, you can always leave a comment and I’ll get back to you asap.
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1. Create a Cozy Corner Just for You
Designate a small space in your home where you can retreat and recharge.
I’ve always had this, ever since I was a little girl.
I’ve always had my own desk.
I’m very lucky to have my own home office and it’s my safe place.
Fill it with soft blankets, calming scents, and your favorite books. In my case, I have plushies, kawaii stationery and notebooks.
This personal sanctuary can serve as a physical reminder that safety and comfort are always within reach.
It’s a lovely feeling to just sit there and spend time doing your hobbies or work there.
If you need some inspiration, read The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
This book discusses the Danish art of coziness and how simple pleasures can create a sense of well-being.
2. Establish a Gentle Morning Routine
I wrote a post that seems to be super popular right now – How to Have a Cozy Studio Ghibly Morning Routine.
Give it a read, it will brighten your day. =)
Always start your day with intention.
Avoid rushing in the morning – because trust me when I say that it sets the tone for the entire day.
I know the day is going to be mildy awful if I start my morning rushing through my routine.
That’s why I slow down in the morning.
Whether it’s sipping tea, journaling, or stretching – having a consistent morning routine can ground you and set a calming tone for the day.
It will also help you prepare for the day – whether you have to study/work or do something important, this routine will help you set focus and be energized.
I recommend reading The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life Before 8AM by Hal Elrod
This is such a good book. It talks about how a structured morning routine can transform your entire life. It helps you understand what your potential is and how in those few minutes in the early morning – you can change become a completely new person. It helped me become super productive.
3. Limit News Consumption
It may sound far-fetched, but reading the news everyday slowly killed me.
I started waking up to bad news every day because I’d open social media and read all the bad news first thing in the morning.
It’s such a downer.
I don’t deny that it’s important to stay informed, but constant exposure to distressing news will increase anxiety and depression.
I started slowly going down a rabbit hole of existential dread because I started to believe that humanity had lost its way.
I urge you (especially if you do this), to stop.
Allocate specific times in the week maybe to check the news and avoid it before meal times and bedtime.
Social media has become a toxic cesspool of unnecessary information.
This particular book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport discusses strategies to reduce digital overwhelm and start living normally again.
4. Engage in Mindful Breathing
It sounds like such sage advice, I know.
But we can’t live in a constant flurry of business.
It’s not healthy.
Simple breathing exercises can activate your body’s relaxation response.
Practice deep, slow breaths to calm your nervous system and bring yourself back to the present moment.
5. Connect with Nature
I’ve started enjoying living a slow life recently ever since I read Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday.
Spending time outdoors, even briefly, can be incredibly grounding.
It helps you see things more clearly because your mind is taking a break from everything.
Just focus on where you’re walking and what you’re hearing and trust me, you will feel good.
Listen to the birds, feel the breeze, or simply observe the sky.
Nature has a way of reminding us of life’s simple joys.
If you want some inspiration, read The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
And you will be amazed at how just being around nature will help reset your mind and help you live and not just survive.
6. Practice Gratitude
It’s important to realize how much good we have going for us right now.
We tend to focus on the 1% that isn’t going well and this can bring us down.
Focusing on what you’re thankful for can shift your perspective and foster a sense of safety.
Keep a gratitude journal and jot down a few things each day that bring you joy.
It will help you find peace and live a more fulfilling life.
7. Limit Social Media Exposure
I sound like a broken tape recorder.
But I noticed my overall anxiety and sadness decreasing when I tend to stop doomscrolling.
Social media can be a source of comparison and anxiety.
Set boundaries around your usage and curate your feed to include only content that uplifts and inspires you.
8. Engage in Creative Expression
Artistic activities like drawing, writing, or playing music can be therapeutic.
They allow you to process emotions and find solace in creation.
I focus on drawing/writing something everyday.
Even if I take a break from blog writing, I write in my journal, or doodle on my iPad or practice playing the piano.
These small activities can bring you back to little joys. I’m not kidding.
9. Seek Supportive Connections
It might take a while to make good friends.
I talk about this in this post how I made friends in my 30s.
But it is possible with a little patience and effort.
Reach out to friends or loved ones who provide comfort and understanding.
Talk to people. Don’t isolate yourself especially if you’re in a bad place. Sharing your feelings can alleviate stress and reinforce that you’re not alone.
10. Establish a Calming Evening Routine
Read this post on how to have a cozy Studio Ghibli evening routine.
Wind down with activities that signal to your body it’s time to relax.
This could include reading, gentle stretches, or listening to soothing music. Take some time to wind down – it will help your body understand that you’re preparing for sleep and sleep will come more quickly!
11. Embrace Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself.
Sometimes when I’m talking to my therapist and I say things like, “I don’t know why I have these thoughts. I’ve never been this kind of person.” she gently reminds me to be kinder to myself and not be so harsh.
We don’t realize how self-critical we are sometimes.
That inside voice can be mean and it’s not really helping us in any way.
Be gentle with yourself.
Acknowledge your feelings without judgment and treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
Remember, it’s okay to seek comfort and prioritize your well-being.
These small steps can make a significant difference in how you navigate overwhelming times.
Be patient with yourself and know that safety and peace are attainable, one gentle step at a time.
Here’s a big hug from me to you if you’re going through a difficult time.
