Things that keep me grounded when life feels too loud

This isn’t talked about enough, but as human beings—especially as young adults—we often find ourselves stuck in a loop. We’re unsure if anything is going right. We question whether we’re doing enough, or if we should be doing something completely different. And when the results we expect don’t show up, it’s easy to spiral: “Should I leave this behind? Is it even worth it anymore?” In the middle of that mental chaos, everything starts to feel loud. Not just around us, but inside us. And that noise can become so overwhelming, it doesn’t just affect us—it spills out onto the people we love. You know the saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Sometimes, you really do need to pause. Take a step back. Focus on yourself. Breathe. Rejuvenate.

Personally, I feel most anxious when I can’t finish something on time—whether it’s a work task, a personal goal, or something I told myself I’d do. When things aren’t aligning with my schedule, I start to panic. But I’ve learned to remind myself: there is more to life than productivity. Here are a few things I do to calm the chaos and stay grounded:

 1. Journaling As someone who tends to overthink, journaling is a game changer. Writing my thoughts down makes them feel lighter. Whether I’m venting, expressing joy, or just checking in with how I feel—turning thoughts into words transforms the energy. And no, journaling doesn’t have to be aesthetic or perfect. It can be messy, raw, and real. Even when I’m happy, I journal to remind myself of the good moments too. Once I finish, I usually feel like I’ve pressed a reset button. The fog clears, and I remember that life is worth living.

2. Listening to My Favorite Podcast On days when motivation is low, I pop in my headphones and play Psychology of Your 20s by Jemma Sbeg. It reminds me that I’m not alone in navigating the messiness of early adulthood. Listening to how others are dealing with similar struggles—and how they’re overcoming them—makes me feel seen. It's like having a conversation with a wiser big sister who just gets it.

3. Watching My Comfort Movie This one might sound simple, but it works. Sometimes, logging off, curling up with snacks, and watching your comfort movie is all you need to hit pause on the noise. Whether it’s an old rom-com or a cozy animated film, I always feel lighter after.

4. Taking a Walk Nature has a way of speaking when everything else feels too loud. Whether I’m listening to music or just soaking in the sounds of birds and breeze, walking grounds me. It helps me reconnect with myself, one step at a time.

5. Reading the Bible and Praying. As a Christian, this is the deepest way I find peace. No problem is too big for God. Sometimes I just need to disconnect from the world and reconnect with Him—to remind myself that I’m seen, heard, and loved. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). When I pray, I feel rooted. When I read His word, I feel firm again. That’s the kind of grounding no self-help book can replace.

These are just some of the things that keep me centered when life feels too noisy. Hope this post brought you a little peace too. If it did, leave a like.