We are often encouraged to cultivate a rich life, to say “yes” to opportunity, and to embrace all that we are capable of. And what a wonderful invitation that is. But without a conscious practice of return, this abundance can become a burden, pulling our consciousness in a dozen directions until we are everywhere and nowhere at once.
The following words serve as a balm for the stretched-thin soul. We will journey through 10 strategies designed to help you practise the art of presence, transforming your bustling schedule from a source of anxiety into a tapestry of engaged and mindful moments.
Here’s how to ground yourself with Coehl.
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
— Oprah Winfrey
1. Use a Touchstone Object to Anchor Yourself Anywhere
Pick something small that you can carry with you, like a favourite pen or even that old hair tie you always have on your wrist. When things get overwhelming, touch it and really focus on how it feels. Notice its weight, texture, whether it’s warm or cool. This simple action gives your mind something concrete to hold on to when everything else feels like too much. Deliberate touch can help lower stress hormones, and this touchstone becomes a reliable way to find your footing, no matter where you are or what’s happening around you.
2. Take Mindful Walks Between Meetings
Those rushed walks between meetings? They’re actually perfect opportunities for stealth mindfulness. Instead of power-walking while mentally rehearsing your next presentation, try paying attention to the simple fact that you’re moving through space. Notice how your feet hit the ground, what the air smells like today, whether that tree you pass daily has new leaves. Your phone can afford to stay buried in your bag for just these few minutes. You might be surprised how this small shift from mental rehearsal to actual awareness changes how you feel when you arrive at your destination. Sometimes, the best preparation for what’s next is simply being present for what’s happening now.
3. Take A Quick Mental Escape for Stress Relief
Think of somewhere that makes you feel completely at ease—maybe your childhood bedroom, a café you love, or that hiking trail where you always feel peaceful. Close your eyes and really build the scene in your mind. What would you hear there? How would the air feel on your skin? What specific scents belong to that place? Studies show that vividly imagining such environments can produce calming sensations similar to actually being there. This mental retreat is always available to you, needing only a moment’s pause and the willingness to remember somewhere you belong.
4. Surround Yourself with Mood-Boosting Colours
The colours in your daily environment affect how you feel more than you might think. If your workspace feels draining, try adding small touches of calming green or invigorating orange, such as with a plant, a coffee mug, or even changing your computer wallpaper. While blues help slow your breathing and heart rate, gentle yellows can clear mental fog. These visual adjustments work quietly in the background, supporting your well-being without requiring any extra time or effort from you.
Learn more about yourself with our colour choice analysis here.
5. Hum or Sing Briefly to Calm Your Nervous System
Your voice comes with its own built-in pharmacy, and the prescription will surprise you. Hum as you wait for your tea to brew, sing badly to the radio in your car, or just let out a long “ahhhh” like you’re finally sitting down after a long day. These sounds activate your vagus nerve, essentially telling your nervous system to chill out. The beauty is that you don’t need any vocal talent at all, so there’s no reason to feel self-conscious (or more stressed). After all, your body responds to the vibrations, not your pitch. This could explain why we instinctively sigh when overwhelmed. Apparently, our nervous system is smarter than our overthinking brain and knows exactly what it needs.
6. Send a Quick Gratitude Message to Shift Focus
Take a moment to text someone who made your day a bit easier or brighter recently. Maybe thank a colleague for their help, or tell a friend you’re grateful for their listening ear. These small acknowledgements shift your focus from what’s stressing you to what’s supporting you. Positive Psychology states that expressing gratitude automatically boosts dopamine and serotonin, thus making us “feel good”. The best part is that your message brightens someone else’s day too, creating a shared moment of connection that reminds you both that kindness exists—even when life feels overwhelming.
7. Take 3 Minutes to Do Absolutely Nothing
Set a timer for three minutes and sit somewhere comfortable with no agenda whatsoever. Don’t meditate, don’t plan, don’t try to be productive, and resist every urge to turn this into another task on your list. Just exist. Let your thoughts wander freely, notice what sounds are happening around you, feel your body actually resting in the chair. We know this might feel almost rebellious if you’re used to constant motion, but giving your mind permission to completely clock off for a few minutes often helps it work better when you actually need it to. Think of it as, and it is, a strategic pause rather than laziness.
8. Practise Mirror Affirmations to Recentre Your Mind
Stand in front of a mirror and speak to yourself like you would to a good friend. Instead of harsh criticism, go for something genuine and kind, like “You’re handling a lot right now” or “You’re doing better than you think.” Don’t forget to make eye contact with yourself as you say it. This might feel awkward at first, but it activates self-compassion pathways in your brain that strengthen with practice. Even thirty seconds of affirmations can change your posture and soften the tension in your face and shoulders. It’s a verbal reminder that registers that you deserve the same kindness you so readily give others.
9. Give Yourself a Quick Hand or Foot Massage at Your Desk
Take a minute to press into the palms of your hands or, if you can discreetly slip your shoes off, massage the arches of your feet. Use firm, slow pressure and hunt for any tight spots hiding there. You’ll probably discover your body has been storing tension in places you forgot existed. This act signals to your nervous system that someone is finally paying attention. The result? Your shoulders drop, your breathing deepens, and your mind gets a brief holiday from its endless to-do list.
10. Watch a 2-Minute Clip That Makes You Laugh
Our last tip? Keep a short video bookmarked that never fails to make you smile. Maybe it’s a comedian’s bit, a compilation of cats being dramatically offended by cucumbers, or that clip of your friend’s baby discovering the taste of lemon for the very first time. When tension builds, allow yourself a moment of joy—watch it freely, without a trace of guilt. Laughter is medicine that tastes good and has no unpleasant side effects. It’s basically scheduled maintenance for your sanity, and proves that joy hasn’t abandoned you—it’s just been waiting for you to remember it exists.
Everything, with Ease
A rich, full life doesn’t have to feel like you’re constantly drowning in it. These simple practices help you move through your beautifully packed days with more grace and less grinding. When you can quickly reconnect with your calm, the many wonderful things you’ve said “yes” to feel effortless rather than overwhelming.
Your grounding tools can be as thoughtfully chosen as everything else in your life. Just as you curate experiences that nourish and inspire you, consider how the accessories you carry can support these moments of return.
Coehl understands that modern women are beautifully multifaceted. That’s why we design collections that blend elegance with function, manifesting in pieces that feel as intentional as the practices they accompany. On our website, discover accessories that honour both your dynamic life and your need for moments of quiet grace.
Discover our collection and embrace a self that moves through each moment with grace and presence.
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