Let’s Be Real:
You ever have one of those weeks where everything is due, your house looks like a tornado touched down, your texts are piling up, and someone (probably your mom) is calling just to “chat”? Yeah-those weeks. I call them “don’t talk to me unless you’re delivering coffee” weeks. And over time, I’ve figured out how to protect my peace without hiding under my covers for three days straight.
Here’s how I keep my sanity intact when life is giving absolute chaos.
1. I Set Low-Key Boundaries That Feel Big-Time Bold
First off, I’ve mastered the art of saying “no” with a soft voice and a hard meaning.
- No, I can’t go out on Wednesday.
- No, I won’t answer that email at 9:48PM.
- No, I don’t need to hear about Karen’s cat’s emergency vet visit right now.
I protect my energy by setting boundaries that let people know I am in “handle-your-own-shit” mode.
Hot Tip:
I even put my phone on Do Not Disturb and pretend it was dead if anyone asks. Works every time.
2. I Romanticize the Boring Stuff
- Laundry? Light a candle.
- Emails? Turn on a lo-fi playlist and wear your coziest hoodie.
- Dinner? Microwave some leftovers and act like you’re on an episode of Chopped: Lazy Edition.
During busy weeks, I lean hard into romanticizing my routine. If I’m going to be overwhelmed, I might as well be overwhelmed in a vibe.
3. I Prioritize Like My Life Depends on It (Because It Kinda Does)
There’s a difference between “must do,” “should do,” and “would be nice if I did.” I write it out. Then I cross off anything that doesn’t directly affect my mental health, my bills, or my blood pressure.
The Rule:
If it doesn’t bring me peace, pay me, or make me proud-I’m putting it on pause.
4. I Schedule My Meltdowns (No Seriously)
You know what makes a tough week worse? Holding it all in like you’re emotionally bulletproof. I give myself 10-15 minutes to scream into a pillow, cry in the shower, or dramatically flop onto the bed like a Victorian widow. Then I get up and carry on. Emotional resets are part of the routine now.
5. I Give Myself Permission to Do the Bare Minimum
Listen, some weeks my self-care is washing my face and answering one text. That’s it. I no longer pressure myself to “be productive” every second. If I made it through the day without starting a group chat argument or crying in public-I’m thriving.
6. I Protect My Vibe Like It’s Fort Knox
This includes:
- Skipping people’s IG stories when they’re doing too much
- Curating playlists that match my emotional bandwidth
- Keeping one safe space (bed, bathroom, car) that’s always clean, calm, and mine
- Reminding myself: “Protecting my peace is a full-time job, and I’m the boss”
Final Thoughts:
Life gets loud. Some weeks, it feels like you’re spinning plates while riding a unicycle through a group chat full of needy people. But you can still be the calm in the chaos. You can say “no,” let things slide, choose yourself, and romanticize the crap out of a microwave dinner.
You don’t need permission to protect your peace-you just need practice.
Now go light that candle, put your phone on DND, and romanticize doing nothing. You’ve earned it.
Here is a Soft Routine That Helps Mental Health
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