How to be calm in the midst of chaos: 3 helpful practices
HEIDI’S JOURNAL ENTRY | 019
HOW to be CALM in the MIDST of CHAOS:
3 HELPFUL PRACTICES
When Work Life Throws You off Balance
If life feels like a whirlwind, like you’re constantly reacting instead of responding, you’re not alone. Whether it’s workplace stress, or the daily juggle of responsibilities combined with global uncertainty, chaos can feel impossible to avoid.
But here’s the truth: while you can’t always control what’s happening around you, you can cultivate calm within. Inner peace isn’t about ignoring reality, it’s about building the tools to stay grounded, even when everything else feels uncertain.
As this quote so poignantly says…
“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” For several years, this quote hung on the inside of my apartment door, and every time I left for the office, I read it.
3 Powerful Practices for Inner Calm and Serenity
In this post, I’ll share three simple yet powerful practices you can use to find peace when work and life feel overwhelming.
1. Declutter Your Space to Clear Your Mind
Your physical environment directly mirrors and influences your mental state. A cluttered room, messy desk, or chaotic kitchen can fuel stress without you even realizing it.
Start small:
Tidy your workspace before beginning a task
Reorganise one drawer or shelf each week
Create a “comfort corner” with cozy textures, soft lighting, and calming scents
Ask yourself: Does my office space feel peaceful? Does my home support the version of me I want to be?
Even the smallest steps toward order can give your mind a sense of clarity and control.
My personal daily ritual: Turn daily tidying into a grounding ritual. Each evening, before shutting down my computer, I take a moment to clear my desk, empty my digital trash, and organize my emails. This simple practice creates clarity, helps release restlessness, and gives a fresh, focused start for the next workday.
I wholeheartedly recommend creating your own version of this practice. Whether it’s decluttering your office space, carving out a calming corner in your home, or simply pausing to enjoy a clean space, these intentional moments cultivate inner calm at the office and at home that carries over into everything else.
In my home office, I create a space that inspires focus and calm. My desk is always tidy, decorated with fresh, beautiful flowers, a grounding essential oil, and a crystal for clarity. I keep a facial spray close by, surround myself with inspiring postcards featuring positive affirmations, and play soothing background music that helps enhance my concentration.
2. Meditate: How to Begin Sitting in Silence
Stillness is a powerful antidote to chaos. You don’t need hours of meditation, just a few intentional minutes can transform your inner state.
How to start a simple meditation practice:
Choose a quiet spot or play soft background music
Set a timer for 7 minutes
Sit comfortably on a cushion, chair, or even lying down
Close your eyes and focus on your breath
When thoughts wander, gently return to your breath
End with gratitude towards yourself for the pause
Tip: Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer offer guided meditations if you prefer support.
Bonus Resource: Listen to my morning meditation (German only) https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/the-heidi-hauer-podcast/id1501745114?l=en&i=1000537644913
3. Practice Daily Mindfulness: Staying Still Amid Chaos
Meditation isn’t limited to a cushion, a yoga mat, or a set time of day. Mindfulness is a portable practice that you can carry with you through every moment of your day.
Ways to integrate mindfulness into daily life:
During conversations: Pause and notice your emotions before responding
In stressful moments: Take a breath before reacting
While working: Stretch, breathe, and check in with your posture
By weaving stillness into your work schedule, you create small anchors of calm that strengthen resilience and emotional balance.
The Power of a Mindful Pause: Turning Conflict into Calm
A personal story: Once, I found myself caught in a heated email exchange at work, with several important stakeholders copied in. It was quickly spiralling into a situation that could have damaged relationships and credibility. In that moment, I felt the strong pull of my ego, the urge to defend myself and prove I was right. But instead of firing back another message, I chose to pause. Taking a mindful step back wasn’t easy. Calming down when you feel unfairly attacked is one of the hardest things to do. I gave myself the evening to reflect, discussed the situation with a trusted colleague, and returned to it the next morning with a fresh perspective. By approaching the conversation with calm and clarity, I was able to de-escalate the conflict gracefully and preserve strong professional relationships.
Lesson: That experience taught me the power of the mindful pause, a small act of awareness that can completely shift the outcome of a stressful situation. Staying calm at work isn’t about suppressing emotions; it’s about creating the space to respond with intention rather than reaction.
Quick Recap: Your Calm Toolkit
Staying calm in the midst of chaos doesn’t mean shutting the world out. It’s about building inner tools that allow you to move through challenges with grace.
To stay grounded in work chaos, try:
· Decluttering your environment
· Practicing short, daily meditation
· Weaving mindfulness between work tasks
These practices enable you to create a sanctuary for yourself; one that travels with you, no matter where work takes you.
If your inner storm feels overwhelming or has been raging for too long, consider practicing emotional alchemy. Try free-flow dancing at home to release tension and loosen emotional knots. You might also visit a pharmacy and ask about herbal remedies that can help soothe your nervous system, so you can at least get restful sleep at night.
Also pay attention to what you consume through your body and your mind. Cut back on coffee or eliminate it entirely Say goodbye to sugar. Turn off the news for a few days and stay away from social media as long as you can. These small shifts can create space for clarity, calm, and emotional reset.
Which of these practices speaks to you most? Try one today and share your experience, I’d love to hear from you.
Individual coaching to help you find calm during tough peak times at work
Personal coaching can provide targeted support to help you practise calm and feel confident again in your working life. If you would like some more inspiration to help you achieve serenity in your life, I would be happy to chat with you in a no-obligation video call. I'll explain how my coaching can support you on your personal development journey.
Ready to go deeper?
Book a free virtual discovery chat to explore how coaching can help you build calm, clarity, and confidence in your daily life.
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