Finding calm in a hectic world

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the very first “Mindful Monday” here on Cosette's Beauty Pantry. I’m so excited to launch this series, where we’ll dive into self-care, wellness, and lifestyle tips that can bring a bit of balance to our days. For this first post, I’ve decided to explore something that feels especially relevant: finding calm in a hectic world. Life can sometimes feel like it’s moving at a million miles an hour, don’t you think? With work, social plans, and the constant ping of our phones, it’s easy to get swept up and forget to take a moment for ourselves. So, let’s pause, take a breath, and chat about why slowing down matters, how we can weave it into our lives, and what it might do for our well-being.

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We live in a culture that celebrates speed. We’re told to keep pushing, to juggle everything at once, and that being busy is the ultimate sign of success. I’ll confess, I’ve bought into that mindset more times than I’d like—rushing through my day, mentally ticking off tasks before I’ve even finished the one I’m on. But here’s what I’ve realised: that relentless pace doesn’t always leave me feeling fulfilled. More often, it leaves me knackered and wondering where the time went. Slowing down isn’t about slacking off; it’s about choosing to be present for the things that really count.

Why does slowing down feel so counterintuitive, though? It’s because we’re swimming against the tide of what’s expected. Everywhere we look—on social media, in adverts, even in casual chats—we’re fed the idea that we should always be “on.” Hustle harder, they say. But I’ve started to question that. Research shows that constantly being switched on can take a toll—think of stress-related sleepless nights, that foggy feeling in your head, or even a dip in energy that no caffeine can fix. Slowing down isn’t just a treat we give ourselves; it’s a way to keep ourselves steady.

Knowing we need to slow down is one thing, but actually doing it? That’s the tricky bit. Life doesn’t exactly hand us spare hours on a platter. Still, I’ve found that it’s the small, intentional shifts that make a difference. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been playing around with ways to bring a bit of calm into my routine, and I’d love to share what’s clicked for me—plus a few ideas you might fancy trying yourself.

One thing I’ve started doing is focusing on one task at a time. I used to be the queen of multitasking—writing an email while dinner bubbled on the hob and half listening to a podcast. But lately, I’ve been catching myself and choosing to zero in on just one thing. The other evening, I made a cuppa and, instead of flicking through my phone while it steeped, I stood there, watching the tea swirl and feeling the heat seep into my hands. It’s such a small thing, but it felt like a quiet little anchor. It turns out there’s science behind this—single-tasking can cut stress and even help us get things done better since our brains aren’t built to split focus as well as we like to think.

Another habit I’ve picked up is what I call a “five-minute reset.” When the day starts feeling overwhelming—maybe after a flurry of emails or a particularly frantic afternoon—I set a timer for five minutes and step back. Sometimes I’ll stretch, sometimes I’ll pop outside for a breath of fresh air, or sometimes I’ll just sit and let my mind settle. It’s not about fixing everything in that moment; it’s about giving myself a tiny breather. I’ve noticed it can shift my whole outlook, making the rest of the day feel less daunting.

Then there’s the art of saying no—something I’ve always found tough. I hate letting people down, and I used to say yes to everything, even when I was stretched thin. But I’m learning that saying no to what doesn’t light me up is really saying yes to what does—like a quiet night with a book when I’m too tired for plans. It’s not about being rude; it’s about protecting my own energy. Have you ever given that a go? It’s a game-changer once you get past the initial awkwardness.

Slowing down doesn’t mean we grind to a halt, of course. I’m not about to ditch all my responsibilities and move to a remote island (though the idea does cross my mind on rough days). It’s about finding a pace that suits us. For me, that’s meant picking up slower hobbies again. Lately, I’ve been baking more—nothing fancy, just a simple loaf or a batch of biscuits. There’s something calming about measuring out flour and watching dough rise. It’s less about the end result and more about the rhythm of it. What about you—maybe it’s sketching, pottering in the garden, or something else that lets you linger a little?

What’s surprised me most is how slowing down sharpens everything else. When I’m not dashing about, I notice more—the way the light filters through the window in the morning, the smell of rain on the pavement, the zing of fresh herbs in a meal I’ve taken time to cook. It’s like life gets a bit more vivid when I stop rushing through it. Isn’t that what we’re chasing, in a way—a life that feels alive, not just packed?

I’m still figuring this out, mind you. Some days, I slip back into old habits, racing against a clock that doesn’t exist, and that’s fine—we’re all learning as we go. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up for ourselves, bit by bit. Even one mindful moment—like savouring your breakfast instead of scoffing it on the go—can ripple out and soften a hectic day.

So, as we kick off “Mindful Monday” together, I’d love for you to join me in this little adventure. You don’t need to flip your life upside down. Try one small thing this week—maybe a single-task moment, a five-minute reset, or a gentle no—and see how it feels. We’ll muddle through it together, finding our way to a calmer, more mindful way of living, one Monday at a time.

I’d love to hear from you, though—what’s one way you already find calm in your day, or one thing you’d like to try? Pop your thoughts in the comments below—I’m excited to read them and maybe pinch a few ideas for myself!

Until next time, take care.