Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: 3 Simple Steps You Can Take Today

As I sit down to write this, I'm juggling the morning chaos with my two boys, trying to get everyone fed and out the door on time, while my phone buzzes with patient questions that need answering.

Sound familiar?

In my practice lately, I've been noticing a troubling pattern. So many of my patients—people just like you—are coming in with physical symptoms that all trace back to one root cause: chronic stress.

The Hidden Epidemic of Chronic Stress

The headaches, the digestive issues, the insomnia, the unexplained pain, the fatigue that coffee can't fix... behind so many of these complaints is a nervous system in constant "fight or flight" mode.

And I get it. Truly. Between raising my two energetic boys, running a practice, trying to keep up with household responsibilities, and attempting to carve out some semblance of self-care, there are days when I feel completely overwhelmed.

We're living in challenging times, with more demands on our attention and energy than ever before. The constant connectivity, the barrage of concerning news, the pressure to do it all and be it all—it's simply too much for our bodies and minds to process.

But here's what I want you to know: it doesn't have to be this way. Even in the midst of chaos, you can find moments of peace and take back control of your wellbeing.

Three Practices to Reclaim Your Health Starting Today

1. Create a "Control Inventory"

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side, list everything in your life that you CAN control. On the other, list what you CANNOT control. Then, make a conscious decision to focus your energy only on the first column. This simple exercise can immediately reduce anxiety by helping you recognize where your precious energy is best spent.

2. Establish a "Transition Ritual"

Our bodies and minds need clear boundaries between activities. Create a 2-minute ritual to use between major transitions in your day (between work and home, between screen time and family time, etc.). It can be as simple as taking 5 deep breaths, stretching your body, or stepping outside for a moment. This signals to your nervous system that it's safe to shift gears.

3. Schedule "Worry Time"

This might sound counterintuitive, but set aside 10 minutes each day as designated "worry time." When anxious thoughts arise during the day, mentally postpone them to this scheduled time. When your worry time arrives, sit down and either write out or think through your concerns. This prevents anxiety from hijacking your entire day.

Small Changes, Profound Impact

These practices might seem small, but they can have a profound impact on your stress levels and overall health when implemented consistently.

And if you're dealing with physical symptoms that need more targeted support, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email me directly at drstephanieferris@gmail.com with any questions, or schedule an in-person or online appointment for chiropractic care or a functional medicine consultation. Together, we can get to the root of what's happening in your body and create a personalized plan to restore balance.

Keep an eye out for my next post where I'll share more practical tips for finding joy even amid the challenges of our current world. Because despite everything, joy is still possible and absolutely necessary for our wellbeing.

Dr. Stephanie Ferris is a functional medicine practitioner and chiropractor specializing in holistic approaches to chronic health issues and stress-related conditions.