Savvy Talks: Finding Peace in the Stress of Everyday Life
SAVVY PLANET WEEKLY | Finding Calm in Chaos
How to Stay Sane When the World Feels Like It’s on Fire
Life’s Been… A Lot Lately
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, wired, or just plain exhausted—you’re not alone. From the ongoing tragedy in Texas to non-stop political division, extreme weather and the everyday pressures of life, it’s easy to feel like everything is burning. So how do we stay grounded when the world feels like it’s on fire?
We’ve been digging into some small, soul-saving habits that can help you breathe a little easier, even in the chaos. These are simple, doable practices that don’t require a retreat or a vacation. Just a few intentional choices to restore a sense of calm.
1. Protect Your Inputs
We all want to stay informed—but there’s a big difference between awareness and doom-scrolling. Constant exposure to negative headlines keeps our nervous system in overdrive. Try setting a “news window”—check headlines once or twice a day, then unplug. No more midnight panic scrolls. Your peace is worth it.
2. Do Something With Your Hands
Knead bread. Fold laundry. Plant basil. Chop garlic—aggressively, if needed. Repetitive, physical tasks quiet the mind and anchor us in the moment. It’s mindfulness without the meditation cushion. Pro tip: toast with real butter is an underrated mood-lifter.
3. Reach Out—Don’t Retreat
Isolation makes stress worse. Connection helps regulate our emotions. Text someone. Call your sibling. Send a voice note. Even a simple “Hey, how are you really?” can shift your entire day. Human contact—however small—matters more than ever.
4. Micro-Dose Joy
Not everything has to be a grand gesture. Small joys make a big impact. Watch a funny dog video. Rewatch your favorite comedy. Eat a mango. Dance in your kitchen for three minutes. Sneak in light where you can. You don’t have to earn joy—it’s part of staying resilient.
5. Feel What You’re Feeling
Don’t stuff it down. Feel it. Name it. Cry in the car if you have to. Then, move it through your body—walk, journal, scream into a pillow if that’s your thing. You’re not being dramatic—you’re being human. And that’s something the world could use more of right now.
Until Next Time…
You don’t have to fix everything. You don’t even have to understand it all. Just take the next right step. Drink some water. Turn off the news. Text a friend. Cook something that smells amazing. Remember: there’s still sweetness in the world.
Stay grounded, stay kind—
Marianne + the Savvy Planet Team
Listen to the talk:
Originally aired on 07/11/25 for WGN Radio 720.