26/01/2026
Small Shifts, Big Impact: Finding Balance in Daily Life
Sometimes, looking after our mental health doesn't mean making huge, sweeping changes. Itâs often about the small adjustmentsâthe little things we do to make the world fit us a bit better.
Whether you are navigating neurodivergence, recovering from a stressful event, or simply feeling the weight of a busy life, small improvements can help us regain a sense of control. Here are a few ways simple shifts can make a difference:
1. The Power of "Mitigation" I recently experienced what I call "Trauma with a small 't'" when my car wheel caught fire. It left me anxious about driving and doubting my choices. A friend suggested I "mitigate" the risk to take back control. I bought a fire extinguisher for the car. It didnât change what had happened, but that small action empowered me against the "what ifs". Sometimes, finding one practical way to prepare can silence a lot of noise.
2. Capture, Donât Chase For those of us with busy brains (Iâm proudly ADHD), trying to hold onto every thought is like trying to hold sand in the wind. A small improvement I use is "Capture, Donât Chase." Instead of letting a new thought hijack my focus, I jot it down on a pad beside me. It clears the mental fog and stops the spiral of distraction.
3. Digital Boundaries In a world where we are constantly connected, our feeds can become echo chambers that drain us. A simple daily adjustment is to notice your patterns. If certain content makes you feel heavy or anxious, mute it. You canât control the internet, but you can control how you engage with it.
4. The "Reasonable Adjustment" of Asking We often wait for others to notice we are struggling, but invisible differences donât always prompt offers of help,. One of the most powerful small steps is simply asking: "Would anything make this easier for me?". It might be asking for a moment to gather your thoughts or requesting a quieter environment.
Remember to Pause As Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast, if you donât stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it". Whether itâs walking the dog in the woods or making a cup of tea to ground yourself, these small moments of stillness matter,.
You donât need to have everything figured out to start feeling better. You just need to find the small adjustments that work for you.
