Finding Peace in Frustrating Moments

Happy Spring! The sunshine after the rain has been a welcome change. My garden is thriving, birds are chirping, and the longer daylight hours feel like a gift. But even with the beauty of the season, some days just don’t go as planned.

Yesterday was one of those days. Every small task felt like an uphill battle. The pen I grabbed was out of ink, my packing tape ran out mid-boxing, and just when I needed to print documents, my printer ink was empty. One thing after another. I felt like I was taking one step forward and three steps back. Frustration crept in, and anxiety started to build.

Then, I paused. I took a deep breath and asked myself, What is the universe trying to tell me? Instead of pushing through in frustration, I did a quick mindfulness check-in. I realized I was holding my breath, a common reaction to stress. I took a moment to breathe deeply, grabbed some water (realizing I hadn’t hydrated in hours), and set an intention: It will all get done.

When I returned to my tasks, everything felt more manageable. The setbacks didn’t rattle me as much, and I moved through them with greater ease.

We all have days that feel overwhelming. Rather than letting frustration take over, try these simple mindfulness exercises to reset:

• Pause and breathe – Find a quiet space and focus on your breath. Observe any thoughts without judgment.

• Do a body scan – Pay attention to any tension or discomfort. What is your body trying to tell you?

• Stretch or move – Gentle stretching or a short walk can help release built-up stress.

• Hydrate – Drinking water can do wonders for your focus and energy.

• Step outside – A quick walk in nature can help shift your perspective and calm your mind.

  
  

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine helps create a sense of calm, presence, and acceptance, even on the most frustrating days.

How do you reset when your day isn’t going as planned?