Sometimes my person says I have a special talent for noticing when they’re having what they call “one of those days.” You know the kind – when everything feels a bit too loud, too fast, or too much. I think it’s because I know exactly what that feels like, and maybe you do too.
I’ve been paying attention (observing things is one of my favorite activities), and I’ve noticed there are certain signs that show up when someone needs a quiet moment to themselves. Let me share what I’ve learned about noticing these signs, both in ourselves and in others.
When Your World Feels Too Big
Here’s what I’ve noticed happens when things start feeling overwhelming:
Your Routine Gets Wobbly
- You might find yourself skipping breakfast because the kitchen feels too far away
- Your usual after-work relaxation time gets filled with restless pacing
- You completely miss your 3 AM window for practicing your running exercises around the house when everyone’s asleep
Your Body Feels Different
- Your favorite chair suddenly feels too exposed, making you hide under it instead of sitting on it
- You jump at unexpected sounds like the mailman or your own hiccups
- The spot between your shoulder blades gets twitchy every time the mysterious red dot appears on the wall
Your Mind Gets Extra Busy
- You can’t focus on conversations because you’re too distracted by movement in your peripheral vision
- Making simple choices becomes impossible, like whether to start that project or take a nap
- You spend hours contemplating why the bathroom sink keeps dripping even though you’ve watched it very carefully every day this week
Finding Your Quiet Place
When I notice these signs, here are some gentle ways I’ve learned to make things feel more manageable:
Create a Comfort Spot
Everyone needs their own version of a sunny windowsill. Find a place that feels safe and make it your own. It doesn’t have to be big – even a corner of your favorite chair can work. Personally, I prefer spots that are exactly one-and-a-half body lengths wide and preferably elevated, but that’s just me.
Follow the Slow Things
Watch how sunlight moves across the floor, or how plants wave in the breeze. These things never rush, and watching them helps remind your breathing to slow down too. Sometimes I spend hours watching the shadows under the door, just to make sure they’re moving correctly.
Make Tiny Routines
I have my special number of steps between favorite spots (fifteen to the kitchen, in case you’re curious). Your routine might be different – maybe counting breaths, or repeating a favorite word, or arranging things in a way that feels just right.
Share Your Space with Someone Safe
My person knows that sometimes I need to be close but quiet. Sometimes this means:
- Sitting together while they read
- Doing parallel activities in the same room
- Carefully supervising them from the edge of the bathtub while they take a shower, because everyone needs a safety buddy during vulnerable moments
A Gentle Reminder
The most important thing I’ve learned is that everyone has their own way of dealing with overwhelming days. Some people need to talk things through. Others need to take a walk. I personally find that knocking small objects off high surfaces helps restore a sense of control, but we all have our methods.
Remember, just like how I sometimes need to count my steps or find a sunny spot to rest, it’s perfectly okay to take time to make your world feel smaller and safer when you need to. After all, even the biggest challenges feel more manageable when we face them one gentle step at a time.
And if you’re having one of those overwhelming days right now, know that it’s okay. Take a deep breath with me. Find your quiet place. The world will still be there when you’re ready to explore again – just like how the mysterious red dot always returns, no matter how many times it disappears.