How do you escape? Here are 5 things you can do.
The older I get, the more fatigue and impatient I am when it comes to nonsense. By no means am I perfect, but I know I strive to be a better person each day. Still, there are things that try to block me from climbing higher in faith. Before I share the 5 things I do that may work for you, let me share the things that try to distract me.
Distractions come in many forms. Here are the main ones that appear most for me.
1. Loved ones who keep themselves in unhealthy cycles with bad habits and expect you to continue to help. (Nope.)
2. Social media posts that try to pull you in crazy directions and keep you scrolling so that you waste time and don’t do the things that really matter. While social media can be an outlet based on what your feed shows you, it can also be very draining if you are not careful. (Put that phone down now!)
3. Giving people access they should not have because you want to be nice and have been accustomed to dropping things for good causes, even when you know you need to be in a season that works for you. (All good things are not your God-given assignment.)
Now that I have shared my most common distractions, here is how I handle it.
1. Sounds cliche, but I pray. This type of prayer is silent on my end and only ears open for listening. God doesn’t need me to talk to him when I am seeking his advice. This escape is so peaceful because it’s just God and me. I go to my “she den,” play soothing music, and close my eyes to open up space for Jesus. He knows why I am there. 🙏🏾
2. Finding peace in letting some of the people closest to you not have access and feeling the success and joy that comes with it. I think about what I will continue to endure by being accessible to to certain people. What happens to my energy, and my spirit? How do I feel after being around them? When I realize, keeping my peace is more important than hurting feelings, the decision is easy. 😌
3. I am clear about what my standards are in this season of life. If there is an event that is not my taste, I am not going. If I know I have a lot on my plate, and I am not in a season to hustle for other causes outside my household, it’s a firm “no”. If the these causes and events sound like burnout, and I know I will regret taking part, that’s discernment kicking in. 🚫
4. I check how my body feels. By the time you realize you are anxious, angry, or feel any other emotion, your body already knew. So check what feels tight and why. Is your chest tight? What thought just crossed your mind to make it feel that way? What does your breathing sound like? Are you physically and mentally at capacity? Your body will tell you how it feels. Listen to it. Get more rest, go for a walk, read a devotional, and/or practice some breathing exercises. ⛑️
5. I move more strategically. In my 20s, I worked through everything. I didn’t let up. I had goals, and I was determined to meet them. Well, guess what? I met them, and I was still missing something. I realize the peace it cost me because I moved too fast. In my late 30s, I don’t miss precious moments, and I am happier about how I spend my time - like scaling back my work to spend more time with my kids and scheduling more family outings. I escape by take a much needed break. ☺️
In summary, escaping in this sense is using spiritual discernment. Don’t open portals for draining people, and be okay with saying “no” to people who come to you for help, even with good intentions, especially if you know your plate is already too full.
If you have been running 100 miles an hour and need a wellness reset, you are invited to see my link in bio for wellness travel and a free devotional.
Living a balanced life often requires more than just knowing what to do; it’s about integrating practical habits that consistently help you reclaim your peace amidst daily chaos. When I started focusing on my well-being more intentionally, I realized that escaping distractions isn't a one-time event but a continuous practice that sharpens your spiritual discernment and resilience. One thing that profoundly affected me is the awareness of how different types of distractions—whether from social media, demanding relationships, or overcommitment—sneak up on your energy levels and emotional wellness. For example, social media, while a tool for connection, can often be a double-edged sword. When I began limiting my screen time, especially scrolling through feeds that didn’t uplift me, I noticed a significant boost in my focus and mood. Another supportive practice is reflecting on your body’s signals. Our bodies are incredible indicators of how well we’re managing stress and boundaries. Paying attention to feelings such as tightness in the chest or shallow breathing helped me catch stress earlier. I now incorporate simple breathing exercises and short walks into my day, which act as small escapes that recharge me. Lastly, embracing the power of saying "no" has been liberating. Whether it’s declining involvement in certain events or stepping back from overwhelming causes, protecting your mental space allows you to fill your life with more moments that truly matter. These intentional choices align your actions with your values and current life season, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling journey. Finding your escape means creating personalized rituals that honor your unique needs and spiritual goals. It’s a continuous process of learning when to engage and when to step back, creating the mental, emotional, and spiritual space necessary to thrive. Remember, the goal isn't just to escape but to find peace and empowerment in the midst of life’s noise.