You're facing unexpected changes affecting your deadline. How do you stay mindful amidst the chaos?

Start by taking a deep breath and acknowledging the situation without judgment. Recognize that it's normal to feel a bit unsettled or stressed when things don't go as planned. Next, focus on what you can control in the present moment. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize them based on what needs immediate attention. This not only helps you regain a sense of direction but also can help prevent you from reaching overwhelm. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this process—mindfulness isn't about being perfect but about being present and compassionate towards your own experience. Finally, maintain perspective by reminding yourself that challenges ALWAYS bring opportunities for growth and learning.

Notice how the stress is presenting itself. How do you feel within yourself an are you feeling worried or anxious? Note these feelings down in a journal. Take yourself off and go for a walk in nature or a green space. The colour green has a calming effect. Let these emotions out by crying or talking to someone. Dancing around the room or screaming into a pillow really works. Remember that negative energy needs to escape and its ok for it to do so.

As an empathetic energy healer, my mindfulness practice is important. When I get up in the morning, I focus on having an attitude of gratitude. By focusing on my breath. I am in my body. Bringing me also into the present. Releasing stress, and allowing for inspiration and creativity to flow. When I am focused on my breath. I am also connected to my heart. Allowing me to silence the chaos of my mind.

Deep breathing techniques can help to out your nervous system in the parasympathetic system. Your rest and digest. When breathing deeply, you allow your chest to be open and each rib and each intercostal muscle (muscles in between the ribs) can open. Your diaphragm can expand and you are not hunched over. All of this allows fresh oxygen to flow into the body, keeping your brain refreshed and calm. You are then in the rest and digest response.

Firstly, I focus on prioritising tasks. This means I take a moment to pause and breathe, bringing my attention back to the present. By doing so, I can view the situation with clarity and calm. I assess which tasks are the most critical and need immediate attention and which can be deferred. This helps in managing my energy and keeping stress at bay. I use mindfulness to focus on one task at a time, which is essential in preventing overwhelm and ensuring quality in my work.

See, a leaf on the tree can not control all the leaves in the forest. So are we, we can not control or anticipate everyone and every project around us. This is the nature of our existence. Amidst chaos, mindfulness is your anchor. From my personal experience, staying mindful during unexpected changes starts with acceptance—acknowledge the situation without resistance. Take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself, allowing your mind to clear. Break down tasks into manageable parts and prioritize them calmly. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re staying focused and not overwhelmed. This mindful approach helps maintain clarity and composure, turning chaos into an opportunity for effective problem-solving and growth

Additionally, I practice accepting change rather than resisting it. Change is inevitable, and how I respond to it can either increase my stress or enhance my resilience. I remind myself that flexibility is a strength, not a setback. Embracing change with a mindful attitude allows me to adapt quickly and solve new problems creatively. I often meditate on the impermanence of all things; this helps me accept that change is part of the natural flow of life and work.

Having a daily journaling practice can really cement thoughts and feelings into your mind. It allows you to have a clear head and for you to not dwell on things that have come up today. It helps you to understand the challenges of work.

Reflecting daily can really boost your mindfulness, even when things get chaotic. The key is to make it a regular habit. Whether you do it in the morning or evening, at home, in your garden, or during a walk, find what works best for you. You can just think about these questions or write your answers in a journal: How do I feel about what's happening right now? What’s influencing these thoughts and feelings? What can I change or improve? What do I need to accept? Who or what could help me? Doing this regularly could help you keep growing and stay resilient.

Deadlines shifting can be stressful, but mindfulness can help. Instead of freaking out, try reframing the situation. Take a deep breath and acknowledge the change. Then, focus on what you can control. Can you break down the tasks into smaller chunks? Can you delegate some work? Talk to your team or manager for support. This positive reframing reduces overwhelm and allows you to approach the situation with a clear and mindful head.