Creating calm environments, even in busy places
As I’m getting ready for this trip, I’ve been thinking about something I’ve learned over the years. Travel is exciting—new places, new experiences, full days—but for a sensitive body, it can also be a lot. The noise, the movement, the change in environment, and the shift in routine can all add up quickly, and I’ve learned not to ignore how much my environment affects my energy and nervous system.
So instead of waiting to see how I feel once I’m there, I’ve learned to go in with a bit of a plan. Not a packed schedule or anything complicated, just a few simple ways to support my body while I’m away so that I can actually enjoy the trip while I’m there.
This is something I’ve been practicing for almost a decade now, and I’ve seen the difference it makes. When I stay as close as I can to my own regular routines, my energy stays much more consistent during a trip, and I’m far less likely to come home completely exhausted. For those of you that know me personally, you KNOW I don’t want to miss anything. I want to experience life at its fullest without compromising… I just don’t want to pay for that choice.
So even though I’ll be on a ship, visiting new places during the day and moving through a full schedule, I’ll still keep a few things the same. In the morning, I’ll start with my regular routine—my Bible app, drinking my water, and a bit of quiet worship. Some days that time might be shorter than usual, but I’ve found that even a few minutes makes a difference in how the day goes. I’ll also make a point of getting some early morning sunlight, which helps keep my body in a steady rhythm. All of this is really just about staying close to the routines my body already knows… and that makes things so much easier on my system and helps keep my energy steady.
At night, I’ll create a calm space wherever I am. I’ll run my diffuser with oils I know help me settle, and I’ll sprinkle a little lavender on my sheets. These are small things, but I notice the difference in how I sleep and how I feel the next day.
During the day, I’ve also learned to be intentional about finding pockets of space. Even in busy places, there are usually quieter areas where I can sit for a few minutes, step away from the noise, and just take a bit of quiet time. I don’t wait until I’m completely worn out anymore. I’ve learned to step away earlier, and that alone has made a big difference.
There’s nothing complicated about this. It’s simply recognizing that my body responds to its environment and choosing to support that in small, simple ways, even when everything around me is full and busy. Sensitive bodies aren’t a flaw. They simply respond more to what’s around them, and when we begin to work with that instead of pushing against it, things can feel very different.
If you’re someone who feels everything more deeply—sound, light, activity, even the energy of a room—creating a calm environment isn’t a luxury. It’s something that helps your body stay well, stay rested, and avoid that drop in energy.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve shared a simple practice you can come back to anytime you need to reset: The Daily Calm Practice — 3-Minute Faith + Breath Reset
You don’t need to control everything around you, but you can create small pockets of time and spaces that help your body feel safe, and that can change how you move through your day more than you might expect.
What I’m Using Right Now
Sleep: Black Spruce and Valerian
Sheets: Lavender
Pain: Cool Azul Pain Cream (this is especially good for all the muscles I’ve been using for walking! Ha ha!)