🤯When Life Feels Like Too Much...Focus on What You Can Control
Lately, I’ve had several people in my life tell me they feel overwhelmed by the chaos of the world. I’m pretty sure the US president isn’t exactly helping anyone feel calmer.
I know not everyone can run away to a volcanic island where pineapples run rampant and swaying in a hammock is a national pastime (like I have). But that’s exactly why I want to share a few ways to reclaim your joy, no matter how crazy the world gets.
Those in power benefit when we feel out of control, exhausted, and overwhelmed. When we're stressed to the bone, we not only buy more useless junk, but we also become physically unwell—leaving us with little energy to change our habits (or the world.) It’s almost like the system was designed that way 😅
But don’t give your power away just yet. You have more control than you think.
Here are some simple ways to take your power back when the world wants you to feel hopeless:
1. Priorize Nourishing Your Body
Food is medicine. My on-the-go lifestyle has forced me to find the most efficient ways to fuel my body. Every time I step into a supermarket, I play a little game: How can I nourish myself in the easiest, most affordable way possible?
After experimenting with different diets over the years, I’ve learned that I feel best eating high-protein meals with plenty of veggies and minimal carbs.
Here’s one of my go-to meals:
Lentils + Potatoes + Onion + Zucchini
+ Throw everything in a pot.
+ Add enough water to cover the ingredients, plus an extra inch.
+ Toss in your favorite spices and let it simmer.
You can swap the lentils for any meat, the potatoes for any starch, and the zucchini for any vegetable or a mix of veggies. This formula never gets old—it’s filling, easy to make, and perfect for quickly getting in and out of a shared kitchen while traveling. I also love experimenting eating new fruits and vegetables wherever I go. As long as it’s a whole food, it gets a green light!
Processed foods may seem like an affordable and convenient choice, but they often lead to sluggishness and depression. In the long run, that convenience comes at a cost—your physical and mental health, as well as your ability to cultivate lasting joy or challenge the status quo.
2. Go More Analog, Less Digital
This one’s tough for me because my work and much of my social life are digital. With friends scattered across the globe, WhatsApp voice notes are my lifeline.
But recently, I attended a festival where phones weren’t allowed. For an entire week, I wasn’t constantly checking messages or refreshing my five favorite apps. At first, it was uncomfortable—there were awkward moments when I was sitting alone and I wanted to reach for my phone, only to remember it wasn’t an option. But without my digital safety blanket, I had to do something radical… talk to strangers.
It turns out, I met some truly amazing people I wouldn’t have otherwise - like the guy who rode his bike all the way from Seattle to Nicaragua. The experience has inspired me to make a change—I now aim to be more analog and less digital. That means stepping out of my bubble and engaging with real people in real life…every day.
Being in Nicaragua makes this easier. The locals are friendly, and the expats and travelers drawn to Ometepe, where I am now, are just as open. But no matter where you are in the world, you can try this too—the next time you feel the urge to reach for your phone in an awkward social situation, challenge yourself to talk to at least one stranger instead.
When we let go of fear and embrace love of our neighbors, we become more united and less susceptible to media manipulation—because those in power benefit when we are divided.
3. Rest is Resistance
In the Global North, productivity is directly tied to self-worth. That means weekends, evenings, and even vacations are often filled with guilt-driven busyness. If you’re not constantly doing, the little voice in your head whispers: You’re falling behind.
This mindset leads to burnout, sickness, and mental health struggles. But guess what? Rest is an act of rebellion✊ (*shout out to The Nap Ministry for bringing this idea to my attention.)
One of the most powerful ways to disrupt the capitalist machine? Prioritize rest. Nap. Read. Swing in a hammock. Do nothing—and don’t feel guilty about it. Rest isn’t just self-care; it’s an act of reclaiming your power.
When you’re well-rested, you’re more grounded, emotionally regulated, and able to show up for others. With a clear mind and steady heart, you’re less likely to seek validation through mindless consumption or fall into cycles of self-doubt and criticism.
Moral of the Story
When the world feels like too much, focus on what you can control. Nourish your body, disconnect from the digital noise, and rest like your life depends on it.
Because guess what? It does.