#enjoylifewithlucycan

(What Helped Me Through a Hard Time)

We’re often so caught up in our goals, future plans, and society’s expectations that we forget a simple truth: none of that is real—not yet. All we truly have is this moment.

Right now, I’m sitting by the window, the sun warming my face, and looking out toward the garden as I write these words.

I’m a couple of years away from turning 30. Sometimes, the thought that I can no longer blame things on “being young” freaks me out. I don’t know exactly what lies ahead, but after 28 years on this Earth, if I’ve learned anything, it’s this:

Being present matters.
For yourself.
For your loved ones.
For your peace of mind.

I’m still learning—still figuring it out as I go—but these five simple practices have helped me come back to myself, especially during the hard times. Some were recommended by friends when I needed them most. I hope they find their way to you, too.

 

1. Think Less, Observe More

When your mind feels noisy—full of “I should’ve done that” or “Why hasn’t this happened yet?”—try shifting from thinking mode to observing mode.

Observation grounds you in reality, while overthinking often drags you into imagined futures or past regrets.

Start small. Notice the sky. The shadows on the wall. The sound of the kettle. The fabric of your clothes. These little things gently pull you out of your head and into the now.

One of my favourite rituals is sitting by the window, just watching the trees sway, clouds drift, or squirrels leap from rooftop to rooftop. It’s not dramatic—but it’s peaceful. And that’s enough.

 

2. Focus on One Thing at a Time

It sounds simple, but it takes real intention. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, walking to the shop, or replying to emails—try doing just that. No multitasking. No background scrolling. Just one thing.

Multitasking scatters your focus and adds mental noise. Focusing on one task helps lower stress, improve memory, and build satisfaction with even the smallest activities.

For me, it’s cooking. That’s my screen-free zone. When I’m in the kitchen, it’s just me, the ingredients, and the meal I’m making. I always say: even if the world ended mid-recipe, I’d still be there turning on the oven.

 

3. Just Do It—Don’t Overthink

Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting. Whether it’s replying to a message, trying something new, or going outside—overthinking can paralyse you.

We often mistake overthinking for being prepared or responsible, but it’s often rooted in anxiety and perfectionism. That mindset drains energy and chips away at your confidence.

Taking action—even a small one—brings you back to the present. It gives your mind something real to focus on.

When I feel anxious, I often stand up and clean something. Sometimes I even deep clean my whole room. It sounds extreme, but it shifts my energy out of spirals and into motion.

 

4. Move Your Body

You don’t need a gym. You don’t need a full workout plan. Just move.

Stretch. Roll your shoulders. Walk around the block. Dance to your favourite song in your room.

Your body lives in the now, even when your thoughts don’t. Physical movement increases endorphins, lowers cortisol (your stress hormone), and reconnects you with your physical self. It also helps you become more emotionally resilient over time.

I try to walk as much as I can. If the walk is under 30 minutes, I skip the bus. It’s become my moving meditation—and it works.

 

5. Breathe. Meditate. Be Still.

I used to think meditation wasn’t for me. But life has a way of humbling you—and when I hit a rough patch, friends recommended two things that changed everything: body scan meditation and hypnosis meditation.

Body scan meditation guides you through your body, bringing gentle attention to each part. It teaches you to notice discomfort without judgment, helping you release tension you didn’t even realise you were holding.

Hypnosis meditation uses calming imagery, affirmations, and soft repetition to relax your subconscious mind. I found it especially helpful during emotionally overwhelming times.

Both forms helped me slow down, reconnect, and breathe again.

Scientifically, meditation reduces activity in the brain’s “default mode network,” which is associated with mind-wandering and self-criticism. It also lowers blood pressure, improves emotional regulation, and supports deeper sleep. That’s why you often feel lighter, calmer, and more focused—even after just 10–20 minutes.

 

Bonus: The 5 Senses Grounding Technique

When you’re feeling anxious or lost in your head, try this simple grounding exercise. It’s designed to bring your awareness back to your senses—and back to the moment.

Here’s how it works:

👀 5 things you can see – A mug, a plant, your phone, a pair of socks, a cloud outside.

✋ 4 things you can touch – Your jumper, your chair, your hands, the floor beneath you.

👂 3 things you can hear – The sound of traffic, your breath, birdsong.

👃 2 things you can smell – Coffee, soap, or the scent of your clothes.

👅 1 thing you can taste – A sip of tea, a piece of gum, or just the taste in your mouth.

This technique stimulates the prefrontal cortex (which supports focus and rational thinking) while calming the amygdala (which triggers stress responses). It’s a subtle, powerful way to re-anchor yourself.

Why does it help? Because your senses exist in the present. You can’t be anywhere else but here when you’re tuned into them.

 

Final Thoughts

I forget to be present all the time. But I come back. Again and again.

Not to fix everything.
Not to chase perfection.
But to remind myself: this moment is enough.

Whether you’re in a joyful season or a difficult one, I hope these practices can be a gentle invitation back to now—
Where your breath, your heart, and your quiet strength live.

And from here…
anything is possible.

#enjoylifewithlucycan