A Real Moment of Overwhelm — and How I Found My Calm
I want to start with a real moment, one that reminded me how fast peace can slip away when life moves at full speed.
During a recent life transition, I came face-to-face with anxiety again. We were in the process of selling our house. Just four days after putting up the For Sale by Owner sign, we decided to have a garage sale. While setting up, someone stopped by and mentioned knowing a person searching for a home. Within hours, that person arrived, toured the house… and bought it instantly!
It was such an incredible blessing, but also a whirlwind. Suddenly, we had only three weeks to pack up and move. The pressure hit hard. My chest tightened, my heartbeat quicken like it was about to leave my body, and I could feel that familiar wave of anxiety rising.
Instead of letting it take control, I turned to the three anchors that always bring me back to calm:
1. I prayed. I talked to God honestly about how overwhelmed I felt and told Him, “Lord, I can’t carry this by myself.”
1. I worshipped. I turned on worship music and sang through the tension, choosing praise over panic. Within minutes, I felt a wave of peace wash over me.
2. I laughed. After that, I watched a funny video and let myself laugh, really laugh. The tension released, and my body finally exhaled.
The situation didn’t change, we still had to move, but my heart did.
That moment reminded me that calm doesn’t come from the absence of pressure, but from pausing, praying, and breathing in God’s peace.
And just so you know, everything I share here comes from real experiences. I’ve been where you are. So, when anxiety tries to take over, don’t face it alone. Talk to God first, lift your spirit through worship, and let joy break through — in laughter, in gratitude, and in trust.
When Anxiety Strikes
When anxiety hits, it can feel like your thoughts are racing faster than your ability to catch them. Your heart beats harder, your breath shortens, and peace feels out of reach.
But the truth is, calmness is not the absence of chaos; it’s learning how to find stillness in the middle of it.
Whether your anxiety shows up as overthinking, restlessness, or constant worry, you can quiet the storm inside; one breath, one prayer, one choice at a time.
Understanding Anxiety: What Causes It and How It Affects the Body
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress — it’s the “alarm system” God built within us to warn, alert, and protect us from danger. But sometimes that alarm goes off even when you’re not in real danger.
Common causes of Anxiety:
• Uncertainty or major change — Not knowing what’s next can make the mind spiral.
• Past trauma or painful experiences — Old wounds can trigger new worries.
• Pressure and perfectionism — Trying to control every outcome can wear the soul thin.
• Physical imbalances — Lack of sleep, caffeine, or hormonal shifts can heighten anxiety.
When you feel anxious, your amygdala (the part of the brain that detects threats) sends signals to release adrenaline and cortisol — stress hormones that prepare you for “fight or flight.”
Physical signs of anxiety may include:
ü Rapid heartbeat
ü Shallow breathing or chest tightness
ü Sweaty palms or trembling
ü Racing thoughts
ü Stomach discomfort
Your body is simply doing what it was designed to do — protect you. But when anxiety stays too long, it drains your strength. The key is to remind your body “You are safe now.”
How to Calm Anxiety Quickly
When anxiety begins to rise, your body is crying out for reassurance. The goal isn’t to fight it — it’s to guide yourself gently back to peace.
Here’s what to do immediately when you feel anxious:
1. Breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale slowly for 6. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system and signals your body to relax.
2. Ground yourself. Feel your feet on the floor. Notice the support beneath you. Say to yourself, “I am safe in this moment.”
1. Pray or speak peace aloud. Say a verse like, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” (John 14:27). The spoken word carries power.
3. Shift your focus. Use your senses: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste, this anchors your mind back to the present.
You don’t have to fix everything right away, just pause long enough for peace to find you.
The 555 Rule for Anxiety: Redirecting Your Focus
Here’s How it works:
• Name 5 things you can see — maybe the walls, your hands, the trees outside.
• Name 5 things you can hear — maybe the hum of a fan, distant voices, clock ticking, or silence.
• Name 5 things you can feel — maybe the texture of your clothes, your heartbeat, your chair, your breath.
This simple practice helps slow your mind and awaken your senses. It tells your brain that you’re not in danger — you’re safe — and gently resets your thoughts.
The 3-3-3 Rule
When you need something faster:
1. Look around and name 3 things you see.
2. Name 3 sounds you hear.
3. Move 3 parts of your body, stretch your fingers, roll your shoulders, rotate your ankles.
Each time you do this, you’re rewiring your body — you’re training your body to respond with peace instead of panic.
The #1 Habit That Fuels Anxiety: Overthinking
Overthinking is anxiety’s favorite fuel. It traps your mind in endless “what ifs,” stealing your joy and rest.
To overcome it:
• Catch the thought early — ask, “Is this thought true, helpful, or necessary?”
• Replace the thought with truth — “I will not worry about tomorrow; today has enough grace.”
• Take small action — Do one grounding task: write, walk, pray, or worship. Doing something breaks the cycle of worry and shifts your energy from overthinking to peace.
Remember: overthinking feels like control, but it only fuels the anxiety you’re trying to escape. Release it. When you let go, peace finds room to settle in.
God’s peace begins where your control ends.
How Your Environment Affects Anxiety
Your surroundings deeply influence your emotions and shape the atmosphere of your heart. Clutter, noise, and disorganization can heighten anxiety — and constant tension at home can make it even harder to feel at peace. When your environment feels stressful, your body stays on high alert, making it difficult to relax or think clearly. But when peace fills your space, your spirit finds room to breathe again.
God created us to dwell in peace — not chaos. That peace often begins right where we are, in the places we live, work, and rest.
Try this:
• Keep communication calm and respectful, even during disagreements.
• Light a candle or diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere.
• Play soft worship music to center your spirit.
• Step outside for a few minutes of sunlight and fresh air.
A peaceful environment invites a peaceful mind — and peace at home is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those you love. and when your space reflects God’s peace, your heart begins to rest in it too.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”
Mindfulness and Prayer
Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your thoughts; it’s about filling them with awareness of God’s presence.
Whisper short meditations:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
Each breath draws your heart away from panic and closer to peace.
Building Long-Term Calm
Peace is built daily. Create rhythms that nourish your mind and spirit:
• Get enough sleep and hydration.
• Eat foods that fuel calm. Limit caffeine and processed foods.
• Journal your thoughts and prayers.
• Set healthy boundaries with your time and mind.
Peace isn’t passive, it’s a daily practice that builds inner strength.
Finding Calm in God’s Presence
True calmness doesn’t come from the absence of problems but from knowing you’re not facing them alone. When you turn your anxious thoughts into prayers, fear loses its grip, you shift your focus from fear to faith.
“Lord, still my heart. Help me trust You more than my thoughts.”
Calmness grows in sacred pauses, the quiet moments when you stop striving and let His peace do the work in you.
Final Reflection: Empowered Peace
Anxiety doesn’t define you. Each time you pause to breathe, pray, or laugh, you’re reminding your soul that peace is still possible.
You may not control what happens around you, but you can always choose how you respond. You’re becoming calmer, stronger, and more confident in the One who calms every storm.
