Finding Stillness in the Chaos: Why Meditation Matters

I remember the first time someone suggested meditation to me. I had just finished listing all the things I needed to do that day—work deadlines, groceries, family obligations, laundry—and my friend calmly replied, “Sounds like you need to meditate.” I laughed. Loudly. “Meditate?” I asked. “With what time?”

For years, I believed meditation was something reserved for people with less to do or more discipline than me. I imagined serene folks in yoga pants sitting cross-legged on mountaintops, not exhausted women juggling careers, families, and aging parents. But one day, after snapping at a cashier for no good reason, I realized something had to give. I was overwhelmed, running on empty, and constantly anxious. So I decided to try meditation—not in a studio or on a retreat—but in the corner of my bedroom, for five minutes.

That five minutes changed everything

Meditation isn’t about silencing your mind or achieving some spiritual enlightenment (although those things can happen). At its core, meditation is about creating space—mental, emotional, and even physical. That space allows us to breathe before we react, to rest in the present moment, and to reconnect with ourselves amid the noise of everyday life.

Science backs this up. Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost focus, and even lower blood pressure. But beyond the data, it’s how it feels that convinced me: more grounded, less reactive, more me.

“But I Don’t Have Time to Meditate”

I get it. Life is full. But here’s the truth: if we can scroll on our phones for 10 minutes, we have time to meditate.

Still, meditation doesn’t have to look like sitting still with your eyes closed for 30 minutes. It can be woven into your life in small, meaningful ways. Here are a few alternatives and creative ways to incorporate mindfulness when time is tight:

Micro-Meditations

Try setting a timer for just 1-2 minutes. Focus on your breath. Inhale. Exhale. That’s it. No need to clear your mind—just return to the breath when your thoughts wander.

Walking Meditation

If sitting still feels impossible, take a slow, intentional walk. Pay attention to the feel of your feet on the ground, the rhythm of your steps, the sounds around you. Leave your phone behind. Be present.

Breath Breaks

Instead of reaching for your phone between meetings or tasks, pause and take five deep breaths. Feel the air move in and out. This quick reset can help you re-center in the middle of a hectic day.

Meditative Activities

Meditation doesn’t always require stillness. Washing dishes, gardening, knitting, or even making tea can become meditative if done with awareness. Focus on the sensations, movements, and rhythm of what you’re doing.

Guided Meditations

Use apps like Insight Timer, Calm, or Headspace. Even five-minute guided sessions can make a noticeable difference. I personally love listening to a body scan meditation before bed—it helps quiet the mind and prepare for restful sleep.

Now, do I meditate every single day without fail? No. Life happens. But I’ve learned that meditation is a tool I can return to anytime, anywhere. I’ve meditated in parked cars, on lunch breaks, and yes, even in the bathroom when I needed five uninterrupted minutes.

Meditation has taught me that peace isn’t a place I have to travel to—it’s something I can cultivate from within. And even if I only have a minute, that minute can be enough to come back to myself.

You don’t need a perfect setup or a silent house to start meditating. You don’t need hours of free time. All you need is a willingness to pause and be—just for a moment. Because in that moment, you might find exactly what you didn’t know you were missing: calm, clarity, and connection.

So today, take just 60 seconds. Close your eyes. Breathe. You’re worth that moment.

Teresa