How to find quiet and calm in a large, busy household
The hustle and bustle of a home that’s always buzzing with life can bring many rewards. There’s always someone to talk to, more people on the dog-walking rota, and plenty of opportunities to create strong bonds between generations. If you’re really lucky, you might even have a sibling who shares your fashion sense and is happy to do the same with their wardrobe. But there are times when it can feel crowded. In some cultures, for example, it’s common to have grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren living together, which equals a lot going on pretty much 24/7.
This can make it tough to find moments to be alone with your feelings, which is an important way to recharge your batteries. If you share your house with many generations, you’ll already understand how finding this space can be difficult, especially during the past few years when many people have been at home a lot more. But taking care of yourself, no matter how many others you live with, is important, so here are six ways to seek out peace and quiet, even when you’ll never be home alone!
Six ways to seek out peace and quiet
1. GET MOVING
Whether it’s a quick stretch when you wake up or playing volleyball on the beach, getting your body moving is a great way to feel good. Physical activity releases endorphins (also known as happy chemicals) in the brain that boost your mood throughout the day. Focusing on any activity can also help you to stay in the present moment and switch off from stressful situations, such as schoolwork, friendship woes, or sibling squabbles. So, this combo lets you create some alone time while also looking after your mind.
2. SLEEP WELL
Being with a lot of people all of the time can be draining and your mind will need to take a breath, which is exactly what sleep provides. Physical rest also allows your body to repair and gear up for a new day. A great way to wind down before you go to bed is by following a sleep routine that gives your mind and body all the signals it needs to realise it’s time to rest. You could have a warm shower, switch off any devices an hour before bed, relax with a book, or spend time journalling. This could also be a chance to note down at least one thing you’re grateful for about living in a large family. Aiming to go to sleep at the same time each night also helps your body find its natural rhythm.
3. FIND QUIET TIME
Are there times of the day when your house feels a little less chaotic? Perhaps first thing in the morning before the bathroom and breakfast scramble, or just before bedtime when everyone’s winding down. Use these moments of calm to do things that bring you joy. It could be listening to your favourite playlist when you wake up, doing some sketching before bedtime or reading when people are out at work. Making time to do the things you love will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.
4. TAKE TIME AWAY FROM TECH
When you’re living in a full house, chances are there are lots of different conversations going on and it’s always a constant hive of activity, which can feel overwhelming. Try not to add to that constant chatter with non-stop messaging, scrolling, or even watching TV. Even if it’s just for half an hour, doing something that doesn’t involve a screen is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. Perhaps you could use that time to get some fresh air and clear your head of anything that’s on your mind. The virtual world will still be there when you log back on.
5. FIND CALM IN THE EVERYDAY
Concentrating on the task in front of you is a great way of switching off from the chaos. And you can do it with the smallest of activities (see tips on the right), and even when there are other people around. In fact, really paying attention to an everyday task might give you just enough headspace to be able to see the joy in that family chatter.
6. ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES
If you’re struggling to find space to think and it’s making life difficult, talk to your parents or guardians about how they can help you find a solution. It might be that you can set up different routines if, for example, you share a room with a sibling (see Teen Breathe issue 20).
Home is the place we love best and grumble the most – Billy Sunday
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
Find calm and focus in the following…
- Painting your nails
- Playing an instrument
- Having a shower
- Sorting through your clothes
- Tidying your room
- Deep breathing
- Practicing yoga (see page 60)
- Sitting in the sun
- Journaling
- Sketching
- Mindful colouring
- Baking (See page 36)
- Making a hot drink
- Watering your plants
- Walking
- Making you bed
This story was originally published in Teen Breathe Issue 30 (page 24) with the title: Peace out
