Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts
Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts (While Your House Is Being Torn Apart)
So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve signed the papers, picked the finishes, and handed your home over to a construction crew. Congratulations! You’re officially in the “What have I done?” phase of renovation — also known as the fun part.
If you find yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. wondering if “open concept” was a mistake, we’ve got you covered. As construction professionals (and occasional amateur therapists), we’ve compiled a few exercises to calm your anxious thoughts while we handle the dust, chaos, and existential crises that come with home improvement.
1. Deep Breathing…
When you feel your heart racing because you just discovered a 1970s plumbing surprise behind your wall, remember: breathe in… and out… and in… and maybe out again. Visualize your beautiful new kitchen. Smell the fresh paint (preferably not in person). You’re doing great.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (a.k.a. “Let Go of Control”)
Tense every muscle in your body as you remember you can’t micromanage drywall. Now, release that tension and repeat the mantra:
“I hired professionals. I hired professionals. I hired professionals.”
3. Visualization
Imagine yourself six weeks from now, standing in your finished space, basking in natural light, sipping coffee, and definitely not remembering the week the floors were torn up.
You’re calm. You’re centered. You’re not emailing anyone at midnight about grout color. Probably.
4. Mindful Observation
Instead of focusing on the pile of lumber in your yard, try noticing the little things — like how the framing looks kind of artistic in the right light.
That’s not “unfinished”; that’s industrial chic. You’re basically living in a design magazine spread. Calm achieved.
5. The Gratitude Exercise
Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for:
The crew showed up on time.
You only changed your mind twice this week.
You didn’t attempt DIY demolition after watching one YouTube video.
Look at you — a beacon of mindfulness and restraint.
6. Scream Therapy (Optional but Effective)
Sometimes, you just need to step outside, take a deep breath, and let out one long “AAAAAAHHHHH.”
Don’t worry — we can’t hear you over the saws.
Final Thought
Renovations can test even the most patient souls. But remember, the chaos is temporary — and the calm, beautiful, perfectly painted result is forever (or at least until your next idea for an “easy update”).
So take a breath, trust the process, and let the pros handle the mess. It will be worth it.