Don't Lose Your Marbles

We’ve all had those moments—keys in the fridge, phone in the laundry basket, or walking into a room and forgetting why. Cue the classic phrase: “Are you losing your marbles?” But what if losing your marbles isn’t a sign of decline, but a gentle nudge from your mind saying, “Hey, slow down.”

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and worry have become almost second nature. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live like that. Let’s explore why you shouldn’t worry—and how to keep your marbles right where they belong.

Worrying Doesn’t Work - Keep Your Marbles.

Worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere. Studies show that over 85% of what we worry about never actually happens. And even when it does, we’re often more resilient than we think. Worry drains your energy, clouds your judgment, and steals your joy. But the good news? You can train your brain to respond differently.

Unique Techniques to Calm the Chaos

Here are some lesser known but powerful techniques to help you stay grounded and stress-free:

🌬️ 1. Box Breathing (Used by Navy SEALs)

• Inhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

• Exhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

  Repeat for four rounds. This technique calms the nervous system and sharpens focus.

🧠 2. Name It to Tame It

When anxiety strikes, say out loud what you're feeling: “I’m feeling overwhelmed.” Naming emotions activates the rational part of your brain and reduces their intensity.

🖐️ 3. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique

• 5 things you can see

• 4 things you can touch

• 3 things you can hear

• 2 things you can smell

• 1 thing you can taste

  This sensory reset brings you back to the present moment.

🧊 4. Cold Water Reset

Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube. This activates the “dive reflex,” which slows your heart rate and calms your body.

✍️ 5. Worry Time

Schedule 10 minutes a day to worry. Write down your concerns. When the time’s up, close the notebook. This trains your brain to contain anxiety instead of letting it run wild.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

If you feel like you’re “Losing your marbles,” know this: you’re human. Life gets messy. Minds get tired. But you’re not broken—you’re just overwhelmed. And with the ability to identify it when it occurs and apply one of these unique techniques, you can help to ensure that your marbles remain intact!

Written by Connie Mitchell,

with content support from Microsoft Copilot