During the smoldering summer days of noise, water activities, and constant meal prepping, it is easy to lose focus and intentionality. I have felt a constant tug that has left me feeling scattered and overstimulated. Is this something in which anyone else can relate? When asking other moms “how’s your summer going?” there’s always a teeter of responses balancing on great, I don’t want to complain, or we’re in survival mode.

What is a person to do when there’s an impending feeling of Groundhog Day whether you’re a parent or not? My initial subconscious self-prescription was scrolling reels, and the dosage increased subtlety until I kicked the 15-minute screen time limit to the curb. Kids didn’t empty the dishwasher without providing an affidavit that they fact did this task yesterday, and why should it be done again today? There’s a watercolor reel for that. Overstimulated with noise, specifically arguments of the cruelty and nerve that a sibling called another a “weirdo” and gave an unforgiving glance? There’s an animal reel for that. Or how about those who aren’t in the throes of parenting 75% more in the summer? Do you simply feel burn-out on constant demands and needs? There’s a comedian reel for that. Are you bored? There’s a fun-activities to try! reel for that.

What if the reels that feel like they give us a boost actually do more harm than good? What if it leaves us feeling more drained, overstimulated, empty, and unsatisfied? This is not a case for everyone to stop using social media, far from it. It’s a reminder to myself and others that it’s important to take a step to be more mindful in our chaotic environments. Our attention is pulled in so many directions, how can we expect to give our full attention to those we care most about?

Quite frankly, I sat down to write this post solely in hopes of magnifying the simple process of cooking a sunny-side-up egg. If we stop to focus on the sounds, smells, and vision of the egg turning from liquid to solid-ish, that can be medicine in itself. Sounds hippy-dippy, right? How can watching an egg cook be medicine? It’s the act of being mindful that reaps so many benefits. I’ve mentioned before that this is one of the reasons I love cooking so much. Stirring, smelling, tasting, tapping, flipping are all actions that require my full attention. Perhaps, and understandably, that’s why so many people dislike cooking. It’s a chore that requires deep focus and practice of techniques. However, for those who find satisfaction in chopping, slicing, and flipping, etc. it can be a small step to regaining focus, shedding distraction, and remembering that life can be simple, even if for just the moments of frying and enjoying an egg. Feeling ambitious and getting up to fry that egg right now? CHEF TIP: Use a non-stick pan to ensure it’s a more pleasant experience. Comment below if you’re interested in a step-by-step video on how to properly fry an egg.