For the past couple of weeks I’ve been suffering from sensory overload. Last weekend I was able to enjoy a quiet weekend with my family and friends in Minnesota and while the break from my busy life here was nice, I was ready to return to Chicago and find a way to find peace in my chaotic life.

My happy place

I love living in Chicago, but sometimes it gets to be too much – the noise, the abundance of concrete, the smells, lights, the millions of things to do – all of it. Usually these things are the reason I love the city, but sometimes my MN roots crave nature, the peace and quiet that can be found at the end of a dock, the fact that when I’m at my cabin, I am completely off the grid – no one can reach me.

Over the past few years, I’ve found a few ways to ground myself when I feel like my head is about to explode. I hope, if you’re ever feeling like you can’t keep up, that some of these suggestions will help you re-center. If you have tips of your own, I hope you’ll share them with us.

Yoga: Nothing helps me clear my mind more than a sweaty, intense class at CorePower Yoga. The classes are some of the hardest I’ve ever been to and requires every ounce of concentration. If I’m looking for a more meditative class (no less challenging) I like to go to Moksha.

Reading in the park

Reading in a Park: Grabbing a good book and a spot of grass at a park is one of my favorite things to do. My favorite spot is Millennium Park, especially the big open area of grass near Pritzker Pavilion. I like to go there after work, bring a book and listen to one of the many free concerts that take place throughout the summer. There’s something very peaceful about being surrounded by people who are enjoying a relaxing evening – it’s kind of contagious.

Writing: One of my favorite things to do to help clear my head is write.  Curling up in a coffee shop and writing about things that interest, confuse, motivate and inspire me. Being from Minnesota, I’m partial to Caribou, but I’m always searching for independent coffee shops, so if you have recommendations, send them my way.

Cooking: Over the past few years my love for food has evolved into a love for cooking. Don’t get me wrong, eating good food will always be one of my favorite things to do, but there’s something calming about searching out a new recipe (Orangette is one of my favorite resources), gathering ingredients from a local farmer’s market and cooking a meal or snack for friends and family. I’m anxiously awaiting farmer’s market season so I can bike to the Green City Market and explore all of the local food it offers. During the winter months, I’m a big fan of Fresh Picks.

When all else fails, a glass of wine usually makes things better.

- Kate