By Philippa, Founder of Hank & Hera
Some days are just… a lot.
Not necessarily for one big reason—just the build-up of everything. Work, people, to-do lists, expectations. It’s like the world gets noisy, and my nervous system can’t quite keep up.
Over time, I’ve found a handful of simple things that help me settle. Nothing fancy or revolutionary. Just small rituals that bring me back into myself when things feel loud or off-balance.
Here’s what works for me:
1. Cuddling my dog, Shadow
Shadow grounds me more than anything else. When I’m overwhelmed or feeling off, he knows it before I do. Just sitting together, cuddling him or having him curl up next to me—it calms my system. No conversation, no effort, just connection. He’s pure comfort.
Shadow grounds me more than anything else. When I’m overwhelmed or feeling off, he knows it before I do. Just sitting together, cuddling him or having him curl up next to me—it calms my system. No conversation, no effort, just connection. He’s pure comfort.
2. Having a nap (if I can)
It’s not always possible, but when it is, sleep helps me reset.
It’s not always possible, but when it is, sleep helps me reset.
If I’m anxious, overstimulated, or just emotionally flat, 20–30 minutes of proper rest gives me space to come back to myself. It’s like turning the volume down on everything for a while.
3. Being near water
Whether it’s the ocean, the pool, or just walking near the shore, water always soothes me. Something about the sound, the movement, the expanse—it pulls me out of my head and helps me feel a little more human again. I don’t even have to get in. Just being near it is enough.
Whether it’s the ocean, the pool, or just walking near the shore, water always soothes me. Something about the sound, the movement, the expanse—it pulls me out of my head and helps me feel a little more human again. I don’t even have to get in. Just being near it is enough.
4. Walking in the dog park
There’s a beautiful simplicity in this. Fresh air. Open space. Dogs playing. Shadow is sniffing everything like it’s his job. I usually leave my phone in my pocket and let my thoughts wander. It’s not about exercise—it’s about being in the moment, outside, and not needing to perform for anyone.
There’s a beautiful simplicity in this. Fresh air. Open space. Dogs playing. Shadow is sniffing everything like it’s his job. I usually leave my phone in my pocket and let my thoughts wander. It’s not about exercise—it’s about being in the moment, outside, and not needing to perform for anyone.
5. Putting on a nightie and doing a reset
This one’s become a small ritual, especially on harder days. I have a shower, wash my hair if I need to, and let the stress of the day rinse off me. Then I do my skincare, take a breath, and put on a nightie—usually the Kareena or the Melanie. It’s about feeling safe, soft, and settled in my body again.
This one’s become a small ritual, especially on harder days. I have a shower, wash my hair if I need to, and let the stress of the day rinse off me. Then I do my skincare, take a breath, and put on a nightie—usually the Kareena or the Melanie. It’s about feeling safe, soft, and settled in my body again.
And while it’s not about looking good, there’s something to be said for the way a Hank & Hera piece makes you feel elevated. Like yourself, but steadier. Quieter. More held.
6. Going for a drive
No big plan—just music and movement.
No big plan—just music and movement.
Some of my best thinking happens mid-drive, somewhere between point A and point B. It’s one of the few times my brain can slow down without feeling like I need to be productive. It’s spacious, it’s quiet, and it works.
7. Coffee on the balcony
Ten minutes. That’s all I need sometimes: a warm drink, the breeze, a moment to stare into space and just be.
Ten minutes. That’s all I need sometimes: a warm drink, the breeze, a moment to stare into space and just be.
It helps me pause long enough to check in with how I’m actually feeling. That’s often all it takes to shift my day.
That’s my current list. None of it’s groundbreaking. But they’re the small things that pull me back into my body when I feel like I’m floating (or spiralling) away.
What about you? What do you do when the world gets a bit too loud? I’d love to know. Feel free to leave a comment or DM me—genuinely always interested in hearing what works for other people.
Philippa x
