Some days, the mess isn’t just on your desk, it’s in your head. Maybe it’s the critique that didn’t land the way you had hoped, the endless stream of notifications, or something entirely unrelated to work, like a sleepless night or something personal weighing heavy on your mind. Whatever it is, we’ve all been there: Sitting down to design something great while carrying the weight of everything else, trying to push through and make something meaningful when it feels like your creativity is buried under the chaos.

The tough truth is that great design doesn’t just automatically happen, no matter how good you are. When your headspace is out of sync, it’s hard to be great. But, it’s not about ignoring the mess, it’s about finding clarity within it. Let’s talk about how to recalibrate on those days when it feels like nothing is clicking, and it’s impossible to be your best.

Some days, you just need something to get you through the day, or even the next hour. You’re not looking for long-term strategies. Here’s a few quick fixes to help when everything feels so overwhelming.

Take a Micro Break

Research shows that even short breaks can reduce stress and improve focus. Try stepping away from your workspace or desk for 5-10 minutes. Stretch, get some fresh air, or make yourself something to drink. Giving your brain a brief reset can make a world of difference. You may need to do this several times in the day, and that’s okay. If stepping away isn’t an option, even closing your eyes for a minute, or practicing deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and restore focus. I personally use Headspace  (not an affiliate link) and integrate Andrew Huberman’s breathing techniques into my day when I’m struggling.

Complete One Small, Achievable Task

Completing a small task can trigger a dopamine release, which helps improve motivation and mood. Pick one small thing that you can finish in under 15 minutes. Whether it’s organizing a folder, sketching a quick idea, or responding to a single email, crossing it off your list can create momentum. Don’t underestimate the power of building small wins, They can shift your mindset for the rest of the day. 

Oddly enough, I have this particular pebble that I picked up one day. It was of no significance, but I kept it. I cleaned it up, and I’ve kept it on my desk. Sometimes when I’m struggling, I’ll study it, try to balance it on a new point, sketch it, design something around it, activities like that. They’re short little exercises, but I’ve found that tiny pebble has helped me more than I could have ever imagined. It often is the subject of the one small, achievable task that I choose to do.

Change Your Environment

A change of scenery can disrupt negative thought patterns and reframe your perspective. Try moving to a different room, working at a coffee shop, or even just rearranging your desk. Shifting your physical space can help reset your mental space. If physical movement isn’t possible, create an environmental shift by changing your digital surroundings, Try turning on different music, or switching your screen background. I’ve rehung photos and posters on my walls. The change in setting does something to help your mind break free of the space that it was stuck in.

Write Down What You’re Feeling

Journaling or jotting down your emotions activates your prefrontal cortex, helping you process reelings and reduce their intensity. Take just a few minutes to write about what’s bothering you. You don’t have to edit yourself, and there’s no judgment. Seeing your thoughts on paper can help you untangle them, leaving you with a clearer headspace to tackle your work. 

I’ve done this enough that I actually designed my own journals and planners. I’ve found them immensely helpful. I’ve found them so helpful, that I decided to make them available to others. The paper in the Field Companion Journal and Planners isn’t lined or blank. It’s dotted to help you sketch and draw. I’ve personally found that having a journal with dotted paper does wonders for my mind.

Anchor Yourself in the Present

Mindfulness practices help reduce stress and increase focus by grounding you in the present moment. You can pause for a quick mindfulness exercise. For example, try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This simple exercise can pull you out of a stressful spiral and into a more centered, present state. Breathing techniques, such as Andrew Huberman’s previously mentioned exercises, or breathing exercises offered by Headspace.

Long-Term Strategies

While some days will sneak up on you, you can also do things to better prepare for them. This means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so you can show up energized, creative, and focused. Prioritize exercise to boost energy and confidence, set clear goals and strategies for direction, cultivate mindfulness to manage stress, and invest in personal growth to stay sharp. Establish healthy boundaries, nurture meaningful connections, and align your work with your values. By integrating these practices, you’ll create a sustainable foundation to navigate the inevitable messy days with grace and resilience.

Conclusion: A Clear Mind Leads to Better Design

To be a great designer, we don’t just study and master our craft, we need to be able to manage ourselves. On tough days, quick resets can help you get through your immediate struggle. Here’s the thing: It’s okay to have messy days. It’s okay to not feel okay. What matters is giving yourself grace and taking small, meaningful steps to move forward, no matter how small they are.

Sometimes, managing yourself means embracing the idea of woodshedding. Woodshedding isn’t about big, visible progress; it’s about stepping back, focusing inward, and working on the fundamentals – even if that just means giving yourself the space to feel what you’re feeling.

Here’s the thing: Messy days aren’t in impediment in the path, they’re part of the path. The obstacle is the way. They’re part of the road you walk as a human, and as a creative. Dealing with struggles, recalibrating, and finding small ways to keep moving forward are all parts of the process. It’s all part of being human. You’re not broken for feeling the things you’re feeling, it’s all part of the process.

So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult headspace, remember that it’s okay to not get everything done. Taking a break, doing a small task, or simply letting yourself be where you are isn’t “falling behind.” It’s part of the work. It’s part of you becoming the designer and the person that you’re meant to be. Even on the hardest days, you’re still on the path. You’re still making progress, one small step at a time. And that’s significant.