Last Updated on June 27, 2025 by Monica Snyder
You know the feeling: your brain is doing Cirque du Soleil while you're just trying to send an email. One tab open for the client task, five more for related “research,” and somehow you’re crying into a yogurt cup at 2:00 p.m.
Yeah, same. So many times, my brain absolutely does not want to function, but the work needs to get done.
That’s why, over the years, I’ve collected a stack of tools, habits, and comfort hacks that help me calm the swirl and actually get stuff done, even when my brain doesn’t want to come online.
If your brain also feels like a glitter tornado? You’re not alone. And yes, there are tools that help. Let’s jump in.
⏳ 1. Visual Timers (I use two at the same time)
This is the holy grail. I use this exact Digital Kitchen Timer for big chunks of time blocking plus this quick-switch timer cube for smaller chunks of time. Yeah, it takes 2 timers for me.
So, when I’m spiraling, I jot down ONE thing I need to do and set the timers. The visual countdown is weirdly soothing, like I can see time instead of just feeling behind all the time.
Total game changer for task paralysis. 🙌
🎧 2. AirPods = Instant Bubble Mode
I use plain ol' AirPods, and when they’re in, the world is out. The combo of mild noise-canceling + a Brain.fm session = tunnel vision.
I do not hear snack requests.
I do not hear Slack notifications.
I am simply… working.
And that is a miracle.
🌲 3. Brain.fm (Low Neural Effect Only, TYVM)
I love Brain.fm… but only the Low Neural Effect setting. I tried High Neural once and felt like a squirrel on espresso. Low Neural, though? Feels like my brain is being guided gently into focus by a really patient spa therapist.
I use it for deep work, motivation, and when I’m tuning out my kiddo’s iPads as they sit next to me in my office..
💬 4. Zoom Coworking with Biz Besties
This is my secret weapon. I hop on Zoom with biz besties like Dara Sklar almost daily. We say our intentions, mute, and just do the dang thing. Sometimes just knowing someone else is working keeps me anchored. Body doubling works. Period.
If you don’t have coworking buddies yet, Focusmate is like Zoom with strangers – same vibe, structured accountability, and free for 3 sessions a week.
📦 5. Plug-n-Play Promo Packs
This is mine, and I made it because my glitter tornado brain couldn’t handle “starting from scratch” every time I needed to promote something.
If you want plug-and-go email sequences, social posts, and low-effort marketing magic? This is the one.
🪑 6. My Criss-Cross Applesauce Chair + Blanket Lap Combo
Look, I tried the whole grown-up ergonomic chair thing. But my soul needs coziness. I work from this adorable chair that lets me sit criss-cross applesauce like the emotionally exhausted gremlin I am.
Blanket on lap.
Laptop open.
Brain engaged.
Magic.
📓 7. Dot Grid Notebooks (on subscription, obviously)
Sometimes my brain doesn’t want to ClickUp. It wants paper. I brain dump and doodle during meetings in these perfect dot grid notebooks that I have set to auto-deliver monthly.
Yes, I hoard them.
No, I’m not sorry.
Something about the physical scribble clears mental clutter.
🛁 8. Calming Bath Salts for Nervous System Overwhelm
I don’t do cold plunges. I do baths with vibes. These magnesium bath salts are my go-to when my nervous system is like “ABORT MISSION” and I need to exit the swirl.
They have no smell (I can’t handle really smelly things), relax my shoulders, and give me space to breathe.
✅ 9. ClickUp’s “Under 10m Tasks” View
When I’m deep in glitter tornado mode, I open ClickUp and filter to my “Under 10m Tasks” view.
These are my micro-moves… send the invoice, upload the file, reply to that one DM.
I do one. Then maybe another. Eventually, I feel like a functioning adult again.
No decision fatigue. Just a quick win queue. Oooh, maybe I should rename it to Quick-Win Queue…
🧠 10. Focus Super Powder That Actually Helps Me Focus
This Focus Super Powder is my go-to when I feel like my brain is made of fog and expired glitter glue. It tastes good. It gives me clarity. It doesn’t make me twitchy. 10/10 recommend.
Side note… yes, it’s from Arbonne. Yes, they’re an MLM. And yes, I’ve been using their stuff for over a decade because it works. So if you wanna come for me for the MLM link, I fully understand, but I will keep buying it.
👉 And if that doesn’t cut it, I’ll grab a Happy Camper too… kind of like a vitamin B hug for your nervous system. Thanks to Dama Jue for the Happy Camper recommendation in the first place!
Glitter Tornados be Gone!
Your brain is not a productivity machine. It’s a living, beautiful chaos system that sometimes just needs a little support (and maybe a bath). These 10 things help me run a business without burning out — and if you’re still reading this?
You’re doing great. Glitter tornado and all. 💖
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