I meant to answer earlier and finally have a quiet minute now.
I did end up trying that new route through the park, and it was much calmer than the main road. The trees made the whole walk feel slower in a good way, and I actually noticed a few gardens I had never seen before.
I also took your suggestion about keeping a small notebook handy, and it helps more than I expected. I write down the stray things I want to remember instead of repeating them in my head all afternoon.
The weekend ended up simple. I cleaned out one shelf, started a chapter I had been putting off, and made tea before bed both nights. Nothing dramatic, just the kind of pace that makes Monday feel less noisy. If you still want to go sometime this week, I am around later in the afternoon and could adjust easily.

I was thinking about your note on whether a short routine really makes a day feel steadier, and for me it actually does.
I have been trying a very plain version of that idea where I start with one small chore, step outside for a minute, then sit down with whatever needs focus. It is not complicated, but it keeps me from drifting between too many things at once.
Yesterday I reorganized the stack of books by the chair and finally returned one I had been carrying around for days. After that I felt oddly lighter, which is probably a sign that clutter talks louder than I like to admit.
I also remembered your tip about preparing for the next morning the night before, and that has helped me leave the house with less circling back. If you are free later this week, send me a time that works and I will make it fit.