How to Find Peace and Balance in a Busy Season: The Art of Slowing Down

The months between back-to-school time and the holidays can often feel like a sprint. As women, we frequently bear the weight of multiple roles and responsibilities. It’s easy to let self-care slip through the cracks, but finding ways to slow down is crucial for our health and happiness.

This season has been particularly intense for me, as I’ve navigated significant personal and professional milestones. I’ve been juggling the challenges of supporting a son with a broken leg, being a taxi driver to another son starting a job and marching band and the excitement of my dog giving birth to a large litter of puppies – while also managing my work with the wellness center and my recent acceptance into a mini-MBA program. Certainly, my life is full, and could easily become overwhelming, but here are some strategies that I use to stay centered and balanced.

1. The Power of Pausing: During these chaotic moments, I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks and finding moments of stillness. When my dog gave birth to nine puppies, it was a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. Both beautiful and sad (we lost one of the puppies, which was a heartbreaking experience) it was a time to pause, breathe and focus on what I can control and the joy still ahead.

2. Breathe: I mentioned this above and it’s so important, I’ll say it again – breathe! The breath has the power to increase or decrease our stress levels; to take us out of fight-or-flight or to keep us ramped up; to focus our mind or make us “spacy”. I practice a Mindful Minute – one minute of deep belly breathing, in through the nose and out through the mouth, to calm and center.

3. Simple Self-Care Strategies:

• Morning Rituals: I’ve started my days with a calming routine to center myself before diving into the busy schedule. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee or a few moments of mindfulness, these rituals help set a positive tone for the day.

• Breaks Throughout the Day: Balancing work at Boundless Body and Wellness with my MBA program has been demanding. To manage this, I’ve made sure to incorporate short, intentional breaks into my day – with movement! Our bodies crave movement to keep circulation flowing and energize our bodies. These breaks allow me to recharge and come back to my tasks with renewed focus. 

• Evening Wind-Down: Just as a morning routine prepares to launch you into the day, a relaxing routine allows you to arrive at home and into your body. You move from the external world to the internal security. This routine allows me to unwind, let go of frantic energy and prepare for restful sleep, which is crucial for maintaining my energy levels and allowing my mind and body to heal and to recover. Sleep is a priority for a calm and balanced day!

4. Incorporating Joy into Your Routine: Despite the challenges, finding small sources of joy has been essential. The playful antics of the puppies; the smiles from clients; a hot cup of tea; the smell of the pine trees on my hike….tiny moments that bring feelings of happiness and peace. Embracing these small joys and expressing gratitude helps me to navigate the business of this season with a lighter heart. In fact, practicing gratitude is strongly linked to better mental health and life satisfaction, along with lower blood pressure and anxiety (just to name a few benefits)!

5. The Role of Community: Sharing my experiences with friends, family, and colleagues has been incredibly supportive. Talking about the highs and lows of this period helps alleviate some of the stress and provides valuable perspective. I’ve found solace in connecting with others who understand the demands of balancing multiple roles. And, sharing social experiences releases oxytocin – one of the key happiness chemicals – in the brain!

6. Reflecting on Achievements: Despite the whirlwind, acknowledging and celebrating small achievements has been a game-changer. From the successful birth of the puppies (and the joy of seeing them thrive) to being accepted into an amazing MBA program and the positive feedback from my clients and family, these moments remind me that I’m managing it all with grace and resilience. Yes there are some trip-ups along the path, but “what we focus on grows” so rather than focus on problems and setbacks, focus on achievements and wins – and watch more grow!

While the busy season is often unavoidable, how we navigate it can make all the difference. By adopting strategies to slow down, embracing moments of joy, and seeking support from our communities, we can better manage the chaos and find moments of peace and fulfillment. It’s through these practices that I’m learning to balance the demands of life while taking care of myself and celebrating the journey.

As you navigate your own busy season, remember that prioritizing your well-being is essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or in need of a moment to reset, consider booking a Coach and Calm session. This whole-body support session is designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find the balance you need to thrive. Take a step towards self-care today—schedule your session and give yourself the gift of calm amidst the chaos.