Finding Balance in the Busy Season
Fall is in full swing, and wow — has it been a whirlwind.
Between the trainings I’m preparing and delivering (five classes in the next four weeks!), the hypnotherapy course I’m taking, and the home projects piling up — new windows, bathroom and kitchen renovations, and estimates for finishing our basement — there’s a lot happening.
You know that feeling when your schedule is so full and you open your email, there’s like 83 new messages, and you stare at the screen like a deer in the headlights?
Overwhelm can quickly set in.
And if I let myself think about the next month, it is easy to get freaked out.
I can’t even think about the holidays yet, but I feel them looming right around the corner.
Yet here’s the thing: I love all of the things I get to do and the home improvements projects are so exciting!
These are all things I’ve chosen.
And that awareness makes a big difference.
Here’s a few other things I choose to do regardless of how busy I am:
- meditate every morning
- work out (most days)
- meet with my awesome coaching clients
- spend time withmy friends,
- and of course, make room for my mom, the grandkids, and my husband.
These are the things that bring me joy, connection, and meaning to my life.
Yet, even when it’s all chosen — when every piece of the calendar represents something good — it can still feel like too much.
And sometimes Life throws a curve ball too.
So lately I’m practicing saying “no.”
No, is a complete sentence. It’s okay to say it, mean it, and let some requests, clients, or opportunities pass you by.
It’s okay to say no to others during any busy or overwhelming time in your life.
When “Good Busy” Turns into “Overwhelmed”
When we cram our days with too much busyness, we can feel the pressure. And it can build quickly.
Yet, it’s not just the events themselves that stress us out — it’s how we think about them. I know I put pressure on myself.
And when I get out of balance, like suddenly there’s traffic and I’m going to be late, it can feel like my body is under attack.
I can feel my muscles tighten. My breath quickens. And I react to people instead of responding.
The other day when the AWS outage happened, (you may or may not have noticed but many apps didn’t work and systems slowed way down) I was trying to pay for a $50 delivery charge for a new appliance. He had to ask me three times for my credit card number, and if he was in front of me, I might have strangled him. Instead I yelled out “You’ve got to be kidding me! This is not hard!”
It wasn’t his fault. But because a 5-minute phone call took 20 minutes, it pushed me right off balance. I get thrown off because I fear dropping some of the balls I’ve been juggling.
That’s when I have to notice what is going on and think myself back into my center.
I take a step outside, get grounded, or vent a little.
Flexibility — both in mind and body — is what keeps me grounded when life gets super busy.
The Basics That Make Everything Better
There’s no substitute for the essentials:
- Sleep. Figure out how much you need and do your best to get that. For me, it’s about 6.5 hrs. Some people need 8-10. I rarely sleep for more than 7.5. And if you remember a dream, write it down and ask a dreambot to analyze it. This is so freaky and cool.
- Food. Eat well! There are clearly foods that energize rather than drain you. Cut down on the junk to help stabilize your blood sugar as this will absolutely help your moods.
- Move. Exercise produces those wonderful endorphins — the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This will offset the stress chemicals that are often released when we are too busy or out of balance.
And don’t forget to play! Laugh, dance, and do what lifts your heart. Dogs, kids, and certain friends are really good for this.
And finally, take a few minutes here and there to be still. Stillness is not laziness; it’s recovery time.
Choosing Balance, Not Perfection
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, Once I get through this project, I’ll slow down.
But balance doesn’t happen after the busy season — it happens during it.
You’ll find it in the small moments, like when you notice the leaves falling, snuggling with the cat, or preparing a meal.
Don’t think ahead, stay in the moment.
This season, you may not have the luxury of being less busy — so attempt to be more mindful and happy in your busyness.
Choose joy where you can.
Rest when you must.
All my best,
Maureen
P.S. I am not currently taking on any more clients, but I do want you to take care of yourself.
P.S.S. Thanks for reading this far, and keep moving closer to peace and balance as you live life, because your contribution to this world really matters.
P.S.S.S. I also wrote this because I needed to hear it. A Course in Miracles says: Teach what you most need to learn.
