I have had a week from hell. We’ve all been there, right? The type of week where everything spirals a bit out of control, tension mounts and you find yourself teetering on the edge of a meltdown.
For me, there was no big drama, no catastrophe. Just an explosion of emotions: a snappy tone at my husband, getting shitty with the kids and a general sense that I could burn it all down and move to a hut in the mountains.
The kicker here is that it wasn’t anyone else’s fault. It was mine. Somehow, amidst the chaos, I dropped the very habits that keep me centred—my stress reduction rituals quietly exited stage left while I was too busy surviving. This personal wake-up call inspired me to share these stress hacks in hopes of helping you reclaim some semblance of peace during those particularly hectic weeks. Join me as I dive into the daily habits that don’t just keep me moving, but keep me from completely losing my shit—most days, anyway.
- Meditation as a Non-Negotiable
Let’s start with my game-changer: meditation. It might sound paradoxical, but it’s often the first thing I neglect when my schedule spirals, despite knowing how good it is for me. To combat this, I’ve reprogrammed my day to begin with a meditation session. Each morning, I’m up 30 minutes earlier, slipping back into bed with my AirPods for a calming session of deep healing meditation. Trust me, meditation isn’t a luxury—it’s essential nourishment for my soul.
- Embrace Slow Mornings with Intention
My second hack revolves around slow, intentional mornings that begin at the gym. A part of my ritual is setting out my gym attire the night before, eliminating excuses come dawn. The community at F45 energises and grounds me, igniting my day with positivity. Post-gym, I cherish a quiet coffee moment and reflection in my journal. I challenge you to start your day with intentional movement—be it a workout, yoga or a dance party in your kitchen.
- Movement Throughout the Day
It turns out, getting those steps in isn’t just about checking off an exercise box. While desk work can swallow up the day, making intentional, short walks revitalises both body and mind. Recently, accountability challenged me to reach 10,000 steps daily. The result was palpable: stress diminished, productivity surged, and I felt like myself again. So, schedule little escapes—just get up and move, my friends!
- Set Firm Boundaries
Boundaries are not only nice, but necessary. This hack is less about walls and more about balance—energy, time and, yes, money. By empowering my EA, Vanda, to police my calendar, I’ve gained precious time. I block out moments for deep work, family time, and even Netflix. Compliance with this plan fosters clarity, control and a life that reflects my priorities.
- Prioritise Rest and Sleep
Lastly, let’s talk about the simplest, yet often most neglected strategy: rest. Proper rest was my saviour, calming me and reallocating my energy, allowing me to be the leader I aspire to be. It’s not just about sleeping; I indulge in escapism with indulgent fiction novels and calming music to help me reset. Knowing when to stop work and reset is crucial and does wonders for my creativity and resilience.
These hacks may seem simple, but their impact can be huge. I invite you to discover your own stress-busting rituals and make them non-negotiables.
Until next time, I want you to be kind to yourself, breathe deeply and go reset that nervous system like the glorious rebel queen that you are!
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Resource mentioned: Davidji Deep Healing Meditation
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