Life can often feel like an endless to-do list, leaving little room to breathe, recharge, or truly enjoy the simple joys of each day. For female entrepreneurs and busy professionals, balancing work, health and personal life can feel like spinning multiple plates in the air. But what if there was a way to break the cycle of overwhelm and inject moments of calm into your daily routine?
If you've been feeling stuck in overdrive mode, this guide is for you. Here, we’ll explore five simple yet powerful strategies to help you stress less and live more. These practices are rooted in mindfulness, wellness and intentionality - designed to bring you back to centre no matter how chaotic life gets.
Why Finding Calm Matters
Before we dive in, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on why prioritising calm isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Chronic stress doesn’t just sap your joy; it impacts your sleep, energy levels, productivity and overall health. A 2020 report by the American Institute of Stress found that 77% of people experience stress that affects both their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Choosing daily calm isn’t about avoidance or escapism. It’s about reclaiming balance and showing up as your best self - in your work, relationships, and for yourself.
- Start Your Day with Intentional Stillness
How we begin our mornings often sets the tone for the entire day. Before you reach for your phone or start mentally outlining your to-dos, gift yourself 10-15 minutes of quiet stillness. This can take many forms depending on what resonates most with you:
- Guided Meditations
Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, easy-to-follow sessions that can help you ground yourself before the day begins.
- Journaling
Write down three things you’re grateful for or set positive intentions for your day ahead.
- Stretching or Gentle Yoga
Wake up your body with a few simple stretches or yoga poses that encourage presence and peace.
Consistency is key here. Even just a small pocket of intentional calm in the morning can act like a ripple, spreading improved focus and ease throughout your day.
- Create Boundaries Around Your Time
For entrepreneurs and remote workers, the lines between 'work' and 'life' can easily blur. Overcommitting or consistently extending your workday is an express path to burnout.
Take control of your time by establishing and honouring clear boundaries. Here’s how:
- Set Non-Negotiable "Off" Hours
Define specific periods in your day for work, rest, and play. Once the clock strikes “done,” step back from your desk completely.
- Learn to Say No
It can feel daunting but saying no to tasks or commitments that don’t serve your goals or values is a gift to your mental health.
- Use Time-Blocking
Structure your to-do list into time blocks where you focus on one task at a time, instead of multitasking. This reduces overwhelm and enhances productivity.
Remember, boundaries create freedom. They’re not walls, but bridges to healthier relationships with yourself and your work.
- Nourish Your Body (and Mind)
What you eat and drink can play a significant role in how you handle stress. Skipping meals, over-indulging in sugary snacks, or living off caffeine may seem manageable in the short term but will ultimately deplete your energy reserves.
Try these simple nutrition and hydration tips:
- Stay Hydrated
Start your day with a glass of water and continue sip throughout the day to keep your body (and brain) functioning optimally.
- Practise Mindful Eating
Take time to savour your meals rather than rushing through them. Notice the textures, flavours, and aromas - it can be a calming experience in itself.
- Choose Nutritious, Feel-Good Foods
Incorporate stress-reducing foods like leafy greens, avocados and nuts. Omega-3-rich foods like salmon or chia seeds are also known to support brain health.
When you care for your physical body, you also create a strong foundation for emotional resilience.
- Adopt a Daily Digital Detox
It’s no secret that non-stop connectivity can ramp up our stress levels. From answering pinging notifications to mindlessly scrolling social media, we can often feel “on-call” around the clock.
Whether for 20 minutes, an hour, or an entire evening, try stepping away from all screens. Use this reclaimed time for something that feels meaningful:
- Go for a walk in nature.
- Read a book you've been meaning to start.
- Explore a hobby like painting, gardening, or playing an instrument.
- Spend uninterrupted time with loved ones.
Disconnecting helps recharge your mental energy, improves sleep quality, and allows you to re-engage with your surroundings in a more mindful way.
- Lean on Your Community for Support
You don’t have to face life’s stresses alone. Building connections and spending time with your support network can hugely reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.
- Find Your People
Connect with like-minded individuals through wellness groups, hobby circles, or professional networks who uplift and inspire you.
- Share Your Feelings
Whether with a trusted friend, therapist, or coach, opening up about your stressors can provide fresh perspectives and lighten your emotional load.
- Celebrate Achievements Together
Sharing your successes, big or small, with others fosters positivity and a sense of belonging.
When we lean into the strength of a community, we’re reminded that we’re not alone - and that in itself is incredibly calming.
Finding Calm is a Daily Practice
Stress ebbs and flows - it’s part of being human. But when we prioritise daily habits that invite calm into our lives, we build a reflex for resilience. It’s not about achieving perfection but about becoming mindful in how we respond to life’s inevitable challenges.
By starting small - pausing for quiet reflection each morning, creating healthier boundaries, nourishing your body, reducing digital overwhelm and connecting with your community - you’re setting the foundation for a calmer, more fulfilling life.
Are you ready to stress less and live more? Discover how you can weave more calm into your life through intentional self-care strategies and transformational wellness practices. If you'd like additional guidance, explore resources on wellbeing or join a wellness coach for tailored support.
For more tips bonus stuff subscribe to my email list here - https://www.wellevated.co.uk/subscribe
