Slowing Down: Embracing Simplicity in a Busy Season

The long, dark nights and quiet energy of winter have been calling me to slow down. Maybe you’ve felt it too?

Lately, I’ve wanted to step off the hamster wheel and savour the simple moments—the warmth of winter sun on my face, the tiny, beautiful mannerisms of the ones I love, or even just enjoying a cup of tea without multitasking.

With Christmas approaching, the world around us speeds up. To-do lists grow longer, calendars fill up, and suddenly, there’s no space left to just be. But when we pause—when we simplify—it feels like a deep sigh of relief for the soul.

I know what you might be thinking: I don’t have time to slow down. Believe me, I get it. With three kids and two jobs, taking time for myself often feels like an impossible luxury. But I’ve come to realise that simplicity isn’t about stopping completely; it’s about refocusing on what truly matters and letting go of what doesn’t.

Ways to Simplify and Find Joy in the Little Things

Start Your Day Slowly

Instead of jumping straight into the rush of the day—or reaching for your phone—take a few moments to ease in. Light a candle and embrace the stillness of a December morning. Play soft music and let your body move gently to its rhythm. Even something as simple as taking ten deep belly breaths upon waking can create a sense of spaciousness.

Align Your Schedule with Your Natural Rhythms

If you have a monthly cycle, try to plan around it. I’ve made the mistake of scheduling big meetings and social events when I’m ovulating and full of energy, only to regret it two weeks later when I just want to be alone. Honour the times when your energy is naturally lower and lean into connection when you feel vibrant. If you don’t have a regular cycle, syncing with the moon’s phases can be a beautiful alternative.

Say "No" Without Guilt

Give yourself permission to say no to anything that doesn’t align with your values or energy. It’s easy to worry about what others will think, but if someone doesn’t respect your no, is their opinion really worth it? Overcommitting out of guilt or FOMO often leads to burnout and resentment. Saying no isn’t about shutting doors—it’s about honouring your energy and choosing what truly matters.

Find Joy in the Smallest Moments

Joy doesn’t have to come from big, elaborate events. Recently, I listened to the poet Ross Gay talk about How to Let Joy Heal Us on Glennon Doyle’s podcast, and it shifted something in me. He spoke about prioritising joy as a radical act in a world that often wants us to feel powerless. Since then, I’ve been leaning into the small, daily delights—like the sound of laughter from the next room or the crisp air of a winter morning.

Deepen Your Connections with a Simple Gesture

Take a break from your to-do list and send a heartfelt voice note to three close friends. Let them know something specific you love about them—a quality you admire or a moment they’ve supported you. This simple act of appreciation strengthens connections and brings as much joy to the giver as it does to the receiver.

Simplicity Is a Radical Act

Whether it’s carving out peaceful moments in the morning, honouring your body’s natural rhythms, or spreading joy through small acts of connection, even the simplest steps can bring a greater sense of ease.

We don’t have to do it all. We don’t have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause and breathe.

This season, let’s come back to ourselves and the things that truly light us up.