Ever find yourself completely exhausted, stuck in a loop where nothing seems to flow? I’ve been there too.
Just the other day, I was talking to my coach about how I’d been feeling lately—tired, unmotivated, and more frustrated than usual. It wasn’t burnout exactly, but something felt off. My days were full, my work was good, yet I felt like I’d been holding my breath all day long.
Those weeks were filled with design work, which I love. I get so deeply immersed in the creative process that ideas seem to come from nowhere, and resources just appear like magic to help me connect the dots. It’s a wonderful feeling. But something has to give when I’m in that zone—and for me, it was the basics: moving my body, breathing deeply, and simply pausing.
I hadn’t noticed how much I’d missed those proper deep breaths. You know the kind: the ones that travel all the way down to your belly, rise into your chest, and then leave with a long, satisfying sigh. It’s like a fresh summer shower—completely invigorating. So, I made a deal with myself: step into the garden three times a day, pause, look around, and just breathe.
And it helped.
The next thing I noticed was my workspace. I don’t know about you, but when I’m engrossed in something, chaos quietly piles up around me—books, sticky notes, a zillion tabs open on my laptop. It was fine until I realised how it made me feel: tense, constrained, and even more overwhelmed.
So, I took a good look around, really noticed the clutter, and started to clear things out. The shift was instant—my shoulders dropped, my mind felt clearer, and suddenly there was space. And when you create space, you make room for something new.
Finally, I did what I hadn’t prioritised in days: I connected with someone I love. I finished work early, grabbed my husband and our dog, and went for a walk. Nothing fancy, just time together in the fresh air, moving and chatting.
It reminded me of something simple but profound: leadership—of yourself or others—starts with small choices. Breathing, clearing space, and connecting.
So, if you’re feeling tired, low, or stuck, take a moment. Look at your day, your space, and your connections. Maybe it’s time to lighten the load, one deep breath at a time.
I hope that my musings have reminded you of ways to rethink leadership
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