My Go-To Routines When Life Gets Unexpectedly Busy
Autumn brings its own rituals, with one festivity rolling straight into the next. The months I imagine will be slower often turn out to be anything but.
When life starts to feel especially full, I try to make room for a few little routines that help me feel more settled. They’re my non-negotiables — not grand plans, just things I know I’ll be glad I made time for.
A walk in nature
I love pulling on my raincoat and wellies. Bron knows what’s coming the moment those boots appear and leaps about the kitchen with excitement.
We drive a short distance to a wood, where there’s always something to notice. This time of year, fungi cling to the bark and sprout from the leaf litter. I want to photograph everything, and somehow the pictures bring back that lovely, damp, earthy smell.
While Bron runs about, sniffing the air, the squirrels dart across the forest floor, busy gathering and hiding food for winter. I like to find a fallen log, sit beneath the trees and take a moment or two to breathe deeply.
A proper bath
Once a week, I try to make my bath feel like a small ritual rather than a quick dip. I add a few handfuls of bath salts to the warm water, then gather up every candle I own and dot them around the room.
I love the shadows the flames cast on the walls. As I sink beneath the water, I try to let the day’s usual chatter quieten for a little while.
A meal around the table
Most evenings, we eat together at the table. It gives us a chance to talk, catch up and spend a little time together.
Once a week, I like to make it a sharing evening. It’s simple: I put all the food in the middle of the table, and everyone helps themselves. This week, we had kebab meat from the freezer, cooked and piled onto a chopping board, with grated cheese, salad, homemade dressings and pitta breads.
There’s something lovely about food in the middle of the table, with everyone reaching in and joining the conversation.
These small routines don’t make a busy month disappear, but they give me moments to look forward to within it.
Before you go…
What are your non-negotiables when life gets unexpectedly busy? What helps you ease into autumn? I always love reading your thoughts. You can write to me at welcome@tenacious-wellness.com.