October’s here, and everything feels like it’s speeding up—work deadlines, family plans, holidays, and social invites. If you’re anything like me, the rush can feel overwhelming, especially with everything happening worldwide. It’s hard to catch your breath between keeping up with life and managing the constant news stream.
But instead of getting swept up, what if we focused on balancing the hustle with real rest—rest that reconnects us with ourselves and the people we care about? Read on for six tips to get you on the right track.
- Restful Relationships: Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Think about those simple moments with loved ones, like a walk with a friend or a coffee with a family member. These moments bring real rest. Rest doesn’t mean isolating yourself. It can be about enjoying slow, intentional time with others—without pressure or expectations.
Sometimes, the best rest comes from spending time with people who ground us. We don’t need big plans or events to feel connected. The key is focusing on the quality of time together.
- Tip: Carve out pockets of low-key, pressure-free time with loved ones. A quiet evening at home or an afternoon walk can provide rest and connection.
- Saying No with Compassion: Balancing Commitment and Connection
October often brings a flood of invitations—work projects, family events, and social gatherings. While it’s tempting to say “yes” to everything, that can quickly lead to overwhelm. Learning to say “no” doesn’t mean disconnecting; it means protecting your energy so you can show up fully for the things that matter most. This also applies to the many requests from marketers I receive each week asking me to schedule a “quick chat” to learn how they can help me.
- Tip: Before committing, ask yourself, “Does this bring me joy, add value, align with my needs and goals? Or does it feel like an obligation-something you “should do”?” Saying no’s more than okay, especially when something adds stress or does not advance your goals. This way, you’ll have more space to nurture relationships that truly matter.
- Curating Your Inputs: Managing Stress and Staying Grounded
Let’s be real: the constant flow of news, social media, and emails can be overwhelming, especially when the world feels chaotic. While staying informed is important, managing how much you let in is equally essential. I’ve found that being intentional about what I consume helps me stay grounded.
We can’t avoid everything, but we can limit our exposure to negativity. Curating what we allow into our minds creates space for calm, hope, and joy.
- Tip: Try a “media break.” Setting time limits on social media or having media-free evenings can help reduce anxiety. Think of it as giving your mind the same care you give your body when you rest. You’re not cutting off the world, just choosing what gets your attention. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a media break, you can start by leaving your phone at least five feet away from your reach. That way, you’ll become more aware of how often you’re interrupted and taken away from what you’re doing.
- Reclaiming Hope: Balancing Information with Positivity
Getting caught up in the world’s problems is easy—fears for the future, disasters, and uncertainty—all of which are out of our immediate control. But even in challenging times, there’s always room for hope. By balancing hard news with stories of positivity and resilience, we can shift our focus to what’s going well. It’s not about ignoring the tough stuff—it’s about making space for optimism.
Finding hope might mean seeking out inspiring stories, spending time in nature, or surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. These positive moments restore balance and remind us that good things are still happening, even in difficult times.
- Tip: Each week, focus on something uplifting—a positive story, an act of kindness, or a beautiful moment in nature. These small shifts in focus can help you stay grounded and hopeful. What more positivity? Make this a daily practice.
- The Importance of Quality Time: Reconnecting for Rest and Renewal
We often think of rest as something we do alone—like taking a nap or retreating to a quiet corner. While that’s part of it, sometimes the best rest comes from reconnecting with others. A quiet dinner with family, a walk with a friend, and a good “belly laugh” can be deeply restorative.
Rest doesn’t always mean isolation. Being present with others in a stress-free way can rejuvenate us in unexpected ways.
- Tip: Plan low-key time with friends or family. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast or an evening stroll, let these moments offer a break from the busyness of life.
- Mindfully Balancing Consumption and Connection
Balancing fall’s hustle with meaningful rest doesn’t just come from managing your schedule. It also involves managing what you take in—from media to social interactions and expectations. Striking a balance between staying informed and protecting your peace is essential for reducing stress and maintaining hope.
- Tip: Just like you schedule breaks from work, consider scheduling time to disconnect from overwhelming media or conversations. Small breaks can help you feel more centered and at peace.
With our last week of October, let’s begin embrace rest as a way to reconnect—with ourselves, with loved ones, and with the world—in a healthy, balanced way. By being mindful of what we consume, setting boundaries, and finding restful moments with others, we can stay grounded, hopeful, and energized for the season ahead.
How are you planning to balance rest and connection this month? Let’s figure it out together—I’d love to hear what’s working for you as we all search for more peace in this busy season.
And, to help you get going (or re-engage), here are a couple of suggestions:
Reading:
Benjamin Hoff – The Tao of Pooh The Tao of Pooh uses the beloved character Winnie the Pooh to explain the principles of Taoism, focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and going with the flow. It promotes the idea that life is less about striving and more about being present and appreciating simple joys. Pooh teaches us to relax and go with the flow. And if you’re an audiobook fan like me, you will love how the narrator, Simon Vance, brings you into the world of Pooh and friends.
Listening:
Episode Revisiting Proactive Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith discusses the importance of proactive rest and how it can help maintain balance, energy, and focus, especially in today’s busy world. This idea of rest as a proactive, intentional choice allows us to transition into the busy fall season with clarity and purpose, creating space for recovery and connection with others.
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