In our fast-paced world, where the hustle and bustle seem never-ending, finding time to pause and breathe can feel like a luxury. Yet, according to life coaching expert Rebecca Caldwell, it’s this simple act that can drastically reduce stress and anxiety, helping us lead more fulfilling lives. During our conversation, Rebecca shared her personal journey and insights into how adopting this practice transformed her daily routine and overall well-being.
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Rebecca, a life coach based in Brighton, works primarily with women who juggle multiple roles, from career to family, and often find themselves overwhelmed. As she recounted her story, it was clear that she, too, had once been in their shoes. “Before I became a life coach, I was constantly on the go. I was working long hours, managing family commitments, and trying to squeeze in time for friends. It was exhausting,” she explained.
Her turning point came during a particularly hectic period. “I remember one morning, I was frantically searching for my car keys—again. I was late, stressed, and honestly, just fed up. That’s when I realised something had to change.” It was this moment that led Rebecca to explore strategies for slowing down and incorporating mindfulness into her life.
Rebecca began with the simple act of pausing and taking a deep breath. “It sounds almost too easy to be effective, but that’s the beauty of it,” she noted. “Whenever I felt my stress levels rising, I would stop whatever I was doing, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. Inhaling slowly, holding it for a few seconds, and then exhaling completely. It was a reset for my mind and body.”
The effects were immediate. “I found that just a few deep breaths could lower my heart rate and clear my mind. It was as if I was giving myself permission to pause and recalibrate,” Rebecca explained. This newfound clarity allowed her to approach her daily tasks with more focus and less anxiety. Her energy levels increased, and she felt more in control of her life.
Incorporating this practice into her routine led Rebecca to reassess other aspects of her life that contributed to her stress. “Organisation became key,” she emphasised. “I started preparing for the next day the night before—laying out clothes, packing lunches, and placing my keys and phone in the same spot every evening.” This simple organisational strategy reduced the morning chaos and set a calm tone for the day.
Exercise, too, became an integral part of her de-stressing toolkit. “I wasn’t someone who naturally loved working out, but I discovered that even a short walk could do wonders. It helped me clear my mind and boost my mood thanks to those feel-good endorphins,” she shared. Exercise not only provided a physical outlet but also improved her sleep and digestion, creating a positive ripple effect on her overall health.
Rebecca also began starting her day 20 minutes earlier, a practice she now recommends to her clients. “Those extra minutes in the morning were transformative. They allowed me to enjoy a cup of tea, read a few pages of a book, or simply sit in silence and gather my thoughts. It was my time, and it made a world of difference.”
As she continued to build these habits, Rebecca realised the importance of maintaining a to-do list. “Writing down my tasks kept me organised and focused. There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking off completed items,” she laughed. “It also prevented me from forgetting important tasks and added structure to my day.”
Finally, Rebecca highlighted the significance of self-care. “Incorporating ‘me time’ into my daily routine was essential. It didn’t have to be lengthy—even just twenty minutes of doing something I loved, like listening to music or journaling, was enough to recharge me.”
Rebecca’s journey is a testament to the power of simplicity and mindfulness in combating stress. Her advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is straightforward yet profound: “Start with a pause and a deep breath. It’s the first step towards reclaiming your peace and finding balance in life.”
As our conversation came to a close, Rebecca left me with a thought that resonated deeply: “In a world that glorifies busyness, taking time to breathe is an act of self-care we all deserve.”
By Diana Tahjmir
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