In the bustling lives we lead today, finding moments of calm can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, for those who manage to master the art of pausing and taking a deep breath, life often transforms in extraordinary ways. To delve deeper into this practice, I sat down with Helen Carter, a life coach specialising in helping women find balance and peace in their daily lives.
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Helen, a vibrant woman in her forties, welcomed me into her sunlit living room, the very picture of tranquillity. “The ability to pause and breathe deeply is a gift we often overlook,” she began, her voice soothing and assured. “In those moments of calm, we’re not just pausing physically, but mentally and emotionally too.”
Helen’s journey into life coaching began after years of juggling a demanding corporate career with the responsibilities of raising two children. “I was constantly on edge, always rushing,” she recounted. “One day, I found myself overwhelmed, my heart racing, and I realised something had to change.”
That change began with something as simple as breathing. Helen explained, “I remember the first time I consciously paused and took a deep breath. It was like a reset button for my body and mind. My heart rate slowed, and I felt a surge of energy. It was a revelation.”
This newfound practice led Helen to explore other ways to integrate calm into her life. One of her first steps was reorganising her daily routine. “Organisation is crucial,” she noted. “When you have everything in its place, from keys to schedules, it reduces the chaos and stress that often accompanies our day-to-day lives. It’s about preparing the night before, so your morning starts on a positive note.”
Helen shared a particularly chaotic morning as a turning point in her journey. “I was running late, couldn’t find my keys, and missed an important meeting. It was such a wake-up call for me. That’s when I started keeping a diary with all my important dates and reminders. It’s such a simple technique but immensely effective,” she said with a laugh.
Another vital aspect Helen emphasises with her clients is the importance of physical exercise. “Exercise is not just about the physical benefits,” she explained. “It’s about mental clarity and emotional balance. When you exercise, your mind gets a break from stressors, and you get that rush of endorphins which are the body’s natural mood elevators.”
Helen herself starts her day with a brisk walk or a short yoga session. “It sets the tone for the day,” she said. “I’m more relaxed, more productive, and most importantly, I’ve already carved out time for myself before the demands of the day begin.”
Starting her day 20 minutes earlier was another strategy Helen adopted. “It’s a game changer,” she asserted. “Those minutes are precious. They give you time to breathe, to plan, and to enjoy a quiet cup of tea. It’s about working smarter, not harder.”
As our conversation drifted into the realm of daily tasks, Helen highlighted the power of a well-organised to-do list. “I always encourage my clients to keep a list of their major tasks. The satisfaction of ticking off completed tasks is immense. It keeps you grounded and aware of what’s left to do, reducing the mental clutter that can lead to stress.”
Finally, Helen spoke about the importance of self-care, a principle she holds dear. “Every day, without fail, I carve out a little time just for me,” she shared. “Whether it’s reading, gardening, or simply sitting quietly, it’s essential to have that time to recharge and refocus.”
Before I left, Helen imparted one last piece of advice for those struggling to find calm in the chaos. “Start small,” she urged. “Even just a few moments a day dedicated to pausing and breathing can make a significant difference. It’s about quality, not quantity. And remember, it’s a journey. Be patient with yourself.”
As I stepped out into the bustling world, I reflected on Helen’s insights. The art of pausing, of taking that deep breath, is indeed a simple act, but one that holds the power to transform not just the day, but the entire way we experience life. In a world that rarely stops moving, perhaps the greatest act of rebellion is to simply pause and breathe.
By Elaine Cooper
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