How to Create Micro-Moments of Pause During the Busy Season

In the last few months of the year, life always seems to gather speed, don’t you think? Diaries fill, to-do lists grow, and even joyful moments can start to feel a little overwhelming! So, if you’ve ever reached the end of a busy day wondering where the time for yourself went, you’re not alone. I think this is the  season where tiny, intentional pauses make even more difference — little rituals that steady us, restore balance, and remind us to breathe. 

I’ve always believed that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about carving out hours of solitude (although that’s always lovely), but about finding micro-moments of pause throughout the day. Think of them as anchors — reminders to come back to yourself, even when everything around you feels like it’s moving too fast. 

So, here are a few gentle rituals that I weave into my day to help me find calm no matter the season or situation. I hope they help you do the same…

1. Be Present at the Start of each day.  

Before reaching for your phone or rushing straight into the daily chores, take just one minute to notice your breathing. Place a hand on your chest, inhale deeply through the nose, and exhale slowly through the mouth. Three mindful breaths are often enough to create a sense of calm before the day begins.

Some mornings, I add a little extra support with our pulse point oils — rolling one onto my wrist and taking a slow inhale as the essential oils ground me. It’s such a simple way to signal to the body: I’m present and ready for the day ahead. 

2. Carry a touchstone 

I often keep a crystal bracelet on my wrist, not just as jewellery, but as a gentle reminder to myself. Each time I notice it during the day, I use it as a cue to pause — even if only for a moment or two. Our calm and balance bracelet set is particularly helpful for this; they carry a quiet restorative energy of and peace that feels like a reassuring presence, especially on busy days.

It’s these little reminders — soft, tactile, and easy to carry — that help bring rituals into everyday life without requiring a lot of time.

3. Clear your space, clear your mind

Our homes naturally become the centre of daily life. Energy can build up quickly in the spaces where we spend most of our time, and one of my favourite ways to refresh the atmosphere is by burning white sage or palo santo.

It doesn’t have to be a long ritual - although that is helpful. Many days, I light white sage  before starting work, letting the smoke drift for a minute or two. It’s a short but powerful way to reset before starting the day, helping to ease negativity and leaving me and the room feeling lighter!

4. Moments of Candlelight

There’s something deeply calming about lighting a candle or a simple tealight as the evening draws in. It’s a gentle invitation to slow down — a small signal to the body and mind that the day is shifting gears and it’s time to rest.

I keep tealights on hand, especially during these darker months, and I often light one before dinner or while sitting at my desk to help cheer up a grey morning. Just that tiny flicker of light brings a cosiness to the room, reminding me to soften and relax. 

5. Simple Gratitude

The final months of the year are often full of reflection — what worked, what didn’t, what we want to leave behind. It can feel overwhelming, and so one of my favourite rituals is to simply be grateful for what is. Each day, I write down three things that I’m thankful for. It takes only a minute, and it helps me see that no matter what is going on, there’s always something to be grateful for. 

I hope that this has shown that rituals don’t have to take a lot of time to make a difference. Sometimes the smallest pauses are the ones that bring us back to balance. As you move through these busy months, I hope you’ll find little ways to anchor yourself — with breath, with light, with touchstones you can carry.

And remember: these aren’t just seasonal practices. They’re small habits that can support you all year round, gently reminding you that even in the busiest seasons, there’s always space to take care of yourself.

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.