Chaos in a Cardigan
Because sometimes fall is more overwhelming than cozy, but there’s a remedy for that.
Hey Friend!
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’ve felt like screaming into a pillow lately… you’re not alone.
The other day, a friend called, and somewhere between casual updates and othered varied chatter, she said:
“You sound tired.”
And she wasn’t wrong.
In fact, it mentally stopped me in my tracks.
Because even though I’d been exercising daily, eating well, and prioritizing wellness like I teach it… I was still tired.
Not just physically, but mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually.
But here’s what was different? Intentionality.
Life had been racing, like, full sprint or Nascar type racing. And even though as a certified holistic wellness coach I “know better,” the truth was, I’d slipped out of rhythm.
Not fallen off the wagon, but just slowly let the complexities of life creep in through the doggy door… uninvited, unannounced, and unrelenting.
As leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, moms, and more, we don’t always get hit by burnout all at once.
Sometimes, it’s the “sneaky little life lulls” (those pesky little lulls!) that wear us down.
The slow build of obligations.
The “just this one thing” that turns into ten.
The constant catch-up that makes finding peace feel like striking gold.
The shift from summer to fall only makes this even more real. And the shift is on its way.
One minute it seems you’re basking in slow mornings and sunlight, and the next, you’re knee-deep in meetings, deadlines, and feeling like you’re falling behind before you even start.
But here’s what I want you to remember as we begin the descent from summer haziness to fall frustrations, and from sundresses and smiles to chaos in cardigans:
You don’t have to earn your peace.
You don’t need a crisis to justify a reset.
And you sure don’t need to explain why you’re prioritizing your well-being.
So, this week’s issue is a reminder, a resource, and a reset.
Let’s talk real life wellness for your mind, your mission, and your Monday morning meetings!
On the Radar
The Weight of the Workload
Fall is on the horizon and it often brings more than falling leaves, it also brings falling boundaries.
Try this: Before adding anything new to your to-do list, audit what’s already on it. Is it urgent, or just habitual? Is it necessary, or just noise?
Signs Your Burnout is Wearing a Mask
Burnout doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it simmers.
You’re more irritable than inspired.
You procrastinate simple tasks.
You feel tired no matter how much sleep you get.
You feel like you’re performing leadership instead of living it.
Normalize checking in before you break down.
Real World Reset Tools
Here are a few simple, real-life practices to help you regulate, restore, and reclaim your energy:
90-Second Reset Rule
Pause. Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 8. Do this for 90 seconds before every major decision or meeting.
Digital Declutter Hour
Once a week, mute notifications, clear tabs, and review your digital chaos. Your brain (and your mental bandwidth) will thank you.
Weekly Wellness Wins
Instead of another to-do list, create a “to-feel” list for the week. How do you want to feel? Calm, focused, energized? Let that guide your choices.
Reclaim Your Mornings
Start your day with you, not your inbox. Even 10 minutes of movement, meditation, or stillness can rewire your entire day. (Bonus: drink a cup of water first thing when you wake up to help with clarity and focus.)
Boundary Scripts That Actually Work
“My plate is full right now, but I’d love to revisit this next week.”
“In order to give this the attention it deserves, I’ll need to say no to something else. Let me check and circle back.”
“That sounds important. Can you put it in writing so I can prioritize it properly?”
ICYMI
Here are a few soul soothing, strategy-strengthening picks to help you stay centered when the season gets heavy:
ARTICLE: 10 Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress – Verywell Mind
Quick, practical ways to take the edge off your day…without needing to overhaul your life. Great for leaders and teams alike.
PODCAST: The Lazy Genius Podcast – “Name What Matters”
A powerful 25-minute listen that helps you cut through the noise and make space for what truly matters both professionally and personally.
READ: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle – by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
It’s not just a book, it’s a blueprint. This one’s a game changer, especially for high-achieving women who feel the pressure to “do it all.”
Something to Sit With
“What if doing less better is actually the most strategic thing you could do this season?”
Read that again.
And maybe again after that.
Before We Go
Here’s to showing up softly in a season that demands so much.
To listening to your body as much as your inbox.
To preserving your peace and your progress.
You are not behind.
You are not alone.
And no - rest is not weak. It’s wise.
Sending you grounding, grace, and good energy,
