Mastering the Balance: Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm in Business and Life

In a world where the demands of running a business, maintaining relationships, and seeking personal fulfilment often clash, finding a sense of balance can seem like an impossible goal. The journey is filled with emotions and it's within our power to reclaim control and focus on what truly matters. I’m here to help you find actionable strategies and a plan that can help you navigate these everyday challenges with ease.

Reducing Overwhelm in Every Aspect of Your Life

Anger, sadness, restlessness... almost not catching a break. 

Running a business, staying connected with people in your family and friend circles, as well as enjoying life can become a little overwhelming. It is possible to take control if we stop for a second, breathe and make a proper plan to follow. 

Between tasks, bills, trying to find order and planning for the future, I feel as if I'm constantly slapped in the face and thrown in a pool of cold water. 

Splata-plash.
Painful belly-star-fish- skin-on-water-dive.  

They say that if you don’t understand what the universe is trying to tell you, the universe will raise the volume until you listen! Understanding that you need to make a significant change in your life. 

I get it, the struggles are for my own good, but sometimes I wish “the wins and the highs” would surpass “the lows”. 

Just to catch a break, without constantly being in a rush to "make it work". I am lucky, we are lucky. We are loved and we have everything anyone could possibly wish for. Iacopo and I made our fortune with hard work. And I’m proud of us. 

We are healthy, our loved ones are near us and we have all the “tools and brains” to create the success we are aiming for. 

So how do we stop this incredible overwhelm when we don't feel in control? 

One simple trick:  I breathe, disappear in my own world and I go back to basics.

Just like in my ballet classes.
When too much is too much. I simplify and concentrate on the most simple tasks that make my day calm and focused. No need for complicated combinations or weird French names. Only the true essence of the movement.

This is how my daily routine goes back to basics for me to succeed in every aspect of my personal and business life.

Rise and Shine: Building a Morning Routine for Clarity and Focus

Let’s start by saying that I’m a morning person.
But the following still applies to finding an evening routine that gets you relaxed and unwinds you. I truly believe in having enough hours in the morning to chill, and have coffee with hubby in bed while listening to morning music. I get up around 5 or 6, sometimes earlier, sometimes later. I feed the cat, make coffee and breathe.

No phone allowed. No technology overwhelms.

Down here I’ve gathered some morning and evening rituals you can incorporate into your daily routine. They can help you create a balanced rhythm to your day, enhancing productivity, focus, and overall happiness. Remember, the key is consistency and it’s important to find what personally resonates with you and your lifestyle.

Morning Rituals for Clarity and Focus

Wake Up Gently: Use a gentle alarm sound or a light-based alarm clock to wake up more naturally, reducing stress from the start of your day. Iacopo loves his light-with-birds alarm! 

Hydrate: Begin your day with a glass of water to rehydrate your body after a night's sleep, kickstarting your metabolism and brain function. I usually prepare herbal tea the night before, so in the morning it’s waiting for me to help me rehydrate. 

Mindful Breathing: Spend a few minutes practising deep breathing exercises to center yourself and set a calm tone for the day. Search YouTube for the right person with the right voice for you. Everyone is different. 

Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you're grateful for each morning to cultivate a positive mindset.

Gentle Movement: Engage in a light stretching routine, yoga, or a short walk to awaken your body and mind. Or if you are looking for dances that can inspire you, here’s where I can help you.

Nourishing Breakfast: Enjoy a healthy breakfast that fuels your body and brain, providing the energy needed for the day ahead. Looking for boosting energy and immune system recipes?
Check out my two blogs I wrote about how to stay healthy and boost your immune system.

Blog 1 - WHAT I EAT IN A DAY EVEN DURING A QUARANTINE (BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER RECIPES)

Blog 2 - GUIDE TO A HEALTHY DIET

Planning Session: Briefly review your goals and tasks for the day, setting clear intentions and priorities.

For some giggles here’s a video on my Lazy Dancer Tips Channel where I share with you exactly how to make the most out of your morning routine (you don’t have to be a ballerina to follow it).

Evening Rituals for Relaxation and Unwinding

Digital Detox: Set a specific time to turn off electronic devices, reducing blue light exposure and promoting better sleep. I give you all the tips on how to unwind in this post here.

Relaxing Beverage: Sip on a cup of herbal tea or warm oat-milk with turmeric to relax your body and mind. 

Reflective Journaling: Spend some time writing about your day, noting successes, challenges, and feelings to process your experiences and clear your mind. 

Reading: Engage in leisure reading of a book or magazine to relax your mind and escape from the day's stresses. 

Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or scented candles with calming scents like lavender or chamomile to create a soothing atmosphere.

Warm Bath or Shower: A warm bath or shower can help relax muscles, ease tension, and signal your body that it's time to wind down.

Meditation or Mindfulness Practices: Practice meditation or mindfulness exercises to calm your thoughts and prepare for a restful sleep.

Prepare for Tomorrow: Lay out your clothes for the next day or prepare your workbag to reduce morning stress and decisions.

This is my way to organize my evenings, and I share how to make the most out of your daily PM

Actionable Tips:

• Design Your Morning and your Evenings: Start your day by dedicating time to activities that ground you—be it enjoying a quiet coffee, meditating, or simply breathing in the silence before the day unfolds. Unwind with relaxing rituals that will calm your thoughts and prepare for a restful sleep.
• Tech-Free Time: Implement a no-phone policy to avoid starting your day with digital overwhelm.
• Personal Rituals: Whether it's feeding a pet, a morning/evening stretch, or writing, incorporate activities that bring joy and serenity.

Motion Equals Emotion: Integrating Movement for Mental Clarity

As a former ballerina, movement is a very important part of my daily life. Moving in the morning sets the mood, it releases endorphins and focuses me for the work day ahead. Listening to the body is important. Not every day is the same so the workout is decided accordingly. Some days I push like a maniac, some others I like to chill and move softly.

Here I share the importance of mindful movement. No matter how difficult or simple it seems, it can bring us to a peaceful meditative state of mind. In those moments, mind and body work in harmony. Read the blog here.

Want to clear out your mind with one of my workouts? Sweating is going to do you give you the energy you need to tackle your day and be productive. Click here to start.

Actionable Tips:

• Listen to Your Body: Adapt your workout intensity based on how you feel each day, ensuring a balance between pushing yourself and nurturing your well-being.
• Set a Routine: Block out consistent times for physical activity to establish a rhythm that prepares you mentally and physically for the day.
• Diverse Activities: Incorporate a variety of exercises to keep your routine engaging and tailored to your body's needs.

Mapping Out Success: The Key to a Productive Week

If I don't know what is happening in my day, I lose control and motivation. If it's not written in the calendar it doesn't happen. If every day I'm guessing what I should do, I'll never move forward. Being meticulous about my daily schedule has helped a great deal with my productivity.  When you accomplish something you set out to do it makes you feel good about yourself.

I have a calendar on the desk that reminds me of the to-do list and the “topic” of the day.

For instance every morning from 8-10 it’s blocked out for my workout.
I start working on the business around 10.30.
I also know that every Monday at 2.30 is a team meeting, followed by customer service and time dedicated to planning the rest of the week, based on the meeting outcome.
Tuesday is social media day. Whether we create content or plan it, this is the day we use to create impact in the world. Wednesday, coaching calls or blog writing, depending on what clients need.
So on and so forth for the whole week. Including planning days off! 

Having a clear weekly schedule helps me focus every day and achieve everything I plan for that day. 

As a creative individual, it’s easy for me to start tasks and lose focus. So whenever I feel the need to re-centre to create a productive week, I start by asking myself the right questions to set clear intentions and priorities.
Below are some questions to consider if you want to create an effective weekly plan.

Reflective Questions for a Productive Week

• What are my top three priorities for this week?
• Identify the most important tasks that will have the biggest impact on your goals.
• What deadlines do I need to meet?
• Note any fixed deadlines to ensure they are prioritized in your schedule.
• What tasks have been pending for too long?
• Recognize tasks that have been continuously postponed and decide if this is the week to address them.
• How can I break down my big projects into manageable tasks?
• Divide larger projects into smaller, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• What personal commitments do I have this week?
• Include personal events, appointments, and commitments to ensure a work-life balance.
• What days and times am I most productive?
• Schedule demanding tasks during your peak productivity periods.
• How can I incorporate self-care into my schedule?
• Plan for exercise, relaxation, and hobbies to maintain your well-being.
• What can I delegate or outsource?
• Identify tasks that can be handled by others to free up your time for high-priority work.
• What are my learning and development goals for this week?
• Set aside time for reading, courses, or other activities that contribute to your growth.
• How will I track and review my progress?
• Decide on a method for monitoring your accomplishments and areas for improvement.
• What is my plan for unexpected tasks or challenges?
• Allow some flexibility in your schedule to manage unforeseen work or personal issues.
• How can I reward myself for a productive week?
• Choose a reward for completing your weekly goals to stay motivated.

Implementing Your Plan

After answering these questions, the next step is to translate your answers into a structured plan. I have to thank Iacopo for teaching me how to stop-evaluate-make an action plan.
He’s the one that introduced me to digital calendars on the phone, planners, and apps to block out time for each task, including work projects, personal time, and breaks.
Yes he’s very organized!
Review your plan daily to adjust as needed, ensuring you stay on track toward your weekly goals. Remember, the key to a productive week lies in intentional planning, flexibility to adapt to changes, and self-compassion for when things don't go as planned. No need to freak out, everything can be sorted! I promise!

Here’s how I tackle Time Management to fit everything I want to do in a day! Click here to read the blog.

Actionable Tips:

• Calendar Management: Use a physical (I have one on my desk) or digital calendar to visually map out your week, including work commitments, personal time, and goals.
• Daily Themes: Assign themes or focus areas to each day to streamline your efforts and enhance productivity.
• Flexibility: While maintaining a schedule, allow for adjustments based on priorities and unforeseen opportunities.

Navigating the complexities of life and business requires a blend of discipline, self-awareness, and a willingness to adapt.
Life is like a live theater show: you never know what the heck is going to happen, but you smile and you keep on dancing! 

The key is simplifying our approach and focusing on simple practices that can mitigate feelings of overwhelm and move closer to a balanced, fulfilling life.
Remember, it's not about achieving perfection but about making progress, one step at a time.

Embrace the journey with grace, grit, and a little humor to overcome the challenges that come your way.

I often daydream of finally walking amongst “those who made it" and are currently impacting the world and empowering people.

We are getting closer... I feel it.

Maybe I already am, but I’m too blind to see it.
I'm only a bit scared of the unknown. I just have to push  more…come on you have grit.

“Pink Leg Warmers Forever”.  (A little tribute to my favorite greek woman: Lisa Bilyeu)

Love,
Alessia