3 surprisingly simple practices to help you stay grounded in high-output season
We all have those seasons where everything seems to land at once.
For me, this summer has been a masterclass in navigating full capacity with intentionality.
Client sessions. A part-time job. Coursework. The beginning of my executive coaching practicum.
And of course — the joys and demands of a short Canadian summer: festivals, hikes, travel, trying to be present.
When life is full, efficiency becomes a survival skill. But so does grounding.
I didn’t want to sacrifice progress, but I also didn’t want to lose my clarity — or my well-being — in the process.
So I leaned into a few practices that, while simple, helped me show up with more calm and focus, even in the busiest of weeks.
Here are three that made a real difference:
1. Plan ahead for high-demand days
Every week, I look at my calendar and flag the days that seem especially packed or emotionally loaded.
For those, I prep the night before: I’ll let my partner know I might be less available, cook something simple, make sure my basics are covered.
It sounds small — but it helps me wake up already feeling more resourced.
2. Schedule even the “small” stuff — and time-block it
Tasks like “send follow-up email,” “write a post,” or “message that potential collaborator” used to live in my head.
Now, they live in my calendar.
By giving even quick tasks their own spot, I reduce mental clutter and ensure they don’t fall through the cracks — or pile up into a last-minute scramble.
3. Batch responses instead of reacting to notifications
Rather than replying on impulse, I build intentional pauses into my day to check and respond to messages.
Sometimes that’s during downtime — in line, commuting — and sometimes it’s a conscious break.
It keeps me from jumping between tasks and helps me respond with more clarity and presence.
Science backing me up on that, when research have found that “Batching smartphone notifications can improve well-being” (link).
Try this out.
You don’t need a color-coded productivity system to feel more in control.
You just need a few anchor points that bring you back to yourself.
If you’re in a high-output season right now — growing, juggling, or simply moving through a lot — I hope this offers something useful to try, or even a reminder that you’re not alone.
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