The hours blur into days, and the to-do list somehow grows longer. The truth is, we don’t always need a full day to make progress. Sometimes, an hour is all it takes to shift your mood, clear your space, or move something important forward.
I call this The Power of an Hour, a simple mindset shift to help you focus, reduce overwhelm, and create meaningful change in small, steady steps.
Charlie Mackesy has captured the nations hearts during the Pandemic, putting into words and images what many of us have felt..
Why An Hour Matters
When life feels busy or you’re stuck in that “all or nothing” mindset, it’s easy to put things off until you have more time. But waiting for perfect conditions often means doing nothing at all.
One focused hour can transform how you feel — mentally, physically, emotionally. It creates movement, momentum, and a little spark of calm in the chaos.
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
Beatrix Potter
How to Use Your Hour Wisely
You don’t need to plan it perfectly. Simply choose one small area of life that could benefit from your attention.
Here are a few gentle ideas to get started:
Tidy one space — a kitchen drawer, your desk, or the corner that’s been quietly bothering you.
Move your body — a walk by the sea, yoga in the living room, or a home workout that lifts your energy.
Prepare for the week ahead — plan meals, sort laundry, or lay out tomorrow’s clothes.
Connect — call someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Reflect — journal, read a chapter of something inspiring, or simply sit with a cup of tea and breathe.
An hour spent intentionally can bring more peace than a whole day of rushing.
Make It A Habit
Try scheduling a “Power Hour” once or twice a week. Protect it like an appointment. Use it to do something that will make life feel lighter or more aligned.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress, clarity, and calm.
A Little Inspiration
If you’d like to explore this idea further, I highly recommend The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle — a beautiful reminder to slow down and live more consciously in the present moment. you’re thinking about which positive actions to do, break it down into little areas and ask;
Mark Twain that said, “Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.
Mark Twain
Some Simple Ideas to Try
Turn up your favourite song and have a kitchen dance. Instant mood-lifter!
Plant some bulbs or herbs on your windowsill — nurturing growth reminds us of hope.
Go for a walk somewhere new — fresh air and change of scenery do wonders.
Try a #powerofanhour to tackle something you’ve been avoiding. You’ll be amazed what an hour of focus can do. (Read more about it here)
Move your body gently — yoga, stretching, or even a short walk can lift your spirits.
Write down three things you’re grateful for — it’s a proven way to shift perspective.
Remember: it’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something.
There are hundreds of apps out there that can help you too including Headspace, Mind Detox and Gaia are all favourites of mine.
“Your now is not your forever”
I love this quote, it’s a gentle reminder that while we may feel overwhelmed at times, it won’t last forever. Simple, steady steps can help us find our calm again.
Continue Your Mission.
If you enjoyed exploring The Power of an Hour, you might also love these reads from the Woman on a Mission archive — each one designed to inspire calm, focus and a little everyday joy:
An hour might not sound like much, but used with intention, it can be truly powerful. You don’t need to overhaul your life, just start with one calm, focused hour.
Because one hour can change your day. And enough of those days can change your life.
I’d love to know, what’s one small positive action you’ll take today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram — I always love hearing how you bring these ideas to life. Let’s inspire each other, one simple step at a time. 🌿
In a world that rarely slows down, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly catching up — with work, family, and life in general. Those waves of overwhelm can creep in quietly, leaving you feeling flat, restless or simply not quite yourself. This post is all about simple ways to help you feel less overwhelmed and a little happier, wherever you are right now.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve felt it too and over time, I’ve found a few simple rituals that help me feel less overwhelmed and a little happier, calmer and more in control.
So, if you’ve been feeling stretched, scattered, or emotionally tired lately, these gentle habits might help you reconnect with yourself and rediscover a sense of calm and balance.
Simple Daily Habits To Help you Feel Less Overwhelmed.
How To Share How You’re Feeling
It’s amazing what happens when we stop bottling things up. Talk to someone you trust ~ a partner, a friend, a colleague and be honest about how you’re feeling. They say it’s good to talk and it really is.
It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. We all have moments when things feel heavy. Opening up helps lighten the load and reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.
If talking feels too much, try journaling or writing a few lines in your notes app. It’s a simple way to release what’s sitting on your mind. open about it, try not to bottle it up.
How A Power Hour Helps You Feel Less Overwhelmed
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I love a good list. When your mind feels cluttered, grab a notebook and write down everything that’s worrying you or taking up space in your thoughts. No filter, no order, just get it out of your head and onto paper. Make it exhaustive.
Then, set a timer for one focused hour — your Power Hour. Make a cup of your favourite drink, turn off all distractions and notifications and set your timer for ONE hour. Look at your list and circle one or two things you can actually do something about today. Even small steps count.
Taking gentle action helps you regain a sense of control, and often, that’s where calm begins. Focusing on what you can influence — even just a small part of it, is surprisingly powerful. By reclaiming a little control, that sense of overwhelm can ease, even if only slightly. This is also a wonderful activity to do with children of any age when they’re feeling stretched or anxious.
Coffee And Candle Chats
Connection soothes the soul. One of my favourite rituals is arranging what I call a Coffee and Candle Chat , a simple catch-up where I make a fresh coffee, light a candle and have a meaningful chat with a friend.
If meeting in person isn’t possible, pick up the phone or have a video chat. It’s these small moments of connection that remind us we belong.
It doesn’t need to be fancy or long, just intentional. Sharing stories, laughter, or even silence over a cuppa can shift your whole mood.
Send Some Happy Post
There’s something so joyful about receiving a handwritten note, isn’t there? I’ve always had a soft spot for stationery and keep a little box of cards ready for when I want to send some happy post.
This week, why not send one? It could be to a friend, a relative, or someone who’s simply been on your mind. A few handwritten words can brighten someone’s day ~ and yours too.
Sort Out The Little Things
Sometimes it’s the smallest tasks that create the most mental noise. The squeaky door, that messy drawer, the email you’ve been avoiding.
Set aside half an hour and deal with a few of them, home at your desk or even in the car. Dedicate some time to sorting out the little things, the ones that every day you think “I must sort that out”.
You’ll be surprised how much even small actions can lift your energy and bring a sense of calm to your space. It’s not just about tidying your home, t’s about clearing mental clutter too. Over half term, alongside my linen cupboard Mission, I gave my study a thorough spring clean, and yes, even tackled those tricky kitchen drawers! I also sorted my Pinterest boards and replaced the cracked screen protector on my phone, little things that make a real difference. The result? A clearer space and a lighter mind.
Boost Your Vitamin D
Getting outside, even for ten minutes, can work wonders for your mood and energy.
Vitamin D supports bone health, immunity and overall wellbeing, but it also boosts your mood. So, whether it’s a short walk, coffee in the garden, or standing barefoot in the grass for a moment, let yourself pause and soak it in.
It’s amazing how much brighter the world feels after a little fresh air.
Create A Positivity Jar.
This is a lovely habit to share with family or keep just for yourself. Each time you think of something you’re grateful for or something you’re looking forward to, write it down and pop it in a jar.
Over time, it becomes a collection of happy thoughts and small moments, something you can dip into whenever you need a gentle reminder of what’s good.
Simple, meaningful and full of hope. It’s a wonderful mini Mission to set some time aside at the end of each month or year and read all notes. For more simple ways to ease stress, the Mind UK wellbeing tips are a supportive read.
A Few More Simple Mood Boosters
Listen to a favourite podcast or audiobook.
Dance around the kitchen to a song that makes you smile.
Look through old holiday photos or start planning your next adventure.
Move your body, even a ten-minute stretch or walk counts.
Challenge a friend or family member to a board game or online quiz.
Daily And Weekly Planners
I’ve created a few printable planners that help me stay focused, grounded, and organised, especially when life feels full. You can find them here. They’re designed to help you take back your time and energy, so you can focus on what truly matters most.
Daily Planner Weekly Planner
Final Thoughts
Remember, small steps make a big difference. Whether it’s lighting a candle, writing a list, or taking a few moments outside, every tiny act of calm adds up.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just keep showing up for yourself, one gentle step at a time.
What helps you feel calmer when life feels overwhelming? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Stay healthy and well,
Much love
Hi, I'm Claire
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
