It’s a Dog’s Life - Simple Life Lessons
Every day, my dog, Raffy, gives me a little life lesson without even trying. He sits by the window, tail gently wagging, fully locked into the moment. My son arrives home, and nothing else matters—no to-do lists, no overthinking, no guilt. Just pure, tail-thumping joy.
But let’s be real—when was the last time you felt that kind of presence? Between work, family, aging parents, and the relentless expectation to “keep it all together,” it can feel like life is one long to-do list. The mental load is exhausting—planning meals, remembering birthdays, juggling social commitments, keeping clients happy. And the kicker? The more we push to stay on top of everything, the further we drift from what actually nourishes us.
Here’s the truth: We are nature, even though modern life makes us feel separate from it. Our bodies, our brains, even our emotions—they’re wired to sync with the rhythms of the natural world. Science backs this up—spending time in nature lowers stress hormones, regulates our nervous system, and brings us back to balance. And as women, we’re biologically designed for deep connection, yet we’ve been pulled away from the very rhythms that regulate us. But here’s the good news—nature is always there, patiently waiting to remind us how to live in a way that feels good again.
So let’s take a breath, step back, and learn a few simple (but powerful) lessons from the natural world.
1. Live in Rhythm, Not in Resistance
Nature doesn’t rush. The sun rises and sets, the tides ebb and flow, and the seasons shift without stress or force. Our bodies thrive on rhythms too—circadian cycles regulate our sleep, energy, and hormones. But when we push through fatigue, overcommit, or ignore what our bodies are asking for, we throw everything out of balance. Research shows that ignoring these natural cycles can lead to burnout, hormonal imbalances, fatigue and brain fog.
Instead of forcing yourself to push through, try syncing with your own natural rhythm:
Work when you feel energised and rest when you need to—yes, really.
Prioritise sleep and allow your evenings to slow down.
Eat with the seasons, tuning into what your body actually craves as the weather changes.
2. Let Go of What No Longer Serves You
Trees don’t cling to dead leaves—they let them fall to make way for new growth. Our brains are wired for change, too—neuroplasticity shows us that we can reshape our thoughts, habits, and patterns. But first, we need to clear out what’s taking up space.
What’s weighing you down right now? Is it:
Saying yes when you really mean no?
The pressure to meet unrealistic expectations?
Old emotional baggage you’re ready to release?
Give yourself permission to let go—physically, mentally, and emotionally. When you do, you create space for more ease, clarity, and joy.
3. Simplify Your Commitments
A flower doesn’t try to bloom faster or bigger than the one next to it—it just blooms. Meanwhile, we’re out here trying to be everything to everyone, and it’s no wonder we’re exhausted. Chronic overcommitment activates the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—making us anxious and overwhelmed.
So let’s rethink our commitments:
Are you saying yes out of obligation, or do you really want to?
Can you delegate, say no, or drop something that’s draining you?
What small changes can you make to create more breathing room?
Less doing doesn’t mean less living - it means making space for what actually matters.
4. Reconnect with Your Body Through Somatic Practices
Our nervous system is constantly tuning into our environment, but when we’re caught up in stress, we lose that connection. Somatic practices—simple ways of reconnecting with the body—help regulate stress and bring us back to the present. Activating the vagus nerve (which helps calm the nervous system) can be as easy as:
Taking mindful walks outside, paying attention to the sensation of your feet on the earth (bonus points for going barefoot—earthing has been shown to reduce cortisol).
Deep breathing while listening to the sounds of nature. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing is a shortcut to calming your nervous system.
Moving your body with nature—gentle yoga, stretching, or even just swaying with the wind.
Using touch—place your hands on a tree, feel the texture of leaves, or let water run over your skin. Sensory experiences send calming signals to your brain.
5. Trust the Process
Nothing in nature is in a rush, and yet everything gets done. Trees don’t panic about when their leaves will grow. Rivers don’t stress about getting to the ocean. If you feel stuck, remember—growth is happening beneath the surface, even if you can’t see it yet.
Brain science tells us that real transformation happens in layers—before we see big shifts, our brains are already rewiring in the background. Trust that change is unfolding, even when it’s not immediately visible.
Bringing It All Together
Simplifying your life isn’t about doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about making space for what actually matters—what nourishes you, what excites you, what makes you feel alive.
Nature has been showing us the way all along. So take a deep breath, release what’s weighing you down, and step into the ease and beauty that’s already waiting for you.