Issue #7: Jump Start on Managing Holiday Chaos
Getting ahead and managing the holiday chaos and learning to leverage natures healing
Holiday Chaos and Nature Goals
I’ve been thinking a lot, and I am sure you have too about how fast life is moving. I have been telling my family and friends every time we talk ‘prepare yourself- were already half way through October - you’re going to blink and it will be January!’
Between the pressure to finish off Q4 at work on a high, planning around holidays and kids being out of school there’s a lot to feel overwhelmed about.
Personally, when I feel overwhelmed and work and life get to be a bit too much I force myself into nature. It has become my happy place. So, this week I’m focusing on sharing what I’ve learned about ecotherapy, how to embrace it and plan for the hectic season ahead.
📌Tip of the Week
Managing Time Amid Holiday Hecticness
As we enter the final quarter of the year, life tends to speed up—whether you’re a leader managing end-of-year projects, teams gearing up for Black Friday and Holiday Sales mode, or families juggling holiday plans. Balancing all these demands can feel overwhelming, but the key to staying grounded is time management.
Here are three quick ways to help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease:
Set Clear Priorities: Use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important tasks) to categorize your responsibilities. Focus on what will move the needle the most, both at work and at home.
Block Time for Reflection and Rest: Just as you plan meetings and work commitments, carve out time for rest and self-reflection. Even 15 minutes of "downtime" during a packed day can boost your productivity and mental clarity.
Communicate Boundaries: Whether with colleagues or family, set clear boundaries around your time. Let others know your availability and try to avoid overcommitting. This helps reduce stress and sets expectations clearly for everyone.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all—delegate where possible and take things one step at a time. Keeping a balance will help you not only survive but thrive during the holiday rush.
Ecotherapy is Healing Through Nature
Ever feel like the constant hustle of work, deadlines, and meetings leaves you drained? You're not alone. In a world where we spend more time in front of screens than outside, we can forget the power of nature in recharging and resetting our minds.
Enter ecotherapy—a practice that brings nature back into our lives, helping us reconnect, reflect, and ultimately feel more balanced.
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is rooted in the belief that spending time in natural environments can improve mental and physical well-being. Whether it's a walk in the park, forest bathing, or simply sitting by a body of water, engaging with nature can lower stress, boost mood, and help us regain a sense of calm. Research shows it can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even improve self-esteem and cognitive function.
The Science Behind It
The connection between mental health and nature is well-documented. A study by the mental health charity Mind found that 71% of participants reported reduced depression levels after engaging in nature walks, and 90% experienced higher self-esteem.1 Another study showed that just 90 minutes in nature reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated with negative thoughts and rumination, which are often linked to anxiety and depression.2
Ecotherapy also benefits people with a variety of mental health conditions. Therapeutic gardening, for example, has been shown to decrease symptoms in individuals with depression and anxiety disorders.2
How Ecotherapy Helps Leaders
For those of us in leadership roles, where decisions, people, and deadlines pull us in a thousand directions, ecotherapy can serve as an antidote to burnout. Imagine this: Instead of answering emails or jumping on Zoom during lunch, you step outside, breathe fresh air, and take a mindful walk. By pausing for nature, you give yourself space to think creatively, reflect on decisions, and build resilience.
p.s did you know even looking at photos of nature can improve your stress levels.
Ways to Integrate Ecotherapy Into Your Routine
Start Your Day with Sunlight: Spend 10-15 minutes outside in the morning. Not only does this sync your circadian rhythm, but it also enhances your mental clarity for the day ahead.
Lunch Break in Nature: Instead of eating at your desk, take your lunch outside. A simple picnic in a park can help you reset and return to work more focused.
Nature Walks as Meetings: Walking meetings can be a great way to encourage creativity and reduce stress for both you and your team. Walking side by side often fosters more open and less stressful communication.
Mindfulness in Nature: Practice mindful moments while in nature. Pause to observe the sounds, colors, and sensations around you. These mini-mindfulness moments help you stay present and reduce anxiety.
My Personal Ecotherapy Practice
As someone who balances multiple roles and wears many hats, I often rely on ecotherapy to ground myself. Whether it's a walk through the local wetlands (P.S. if you're in South Florida, join our upcoming in-person event at Wakodahatchee Wetlands on October 26th!), or simply sitting in my garden with a cup of tea, these moments in nature help me reset, reflect, and restore balance.
How Joy, Meaning, and Guardrails Prevent Burnout in High-Performing Teams
Author: Rebecca Abernathy
I'm Rebecca Abernathy, a Product Operations leader with nearly 20 years of experience, 10 of which have been dedicated to building and leading high-performing, critical-path teams, including for the relaunch of Healthcare.gov. I recently joined Inovalon, Inc. to build the Product Operations function in their Payer business unit and prior to that, I built and led the Product Operations functions at both Lark Health and Rally Health.
I’ve developed a deep passion for building and leading teams, much more than I ever anticipated. In fact, it’s driven me to pursue a master’s in Organizational Development and Leadership. Many people are promoted into leadership roles because of their potential, but they’re often not provided the necessary guidance on how leadership differs from the individual work that initially highlighted their abilities. My focus is on understanding what leadership looks like for middle- and line-managers and how they act as strategic enablers of broader organizational goals.
On Being a Balanced Leader
A few years ago, I was doing a lot of long-distance cycling, but I had a bad habit of pushing myself to extremes. I didn’t have a strong sense of my limitations, so I created a personal metric to avoid injury. I eventually settled on this mantra: If I’m not having fun and I’m not learning anything, it’s time to get off the bike.
When I became a leader of high performers, I realized their risk of burnout was high, and I needed to establish guardrails to protect them. I looked back on my experience as a cyclist and found those same metrics—joy and meaning—were relevant in the workplace. So, I periodically ask my team: Are you finding joy in your work? Are you finding meaning? And, How important are those things to you?
Their answers have helped me decide when to prioritize training opportunities, switch up teams or project types, and keep my folks engaged and energized. Creating healthy, balanced teams doesn’t always mean more time off—it can mean understanding what matters to your team members and delivering that through their work. Ensuring they have a sense of purpose and are getting more than just a paycheck goes a long way toward preventing burnout.
Wellness Corner
My Favorite No-bake Energy Bites
If you’re looking for a quick to make, healthy and delicious snack, you’re in the right place. These no-bake energy bites are my absolutely favorite and better yet you can change them up and add your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup flax seeds or chia seeds
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, peanut butter, honey, flax seeds, chocolate chips, and vanilla.
If desired, stir in the shredded coconut for an extra boost of flavor.
Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Enjoy and store any extras in the fridge for up to a week!
These energy bites are perfect for a quick, healthy snack during busy days. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and just a touch of sweetness to keep you energized without the sugar crash. Ideal for leaders who need to fuel their day between meetings or as an easy treat during hectic times like the holiday season!
Community Insights
Mark your calendars: our first in-person event is approaching fast!
If you’re in the Palm Beach County, Florida area come out and join us for a morning walk, bring friends and family!
Balanced in Nature - Join us @ Wakodahatchee, Saturday October 26th
Located in the heart of Palm Beach County, Wakodahatchee Wetlands offers stunning views of local wildlife and a peaceful setting for a refreshing morning walk. We'll start at 8:30 AM with a relaxed stroll along the boardwalk, providing plenty of opportunities to chat, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty.
The goal is simple: take a break from the hustle, enjoy the outdoors, and build connections. Whether you're a long-time balanced.boss subscriber or new to the community, come as you are, and get ready to connect and recharge.
Feel free to bring snacks, water, and anything else to stay comfortable!
RSVP to the event here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7240328540007649283/
Until next time, stay well.
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅.𝒃𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎
1 https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ecotherapy.html
2 https://alohaintegrativehealth.com/ecotherapy-how-nature-promotes-healing-for-mental-health/
* Consult Your Doctor First: Before starting any new exercise routines, wellness plans, or making significant changes to your diet, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can help ensure that any new practices are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. Your well-being is our top priority, so please take this step before making any changes.