The Power oF ORDINARY MOMENTS

Creating Space: The quiet power of self-care in a busy day

In the rush of daily life—emails stacking up, deadlines looming, errands waiting, and messages buzzing—it’s easy to feel like there’s simply no room to breathe. We often associate self-care with luxurious spa days or long weekends away, when in reality, it’s the small, quiet moments tucked within our daily routines that can truly restore us.

Self-care doesn’t need to be loud, elaborate, or time-consuming. In fact, its real magic lies in its simplicity. Sometimes, self-care is just stepping outside to peg out the washing or pausing to weed a quiet corner of the garden. These brief interludes aren’t just chores—they’re invitations to reconnect with yourself.

The Value of Micro-Moments

In our always-on culture, we’ve been trained to maximise every minute, but that mindset often comes at the expense of our wellbeing. Yet, it’s when we find “in-between” spaces in the day that we often find our greatest sense of peace.

At my Spring retreat, we reflected on the moments in our day that we find relaxing - the ones where we can let our minds wander. Pegging out the washing, for example, may not seem particularly restful. But step out into the sunlight, feel the breeze against your skin, smell the fresh laundry, and suddenly you’re grounded. You’re not thinking about your inbox or your to-do list. You’re just there—present in the moment, connecting with something physical and rhythmic. One of the retreat attendees finds this daily task a real opportunity. She takes off her shoes and socks to stand grounded on the grass, and really enjoys the repetitive satisfaction of the work.

Likewise, taking a few minutes to pull weeds from a garden bed isn’t just about tidying your garden —it’s about engaging with nature, slowing down, and focusing on a task that has a clear beginning and end. There’s no multitasking in weeding. No screens. Just you, the soil, and the quiet satisfaction of clearing space.

These activities may be mundane on the surface, but they offer moments of clarity, presence, and reconnection. They are little anchors in an otherwise turbulent day. And these anchors can build into something more when we replay pay attention to them and give them a value over and above the everyday.

The Beauty of White Space – “Yohaku no Bi”

In Japanese aesthetics, there’s a concept called ‘yohaku no bi’, which translates to “the beauty of white space.” It refers to the intentional use of emptiness or space in art and design. This “negative space” isn’t a void—it’s a presence, a pause, a breath between brushstrokes that allows the eye to rest and the heart to feel.

Applied to life, yohaku no bi reminds us that not every moment must be filled. Just as a painting gains depth and meaning from the space around its forms, our lives become more balanced and beautiful when we intentionally leave room to just ‘be’.

This isn’t about being idle—it’s about being intentional. White space in life might be a walk around the block between meetings, a quiet cup of tea before the rest of the house wakes up, or ten minutes of stretching while dinner simmers on the stove. These aren’t “wasted” moments—they’re essential ones.

The Myth of “Productivity = Worth”

One of the reasons we struggle to embrace small moments of self-care is because we’ve absorbed the myth that our worth is tied to our productivity. If we’re not doing something visibly “important” or “useful,” we feel guilty. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard this from clients in my therapy room.

But here’s the truth: rest is productive. Reflection is productive. Pausing is productive. YES, it is! The neuroscience backs this up, but we don’t need a research paper to know that we are more focused and happier in our work if we are well rested.

When we allow ourselves those small breaks—those gaps of white space—we return to our tasks more focused, more creative, and more centered. It’s not laziness; it’s sustainability.

Making Space, Not Finding It

We often say, “I’ll take a break if I can find the time.” But time isn’t lost—it’s filled. And just like in art, creating space requires intention.

The good news is that you don’t need hours. You just need a few minutes. Here are some simple ways to carve out small but powerful self-care moments in your day:

• Peg out the washing slowly. Instead of rushing through it, notice the feel of the fabric, the warmth of the sun, the sounds around you. Or simply allow yourself to drift whilst you do it.

• Do a task outdoors. Whether it’s watering plants or filling the bird feeder- being outside changes your perspective.

• Add “white space” to your calendar. Literally schedule 10-15 minute blocks where you don’t work, scroll, or talk—just be.

• Savor a cup of tea or coffee. No multitasking. No phone. Just drink and breathe. One of my clients has created a ritual around making tea in a teapot. A simple and effective way to create a small space

• Stretch. Not a full yoga session—just a moment to move, reach, and realign your body.

• Watch the sky. Clouds moving, birds flying, trees swaying—it’s humbling and calming at the same time.

Find a moment to be outside and breathe

RIPPLE EFFECT

Taking these small pauses has a ripple effect. When we are more grounded and centered, we respond to stress differently. We become less reactive, more present with our loved ones, and more in tune with our own needs.

We also model a healthier way of being for others—especially children or team members—showing that life isn’t just about hustle, but also about harmony. Imagine feeling calmer, life being smoother as a result of finding those small moments.

A Gentle Reminder

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a kindness we extend to ourselves, so we have more to give to others. It doesn’t have to be big, expensive, or time-consuming. It can be a few breaths taken under the sky, a hand plunged into soil, or the feel of damp linen on your fingertips.

And in that space—those moments of pause—you’ll find not emptiness, but fullness. Not a lack of doing, but a richness of being.

So today, look for your white space. Find it in your everyday activities. And then step into it fully—knowing that, like the negative space in art, it holds profound beauty and quiet strength.

I’d love to hear what your white spaces are - let me know in the comments below.

I was recently featured in an article in Happiful Magazine about ‘Joy Snacking’ You can read more via the link here.