Slowing down to speed up

Why a holistic approach to business and health matters

As the clocks go back and the year begins to wind down, it always makes me stop and take stock. This time of year naturally asks us to slow down a little – to reassess, recharge, and refocus before stepping into a new season.

For me, this week really has been about slowing down. After a short hospital procedure on my hip, I’ve had to take things easy for a few days – something I’m not very good at doing. Living with daily pain can be exhausting, but I’ve learned to adapt. Over the years I’ve navigated menopause and arthritis, and I’ve found that looking after both my physical and mental health is what truly allows me to keep going.

Health and business are more connected than we realise

We often separate our personal health from our professional life – as if our bodies and our businesses exist in different worlds. But they don’t. The two are completely intertwined.

Within my own team and among the incredible clients I work with, there are people navigating everything from hidden disabilities to mental health challenges, chronic conditions, and even secondary breast cancer.

And yet, what I see over and over again is purpose. These are people who carry on, who find ways to adapt, and who channel their challenges into something meaningful.

It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t about pushing through at all costs – it’s about listening to what you need and finding a way that works for you.

Why holistic marketing just makes sense

I’ve always believed that good marketing should feel like good health – sustainable, authentic, and aligned. When I talk about a holistic approach to marketing, I mean one that takes into account the whole picture: your energy, your capacity, your values, and your long-term goals.

That might mean saying no to something that doesn’t feel right. It might mean taking an extra day to create something properly rather than rushing to post for the sake of it. It might even mean pressing pause for a week while you look after yourself or your team.

True, lasting growth doesn’t come from forcing things. It comes from consistency, alignment, and the energy you bring to your work. Just like your body, your business performs better when it’s looked after properly.

The power of slowing down

In a world that tells us to go faster, the brave thing is often to slow down. That pause gives you perspective. It lets ideas breathe. It helps you realign with what actually matters – in your life and in your work.

Sometimes that means taking time out for health reasons. Sometimes it’s stepping back from social media noise to remember why you started. And sometimes, it’s as simple as taking that extra hour (thanks to the clock change!) to rest, reflect, or plan your next move.

Because slowing down isn’t giving up – it’s what allows you to keep showing up.

Holistic growth – your business, your way

If there’s one thing my own journey has taught me – through pain, menopause, and everything in between – it’s that growth has to feel good. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t build a thriving business on burnout.

A holistic approach to business doesn’t mean being soft. It means being smart. It’s about setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and focusing on what aligns with you. That’s how you create sustainable growth – in health, in life, and in business.

So as this season shifts and we gain that symbolic extra hour, use it to pause and check in with yourself. How are you really feeling? What’s working, and what isn’t? What needs more care – you, or your business?

Because often, the two are more connected than we think.