In today’s world, it can feel like there’s always something more to do. Our to-do lists are long, the demands of life never seem to stop, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to get everything done all at once. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all today.

Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is pause, breathe, and focus on what matters most. Not everything is urgent, and learning to prioritize allows you to do the things that will actually move the needle in your life without burning out.

Why It’s Okay to Let Go of “Doing It All”

We live in a culture that praises hustle and productivity, but constantly being on the go can leave you feeling exhausted and drained. The reality is that rest is just as important as getting things done. When you take time to recharge, you allow yourself to show up with more energy, clarity, and focus.

So instead of trying to do everything at once, give yourself permission to slow down. Focus on the things that truly matter and trust that the rest will fall into place. Here’s how you can approach your day with more ease and intention:

How to Focus on What Matters Most

1. Start with a Brain Dump
When your mind is racing with all the things you think you have to do, it’s helpful to get everything out of your head and onto paper. Grab a notebook and write down everything that’s swirling around in your mind. From big projects to tiny tasks, get it all out.
Once it’s all written down, ask yourself: What are the top 1-3 things that will make the biggest difference today? Circle those, and let the rest wait for another time.

2. Embrace Small Wins
Not every day has to be a marathon of productivity. Some days, your biggest win might be crossing off a single task or taking time to rest. And that’s okay. Small wins build momentum and help you feel accomplished without the pressure of “doing it all.”

3. Schedule Time for Rest with a Slow Down Ritual
Rest is productive! It helps you recharge, reduce stress, and come back to your tasks with a clearer mind. If you struggle with allowing yourself time to rest, try scheduling it into your day. Whether it’s a 10-minute break between tasks or a longer period of time in the evening, rest is just as important as work.

One of my favorite ways to rest is by creating a Slow Down Ritual. As my days are so busy and full, I need it to be a calm and simple ritual. I start by setting my intention with my breath. If it's at night time, I light a candle and turn off the lights. I usually turn on some soothing music—nothing too distracting. I make it a no-screen zone, allowing my mind to fully switch off from the busyness of the day. This allows my mind to rest and afterwards I always have more clarity rather then a racing mind. My favourite way to recharge is with a warm bath. This is where Hide + Soak’s Magnesium Bath Salts come in. I pick a blend to suit my needs at that time, and I usually add some Epsom Salts too. I add a generous scoop to my bath bag and drop into a warm bath, letting the magnesium soothe and relax my muscles and the gentle botanicals and essential oils relax my mind. The warm water, the calming scents, and the peaceful environment all come together to create a perfect moment of self-care and restoration. I usually try to soak before bed, so I can move straight to into sleep, but sometime if I soak during the day, I will have a short power nap afterwards.

4. Let Go of Perfection
Perfectionism can often be the biggest barrier to productivity. When we focus on getting everything just right, we end up doing more than necessary or procrastinating out of fear of not doing enough. Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Done is better than perfect.

5. Create a Simple Evening Routine
Ending your day on a peaceful note can set you up for success tomorrow. Take a few moments each evening  to reflect on what you accomplished (even if it wasn’t everything on your list). Celebrate your small wins, and let go of the pressure to do more. You could choose to try my Slow Down Ritual mentioned above or a few sprays of our Magnesium Oil on your feet or tummy can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Productivity Isn’t About Doing It All

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that productivity means crossing everything off your list. But true productivity comes from doing the right things—the things that matter most. So today and this week, give yourself permission to let go of the pressure to do it all. Focus on what matters, embrace rest as a valuable part of your day, and trust that everything will flow as it’s meant to.