Calm in the countdown: thriving through the next 90 days

MANY years ago, when my children were much younger, a fellow mum and dear friend told me that she believed that this time of year was by far the busiest. Her children were older and she expressed that this season, as part of the build-up to the year end, was just such a crazy time of year. I couldn’t quite identify with that busyness during that period of my life, but now I fully acknowledge and identify with it.

South Africans know that the last quarter of the year carries its own unique intensity. Spring ushers in a rush of school exams, workplace targets, and an increase in social events. Add to this the traffic, the shopping, and the subtle pressure of “getting ready” for the festive season, and many of us feel like we’re already running a marathon - 90 days too soon.

The reality is that days are busy and we live by a culture of getting through our lists and tasks – simply put, the hustle culture. We have been taught to be strong, power through and keep going until we take a few days break during the December period (if that is a break at all).

I am inviting you to indulge in the soft girl energy approach this season with intention, gentleness, and strategy. It’s not about slowing down to the point of stopping - it’s about moving smarter, with grace and presence, even in the busiest of months.

Five ways to embrace soft girl energy this season 

Curate your calendar: Between school awards days, office year-end functions and family gatherings, diaries can feel overloaded. Not every invitation deserves a “yes”. Before committing to events, ask yourself if that is something you want to do – if you do not feel inclined to, then you do not have to. A selective calendar means you show up fully where it matters most. This is a special skill of maintaining boundaries and only sharing your energy where you want to.

Create micro-rituals of calm: You don’t need a weekend getaway on the coast to reset. Five minutes of deep breathing before tackling traffic on the N3, lighting a candle while you work late, or enjoying a quiet cup of rooibos tea before the household wakes can anchor you in softness. I often light a candle near my workspace – to bring in positive energy and light. This also keeps me calm (especially when I have a lot to do).

Redefine productivity: Productivity is not about ticking the longest list, its about progress. Try starting your day with just three priorities instead of ten. When the "urgent" threatens to crowd out the important - whether that’s exam support for your child or wrapping up a work project - soft girl energy reminds you to protect your mental bandwidth.

Embrace rest as a strategy: Rest is not indulgence, it is intelligent energy management. Just as your phone needs charging, so do you. Schedule naps, early nights or a screen-free evening. A rested mind is sharper, calmer, and far more creative, especially important when juggling year-end traffic, shopping queues, and festive planning.

Soft girl energy is often misinterpreted as passive. However, it takes courage to resist the pull of hustle culture, especially in a society where “keeping busy” is worn like a badge of honour. It takes strength to protect boundaries, to rest without apology and to approach life with grace rather than aggression.

A season lived with intention is far more memorable than one lost in exhaustion. Soft energy is far greater and more rewarding that living in hustle mode. Step back, focus on you and reset. As we step into this countdown season, remember: life is more than surviving October to December, it is about being present. Hustle culture says push harder. Soft girl energy says flow smarter. Chose your energy wisely.

Krsangi Radhe is a Neuro-linguistic Programming Practitioner, Time Line Therapist, Certified Life Coach and the founder of Sankalpa Coaching. She is a motivational speaker and former educator. Visit her website : www.sankalpa-coaching.co.za to book a complimentary coaching session.

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