Finding Moments of Calm During Busy Days
For the past three years, I’ve been juggling a full-time remote marketing job while assisting my aging mother with her daily routines after her hip surgery. Between managing appointments, keeping up with work emails, making meals, and running a household, my days can feel quite demanding. By four in the afternoon, I often felt depleted and needed a moment to pause.
I tried a few different ways to recharge during the day. I tried guided meditation apps, but my mind would wander to my afternoon to-do list. I tried drinking matcha tea for a mid-day pick-me-up, but extra caffeine late in the afternoon made me restless. I even tried standard store-bought incense, but it smelled harsh and smoky, leaving a heavy scent in the room. I felt like I needed a simple, enjoyable break that was truly my own.
In October, my sister came over to help out and noticed I needed a breather. She opened her bag and pulled out a tube of Still11 Agarwood Incense that she’s been enjoying at home. She suggested, "Every afternoon at four, step into your office, light one stick, and just take ten minutes to pause and reset."
I tried it that afternoon. I closed my office door, placed the incense stick in its holder, and lit the tip until it glowed red before blowing it out.
I sat back in my chair and watched the graceful line of smoke curve slowly in the quiet air. As the scent gently filled the room, a soft, sweet, woody aroma took over. Unlike cheap incense, this smelled refined, warm, and deeply comforting.
I took three slow, deep breaths. With every inhale, I felt the day's tension ease up. My mind quieted down, giving me a moment of genuine stillness. For ten minutes, I put aside my phone and work notifications, using the time to simply reset my thoughts.
When I opened my office door later, my mom remarked on how pleasant and peaceful the hallway smelled.
Now, my four o'clock agarwood pause is my favorite daily ritual. I even shared a box with my sister-in-law during a busy work week, and she mentioned how much she enjoyed taking that small pause for herself each afternoon.
I am so grateful to Still11 for crafting such a thoughtful product that encourages taking a mindful pause during a busy schedule. What is your go-to ritual when you need to recharge during the day? I’d love to read your thoughts below!
— Kim