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The Purposeful Pause

A free weekly newsletter that reminds you to pause, take care of yourself, and take small, aligned action toward your most sustainable, burnout-proof life—delivered directly to your inbox every Sunday.

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Tags: sustainable systems

Showing 10 results:

digital graveyards, focus friends, and the myth of universal systems

There's a graveyard in my notes app... (and at least a few drawers in my office.) Maybe yours too? 📓 Bullet journals that lasted exactly 13 days. ⏰ Time-blocking calendars abandoned after the first sick day. ☀️ Morning routines that died the moment daylight saving hit. 📱 Productivity apps downloa...

by Hannah Keyes — Aug 24, 2025 burnout prevention frameworks + tools productivity sustainable systems system audits

chocolate mousse, sustainable change, and the back-to-business season

What goes together like the last dregs of summer and poolside reading? Fall back-to-business rush + burnout. It's that time of year where everyone is looking forward, closing out summer mentally and putting the pedal to the metal before we hit the holidays. Which also means, me and my 1:1 clien...

by Hannah Keyes — Aug 17, 2025 burnout prevention energy management seasons + rhythms sustainable systems

taking time to reflect, mermaid research, and when the detour is the path

"When I started working with you originally on energy tracking, I had calls [back-to-back] from like 12 to 6 every day, and now I'm at the point where I have a lot more choice in my schedule." My client shared this on a call last week as we were reflecting on her journey and it got me thinking ab...

by Hannah Keyes — Aug 03, 2025 burnout prevention change management energy management seasons + rhythms sustainable systems

jello nostalgia, 847 unread emails, and the recipe for burnout-free time off

You sit down at your desk with a freshly made coffee and stare at 847 unread emails, a back-to-back calendar, 150+ unread notifications in Slack, and feel a shiver up your spine at the thought of opening your project management system to see the notification number there too. This is the general ...

by Hannah Keyes — Jul 20, 2025 burnout prevention framworks + tools rest + recovery sustainable systems systems + processes

unexpected pauses, a cake crusade, and the myth of me-free businesses

I stepped away for longer—and more extensively—than intended when I had a health scare after the holiday (more on this at the end of today's email). What I discovered during those weeks didn't feel great: a major chunk of my business systems are actually me-systems, not yet real systems. And I'm ...

by Hannah Keyes — Jul 13, 2025 burnout prevention frameworks + tools rest + recovery sustainable systems system audits

momentum bridges, toxic waste routines, and the summer expansion guide

There's this moment in every seasonal transition where you can feel your body asking for something different, but your brain hasn't caught up yet. You find yourself resistant to routines that served you beautifully just weeks ago, or suddenly energized by possibilities that felt overwhelming in s...

by Hannah Keyes — Jun 08, 2025 adapting systems boundaries energy management seasons + rhythms sustainable systems

doing nothing, apple lore, and juggling the three P's

I've been thinking about how we can honor the summer energy that calls us to slow down without guilt or dropping everything we are responsible for. We are (unfortunately?) adults... To enjoy the season without the "I should be taking advantage of these beautiful days" pressure or the "everyone el...

by Hannah Keyes — Jun 01, 2025 energy management rest + recovery seasons + rhythms self-care sustainable systems

permeable boundaries, leaky cups, and the dance to protect and replenish energy

Have you ever noticed that some days you feel like you could conquer the world, while other days just answering emails feels like climbing Everest? For years, I thought the secret was just finding the perfect recharge ritual. But through multiple burnout recoveries—that felt more like trial-and-e...

by Hannah Keyes — May 18, 2025 boundaries burnout prevention energy management rest + recovery sustainable systems

cookie cobbler, default ponder, and the presence of patterns

Originally published December 8, 2024 It's "review your goals and get excited about new year, new you season." 🤢 I love reflection and anticipation as much as the next person... as long as it isn't shoved down my throat with a side of shame, blame, and telling me what box to shove myself into...

by Hannah Keyes — Dec 23, 2024 mental health productivity reflection research + science seasons + rhythms sustainable systems

procedural dramas, tiramisu or focaccia, and the gift of permission

Originally published November 17, 2024 I'm returning to holiday hustle support content this week because we are all dealing with more stress than ever (plenty from holidays, year-end work, and other... colorful... places.) Having experienced firsthand how crucial energy management is during d...

by Hannah Keyes — Dec 23, 2024 boundaries holiday planning mental health stress management sustainable systems

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The Purposeful Pause

Browse *past* Issues

Tags: sustainable systems

TAKE THE FREE QUIZ

Discover your unique energy patterns and create a system that works for YOU!

Join the waitlist for first access to the Tech for Boundaries Workbook!

Browse past Issues