Busy Doing Well

Kate Horwood
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Busy Doing Well is the podcast for people who want to live and work in a way that prioritises wellbeing, energy, and quality of life — even when life is busy, and without needing a complete lifestyle overhaul. In a world that fuels chronic stress and an always-on culture, this show is about doing things differently: working with stress to master your time and energy, building realistic, healthy habits that last, and creating a mindset and lifestyle that supports you... Instead of one that drains you or leads to burnout. Hosted by wellbeing and performance coach Kate Horwood, each episode brings honest conversations, down-to-earth advice, practical tools, and fresh ways of thinking about stress, success, health, and performance. So there’s less chasing your tail and running on empty, and more showing up as your healthiest, best self, at work and in life.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep 21: Why You’re Still Thinking About Work After Work

    In this episode of Busy Doing Well, I explore why so many people struggle to mentally switch off from work, especially in today’s always-on, remote-working world. We look at what mental disconnection from work actually means, why it matters so much for your nervous system, wellbeing, and performance, and why simply telling yourself to “stop thinking about work” rarely works. I also share practical, realistic strategies to help you create clearer boundaries between work and personal life, calm your nervous system, and start properly switching off, without feeling guilty or less committed. In this episode, we cover: What mental disconnection from work really meansWhy modern work makes switching off so difficultHow stress keeps your brain scanning for “threats” like emails and deadlinesSigns you may not be fully disconnecting from workWhy feeling “tired but wired” is so commonSimple strategies to calm your nervous systemEvening routines that help signal the end of the workdayHow journaling can reduce rumination and improve sleepCreating boundaries when working from home (including the idea of a “fictional commute”)Why disconnecting doesn’t mean you care less about your work If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit, or leaving a review to help more people find the podcast. And if you're interested in coaching or support for your organisation, email: info@katehorwood.com to arrange a consultation.

    13 min

  2. 4 FEB

    Ep 20: Simplifying Your Life Is Sometimes the Real Work

    In this episode, I share a real client story that highlights a pattern I see again and again in my work: people doing all the right things on paper, yet feeling more stressed, exhausted, and depleted as a result. We explore how modern wellbeing culture can push us towards overdoing, over-optimising, and confusing busyness with progress... and why, for many people, the most supportive thing they can do for their health isn’t adding more habits, but simplifying. This episode is especially relevant if you: Feel like you’re trying to “do wellbeing properly” but still feel exhaustedAre juggling lots of habits, routines, tools, or strategiesStruggle with sleep, stress, or constant pressure despite doing “healthy” thingsSuspect your nervous system might be overloaded In this episode, I cover:Why doing more isn’t always better for wellbeingHow stress drives people towards intensity and controlThe hidden cost of overcommitting and over-optimisingWhy simplifying can lead to better results, not worseHow reducing pressure often changes more than any new routine If you’re interested in working with me privately, or exploring how I support teams and organisations, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a consultion. Email: info@katehorwood.com And if you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit, or leaving a review to help others find the podcast.

    8 min

  3. 28 JAN

    Ep 19: Why Hormonal Changes Make Stress Harder to Handle

    Perimenopause and menopause have rightly become much more visible topics in women’s health over the last few years. There’s now far more awareness around common symptoms and how women can be supported during this transition. But there’s one crucial piece that often gets overlooked. As hormones begin to change during perimenopause, the body becomes far less tolerant to stress — physical, emotional, and mental. This shift has a significant impact on how women feel day to day, and on how manageable this stage of life becomes. In this episode, I explain why looking after yourself well becomes even more important as your hormones change. I also share what actually makes the biggest difference when it comes to protecting your energy, mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing during this phase of life. In this episode, we cover:Why stress tolerance drops during perimenopauseThe everyday habits that place hidden stress on the bodyWhy symptoms like poor sleep, anxiety, hot flushes, and weight gain can intensifyThe importance of simple, foundational wellbeing habits If you’d like support navigating perimenopause or menopause, you’re welcome to get in touch — email info@katehorwood.com And if you found this episode helpful, please share it or leave a review to help others find the podcast.

    10 min

  4. 21 JAN

    Ep 18: Why Modern Life Makes Change Feel Harder Than It Needs to Be

    In this episode, I respond to questions and messages that came in after last week’s podcast and newsletter about creating sustainable change. Many people shared that they want to build new habits or improve aspects of their health, wellbeing, or lifestyle... but feel overwhelmed and confused by the sheer amount of conflicting advice available. When you’ve already tried things that didn’t work or weren’t sustainable, it can be hard to know where to start. In this episode, I explore why so many people feel stuck, and why the problem is rarely a lack of motivation or effort. We cover: Why modern life works against our biologyWhy extreme approaches and “going all in” often backfireHow stress drives overcommitting, busyness, and unhealthy patternsWhy what looks “high performing” on the surface isn’t always healthy behind the scenesWhy simple, consistent changes are usually far more effective than drastic onesThe role of self-awareness and reconnecting with your bodyWhy understanding the why makes change feel clearer and more doable If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or frustrated by advice that doesn’t fit your real life, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a calmer perspective on what actually helps. Interested in working together? If you’d like support creating sustainable habits, routines, or ways of working that reduce stress rather than add to it, whether that's for yourself or your team, you’re welcome to get in touch — email info@katehorwood.com to request a consultation. And if you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover on the podcast, feel free to email those too

    10 min

  5. 14 JAN

    Ep 17: Creating Change That Actually Fits Your Life

    The beginning of January often brings a mix of good intentions, excitement, and pressure... and yet, it’s also the time when many people unintentionally set themselves up to fail when trying to create new habits and work towards new year goals or resoultions. Whether you’ve launched into the year feeling organised or you’re already feeling behind, this episode will help you reaccess and refine your goals, so you can build sustainable habits that genuinely last and are in line with your long-term vision. In this episode, Kate covers: Why most New Year goals don’t stickThe five common mistakes people make when setting resolutionsHow to distinguish between your goal and your true desired outcomeWhy intense challenges and restrictive plans rarely lead to long-term changeThe power of starting small, and why small habits workHow to create a clear, realistic plan using the SMART goal frameworkWhat resistance really means and why it’s a normal part of changeHow to avoid perfectionism and get back on track after setbacksThe role of willpower, and how to build habits that eventually feel good, not forced If you enjoyed this episode: Please share it with a friend, family member, or colleague who might need a bit of encouragement this January. Your support genuinely helps the podcast grow. Work with Kate: If you’d like personalised support with creating new habits, building sustainable routines, or managing your energy and mindset, feel free to reach out. This is exactly the kind of work Kate helps clients and teams with through her 1:1 coaching. Email: info@katehorwood.com for more information.

    18 min

  6. 17/12/2025

    Ep 16: Enjoying the Festive Season Without Needing to Recover From It

    The festive season is often described as a time to slow down and recharge — yet for many busy, high-performing people, it can feel anything but restful. Changes to routine, increased social commitments, disrupted sleep, shorter days, and emotional pressures can all take their toll. In this episode, Kate shares practical, grounded ways to support your wellbeing over the festive period — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so you don’t arrive in January feeling depleted and needing to recover from Christmas. In this episode, we explore: How to enjoy festive food and drink without guilt or overindulgenceWhy blood sugar balance matters more than ever when routines are disruptedSimple ways to manage social and work commitments without burning outHow to recognise and support winter low mood and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)The role of light exposure, movement, and daily rhythms in winter wellbeingHow to navigate festive emotions, expectations, and family dynamics with more easeWhy rest and recovery are essential if you want to start the new year feeling energised Key takeaway: The festive season doesn’t have to leave you exhausted. With a more intentional, compassionate approach to food, boundaries, light, and rest, you can move through this time feeling supported, and begin the new year with greater energy, clarity, and resilience. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Please share it with someone who might find it helpful, and if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review really helps more people discover the show. This is Kate’s final episode before Christmas, and she’ll be taking a proper break herself. She’ll be back on January 7th with a new episode all about starting new habits, and (most importantly) how to make them stick. Until then, whether you’re working or taking time off, make sure you give yourself the chance to pause, rest, and recharge. Your body and mind will thank you.

    14 min

  7. 10/12/2025

    Ep 15: The Real Reasons We Get Run Down, And How to Prevent It

    Most people think getting run down is just part of winter… but in reality, the body rarely breaks down without warning. In this episode, we explore why so many people miss the early signs that they’re becoming depleted, and how subtle shifts in how you live, eat, rest and respond to your body can completely change how often you get ill. This episode builds on the last two conversations on self-care and tuning into your body, and offers a practical, empowering framework for preventing illness before it starts. In this episode, we look at: Why getting run down isn’t inevitable — even when “something is going around.”The subtle early symptoms most people miss or override (and why).How chronic stress, undereating, poor sleep and blood sugar dysregulation suppress the immune system.The role caffeine plays in masking early signals and pushing the body beyond its limits.What not to do when you feel those first signs of depletion.Exactly what to do instead to “nip things in the bud” and prevent escalation.Level 2 self-care: learning your personal patterns and triggers so you can prevent depletion before it begins. Episode summary Getting ill rarely happens out of nowhere — it’s usually preceded by days or weeks of small signals from the body that go unnoticed or ignored. But once you learn to notice the early signs and support your body with what it truly needs — rest, nourishment, sleep, and calmer rhythms — you can often prevent illness entirely. And when you take it a step further by understanding your personal patterns and triggers, you can build a lifestyle that keeps you resilient, energised and well even during your busiest seasons. If you enjoyed this episode… Share it with a friend, colleague, or family member who might benefit from hearing it. Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’d like support — either 1:1 or for your organisation — email info@katehorwood.com or find out more on my website www.katehorwood.com

    17 min

  8. 03/12/2025

    Ep 14: The Hidden Blocks That Stop You Listening to Your Body

    Last week, we looked at why real self-care starts with listening to your body. This week, we’re exploring why so many people find that difficult. After years of coaching individuals and teams, I’ve noticed clear patterns - common beliefs and misconceptions that shape how people treat their body. These “blocks” often sit beneath the surface, but once you become aware of them, you can start removing their power. In this episode, we explore those blocks and how to begin honouring your body with more awareness, compassion, and intention. In this episode, we cover: Why so many people override their body’s signals in modern life.How childhood conditioning, culture, and workplace expectations shape our beliefs.The 7 common blocks that stop people honouring their body (including the most common one).Why pushing through tiredness, symptoms, and stress often feels easier in the moment.How ignoring early signals forces your body to “shout” through stronger symptoms.What changes when you start listening — improved resilience, energy, mood, and wellbeing.A simple reflection exercise to identify your own block and start responding differently. Summary Most people intellectually understand the importance of self-care… but these unconscious blocks often get in the way. Once you become aware of them, you can start to challenge the beliefs that keep you stuck in stress, over-functioning, or self-neglect. When you listen to your body early (before symptoms escalate) you strengthen your resilience and build a healthier, more respectful relationship with yourself. And over time, your body no longer needs to “shout” to get your attention. If you'd like support Whether you want personal coaching or a wellbeing session for your team or organisation, you can reach me at info@katehorwood.com or via www.katehorwood.com. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might need it, and if you haven’t already, follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

    14 min
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About

Busy Doing Well is the podcast for people who want to live and work in a way that prioritises wellbeing, energy, and quality of life — even when life is busy, and without needing a complete lifestyle overhaul. In a world that fuels chronic stress and an always-on culture, this show is about doing things differently: working with stress to master your time and energy, building realistic, healthy habits that last, and creating a mindset and lifestyle that supports you... Instead of one that drains you or leads to burnout. Hosted by wellbeing and performance coach Kate Horwood, each episode brings honest conversations, down-to-earth advice, practical tools, and fresh ways of thinking about stress, success, health, and performance. So there’s less chasing your tail and running on empty, and more showing up as your healthiest, best self, at work and in life.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Horwood
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kate Horwood
  • Show Website
    Busy Doing Well