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 their wellbeing, their energy, and their 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 so that you are in full control of your time and energy, building realistic, healthy habits that boost your wellbeing and performance levels, 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. 5D AGO

    Ep 30: Mental Health Awareness Month: Factors That Can Influence How You Feel

    This episode marks the start of a short series for Mental Health Awareness Month, where I’m exploring some of the key areas I regularly see impacting how people feel in their day-to-day lives. Rather than focusing on diagnoses or solutions, this series is about understanding the factors that can either support your mental health… or work against it. In this first episode, I introduce the four areas I’ll be breaking down over the coming weeks, and explain why it’s so important to understand what might be affecting how you feel. In this episode, I cover: Why mental health is complex and doesn’t have a single cause.The idea that there are factors that can support or work against how you feel.Why we often focus on how we feel, rather than what’s influencing it.How labels and diagnoses can shape our perception of control.The four key areas I see impacting mental health.How these areas interact and can create supportive or negative cycles.Why modern-day life often pulls us away from the things that help us feel more regulated. If you’d like support: If you’d like to better understand what might be influencing how you feel, and build routines and habits that support your mental health, I work with both individuals and teams in this area. Email info@katehorwood.com for more information.

    6 min

  2. APR 29

    Ep 29: Routines as an Anchor: Creating Stability in a Busy Life

    This week’s episode builds on last week’s conversation about morning routines and takes a broader look at routines in general. Rather than seeing them as something restrictive or purely about discipline, I explore how routines actually act as an anchor - creating stability, predictability, and a sense of control in your day-to-day life. I also talk about how routines don’t just impact your mindset, but your nervous system and physiology too, influencing your energy, mood, and how you respond to stress. In this episode, I cover: Why routines create a sense of stability and calmThe link between routines and your nervous systemThe difference between external and self-directed routinesHow consistency supports your energy, sleep, and overall regulationWhy routines are often the first things to slip during stressful periodsHow strong routines help you get back on track more quicklyThe balance between consistency and flexibility If you’d like support: If you’d like to build routines that actually work for you and help you feel more consistent and in control, feel free to get in touch to arrange a call. I work with both individuals and teams to create more structure, consistency, and sustainable ways of working. Email: info@katehorwood.com

    8 min

  3. APR 22

    Ep 28: Why Being Intentional in the Morning Makes Such a Difference

    This week’s episode was inspired by a recent BBC Radio segment I was asked to contribute to on morning routines. It’s a topic I’ve touched on before, but in this episode I wanted to focus on what I believe is one of the most important ways to look at them — not from the perspective of having the “perfect” routine, but how you start your day and the impact that has on how it feels. At the core of this is the difference between starting your day on the back foot versus the front foot - in other words, reactively versus proactively. I talk through what that looks like in practice, why it matters, and some simple ways to create a more intentional start to your day, even if you don’t have much time. In this episode, I cover: The difference between a reactive and proactive start to the dayWhy many people unknowingly start their day on the back footHow your morning affects your stress levels, focus, and energyThe role of “locus of control” and why it mattersWhy your morning actually starts the night beforeSimple, realistic ways to create a more intentional morningHow small changes can make a big difference to how your day feels Interested in support? If this is something you recognise in yourself and you’d like to build more structure, consistency, and intention into your routine, this is exactly the kind of work I support clients with. Feel free to get in touch to arrange a call and explore whether coaching would be a good fit for you or your team. Email: info@katehorwood.com

    8 min

  4. APR 15

    Ep 27: Time vs Energy: The Mistake Most People Are Making

    Most people focus on managing their time, but overlook something just as important: their energy. In this episode, I explore the difference between time and energy management, why this often sits at the root of feeling overwhelmed, stressed or less productive than you’d like, and how you can start structuring your days and weeks in a way that actually supports how you feel and perform. Key Points Why managing your time alone isn’t enoughThe two types of energy: wellbeing (baseline energy) and how you design your scheduleThe “wellbeing basics” that underpin consistent energyWhy these basics are often the first things to slip when life gets busyHow to structure your work and schedule to support focus, motivation, and productivityThe concept of “energy batching” and grouping similar tasks togetherReal examples of how to design your time more intentionallyWhy most people have more control over their schedule than they realiseThe impact of planning vs. falling into reactive ways of working Support If this is something you’d like to improve, whether that’s managing your time and energy more effectively, feeling less overwhelmed, or working in a way that’s more sustainable, this is exactly the kind of work I support clients with. I also work with teams and organisations through webinars, sessions, and programmes, so feel free to get in touch if that’s something you’re exploring. Get in touch: info@katehorwood.com Website: www.katehorwood.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-horwood/

    10 min

  5. APR 8

    Ep 26: The Hidden Cost of Not Doing What You Say You Will

    Self-trust is something most people don’t consciously think about, but it underpins far more than we realise. In this episode, I explore how self-trust is built (or broken) through your daily actions, why a lack of it can impact your stress levels, habits, and mindset, and how it often sits at the root of procrastination, inconsistency, and feeling stuck. Key Points What self-trust actually is and how it’s built through everyday actions.The common patterns that break self-trust (overcommitting, unrealistic expectations, all-or-nothing thinking).Why not following through isn’t neutral, and how it impacts your mindset and behaviour.The link between self-trust, your nervous system, and feelings of stress and anxiety.How cycles of procrastination, avoidance, and unhelpful habits develop.Why trying harder or being stricter with yourself often makes things worse.How to rebuild self-trust through realistic commitments and small, consistent actions.The difference between a downward spiral and an upward spiral, and how to shift into one. Looking for Support? If this is something you recognise in yourself and you’d like to build more consistency, self-trust, and overcome procrastination, this is exactly the kind of work I support clients with. I also work with teams and organisations through webinars, sessions, and programmes, so feel free to get in touch if that’s something you’re exploring. Get in touch: info@katehorwood.com Website: https://katehorwood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-horwood/

    11 min

  6. APR 1

    Ep 25: How to Manage Stress and Stay Resilient During High-Pressure Periods

    After a short break from the podcast, I’m back, and in this episode, I’m reflecting on a recent intense period of moving home. Rather than focusing on the move itself, I’m sharing how I managed the pressure, both physically and mentally, and how, when I look back, everything I did aligns directly with what I teach around stress, energy, and performance. Because while we can’t always avoid high-pressure periods, we can change how we support ourselves through them. Main PointsMaintaining stable blood sugar to support resilienceStarting each day with a morning walk to create headspace and regulate the nervous systemLetting go of non-essential routines (like the gym) to reduce additional pressurePrioritising sleep and creating space in the morning to feel ahead of the dayManaging time and energy proactively through daily planning, lists, and trackingProcessing stress through conversation, voice notes, or other outlets to reduce mental loadLetting go of perfection and focusing on what truly matters under pressureApproaching the entire period with a focus on proactive and reactive stress managementBuilding in intentional recovery time afterwards to allow the body and nervous system to reset If you’re navigating a particularly busy or demanding period right now, or you’d like to get better at managing your energy and stress more effectively, this is exactly the kind of work I support clients with — so feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore that further, email: info@katehorwood.com to find out more. And as always, if you found this episode helpful, please do share it with someone who might benefit from it. If you haven’t already, leaving a review really helps the podcast reach more people, and I always really appreciate your support.

    13 min

  7. MAR 11

    Ep 24: When Good Habits Slip (And How to Restart)

    In this episode, I talk about something very common that happens when routines change, even when those routines are habits we value. After a couple of months working abroad, my usual gym routine naturally fell away. When I returned home and started thinking about restarting it, I noticed something very familiar: resistance. Not because I didn’t want to exercise, but because stepping away from a routine for a while often means it takes a little more effort to start again. In this episode, I explain why this happens and how to approach restarting habits without getting stuck in guilt or perfectionism. We explore: Why resistance often appears when restarting a habitHow the brain and nervous system adapt to routinesWhy restarting a habit is usually easier than starting one from scratchThe common trap of dwelling on “falling off track”Why consistency matters more than intensity in the early stagesHow planning habits clearly into your schedule makes restarting easier If you'd like support If you'd like support with rebuilding healthy routines, improving your wellbeing or productivity, or creating habits that actually stick in real life, you're very welcome to get in touch. Email: info@katehorwood.com Enjoying the podcast? If you found this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from it. And if you haven't already, leaving a review helps the podcast reach more people.

    8 min

  8. MAR 4

    Ep 23: When You’ve Switched Off… But You Still Can’t Relax

    Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about mentally disconnecting from work - why it’s hard to switch off, and why even weekends don’t always feel truly restorative. In this episode, I explore something I hear often from clients: “Even when I switch off, I still don’t feel calm.” We look at why stopping work and recovering from stress are two completely different things, and why many capable, driven people don’t actually experience deep rest until several days into a holiday. In this episode, I cover: Why switching off from work doesn’t automatically calm your nervous systemHow chronic pressure becomes “normal” to the bodyWhy it can take 3–5 days on holiday to feel properly relaxedThe link between stress, rumination, and restless thinkingWhy high-functioning, over-achieving people struggle most with deep restThe subtle ways we perpetuate stress without realisingWhat actually helps your nervous system come down (without adding more to your to-do list) If this episode resonated with you and you’d like support with stress, boundaries, or learning how to properly switch off, you’re very welcome to get in touch: email: info@katehorwood.com And if you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit — and consider leaving a review to help more people find the podcast.

    14 min
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Trailer

About

Busy Doing Well is the podcast for people who want to live and work in a way that prioritises their wellbeing, their energy, and their 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 so that you are in full control of your time and energy, building realistic, healthy habits that boost your wellbeing and performance levels, 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
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kate Horwood
  • Show Website
    Busy Doing Well

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