When you think of places to unwind and clear your head, Hong Kong probably isn't at the top of your list. Known for its bustling streets, breathtaking skyline, cutting-edge tech, and packed neighborhoods home to nearly 8 million people, it's anything but quiet.
Yet there I was, on a Sunday afternoon, sitting in my hotel room—exhausted, stressed, jet-lagged, and short on time. The next morning, teams from around the globe would be arriving for an important week-long retreat. Looking out my window, the busy streets mirrored my chaotic mind—a never-ending rush of cars, colors, noises, and people. I knew I had a choice: keep grinding through my stress or deliberately take a step back to find balance.
On a whim, I grabbed an Uber, hopped on a tram, and enjoyed a calming 25-minute aerial journey up to the Big Buddha temple on Lantau Island. Now, I know what you are probably thinking: Sure, visiting a mountain temple might seem like the obvious choice to find peace, but even that was buzzing with people on a Sunday. Still, I spent the next four hours wandering around with no specific agenda other than letting my mind slowly settle.
By the time I returned to the city, the streets were still bustling, but my mind felt lighter, calmer - quiet.
That shift was essential. It helped me recharge and be fully present with my team throughout the week, ensuring everyone got exactly what they needed from our time together. I wanted and needed to give them my best and I was finally ready to.
What I learned is a simple, yet important reminder: You absolutely can—and need—to find balance, even when life feels too busy.
Here are a few practical tips that I've found helpful when things get busy:
Be Present I know, easier said than done sometimes, but take a break from overthinking. Simply pause and notice what's happening around you without judgment. A few moments of mindfulness can dramatically lower your stress levels and stop the feeling of those walls closing in around you.
Practical tip: Take a 5-minute mindfulness break each day, focusing on deep breaths or observing your surroundings. Shift from "feeling" everything to just "seeing" it.
Be Intentional When the stress starts to feel like too much but you don't have time time, intentionally do something to break the cycle. Listen to your favorite song, stretch your body, or jot down your thoughts.
Practical tip: Create a quick go-to list of activities or tools (music, journaling, short walks) that help you reset quickly.
Be Patient Feeling overwhelmed occasionally is completely normal. Instead of being critical, remind yourself to be patient and compassionate as you regain balance.
Practical tip: Repeat affirmations like “I’m doing my best” or “This too shall pass” to encourage patience and kindness toward yourself.
Adjust Your Surroundings Small environmental changes can significantly boost your ability to stay balanced. Use noise-cancelling headphones, introduce calming scents, or declutter your workspace to encourage peace of mind.
Practical tip: Regularly tidy your workspace or add elements like plants or calming aromas to your environment.
Plan for Balance Proactively schedule downtime, treating it as seriously as any important meeting.
Practical tip: Block out regular "balance breaks" in your calendar, even if it's just 10-15 minutes daily.
You don’t have to be in Hong Kong to know what busy feels like. And you don’t need complete solitude or a remote location to find balance—it’s about intention and choice. Hong Kong reminded me that balance isn’t determined by external chaos but by how we respond. As leaders, we have a responsibility to our teams and partners to respond appropriately so we are ready. Some of the most important work we do, is to take care of ourselves so we can take care of them.
It's also important to note that balance is not a "set it and forget it" strategy. It's a fluid state that requires consistent and intentional adjustments - what I call Active Balance. During the week, I couldn't rely on my journey to the top of the mountain to carry me through 12-14 hour days of leading the team. I had to prioritize recovery, go for long quiet walks, and remind myself to be present so I could preserve (and rebuild) the balance I found to start the week.
Busy times will always come, especially for leaders, but your balance doesn't have to depend on external circumstances. With intention and practice, you can find balance wherever and whenever you need it.
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