A number of years ago, I was flying high. My business was thriving — our most profitable years ever, eight-figure revenue, a team of 45 spread across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. To the outside world, I had “made it.”
But beneath the surface, things looked very different.
I was working across multiple time zones, barely sleeping, and fuelling myself with anything (and everything)I could grab. My health and social life were nonexistent. I was well past the point of burnout, and then, one day, my body literally gave out.
Mid-meeting, I keeled over, started throwing up, and my vision blurred. It was a massive wake-up call. My body was screaming at me to stop. To rest. To clean up my act.
So I listened. I moved back to Australia, slowed down, cleaned up my lifestyle, and made rest a priority. And do you know what I discovered?
I was so much more than my work.
I love hiking, running, sharing meals with friends, and travelling the world. I love dreaming big and helping other women create the businesses of their dreams. These things make me feel energised and motivated every day — and they’re only possible because I learned how to rest.
Rest is not a luxury. It’s the secret ingredient to staying energised and motivated as a woman business owner. Here’s why it matters and how you can make it a non-negotiable part of your life.
Why High-Achieving Women Struggle with Rest
We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. As business owners, we’re conditioned to believe that success comes from working harder, pulling longer hours, and staying “on” 24/7. But what’s the cost?
Burnout, stress, exhaustion… and the loss of joy in the very thing you once loved — your business. When you’re running on fumes, even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, and your business can begin to feel like a chore.
It doesn’t have to be this way. By prioritising rest, you can prevent burnout and rediscover the energy and motivation you need to thrive in both your work and life.
Lessons from Simone Biles: Rest as a Strength
In 2021, Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, stepped back from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. The backlash was enormous. People questioned her commitment and criticised her decision to prioritise her mental health.
But Biles knew something many of us overlook: rest is essential. She stepped back because her body and mind were out of sync, putting her at risk of serious injury. By taking the time to recharge, she came back stronger, reigniting her love for the sport.
Her story reminds us that rest isn’t weakness.
It’s a powerful act of self-respect. For women business owners, it’s the key to staying motivated and energised for the long haul.
5 Ways to Integrate Rest into Your Life
Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s about intentional recovery — for your body, mind, and soul. Here are five ways to start building rest into your life and business:
1. Reset Your Boundaries
If you let work bleed into every corner of your life, you’ll quickly burn out.
Define your work hours and stick to them.
Turn off notifications after a certain time, and communicate your boundaries to your team and clients.
Remember, you are more than your business.
2. Schedule Rest Like You’d Schedule a Meeting
If you’re like me, if it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen.
Block out time for activities that recharge you. Whether it’s a yoga class, planning time for a long vacation, or catching up with a friend, treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
3. Delegate, Automate, Eliminate
You don’t have to do it all.
Delegate tasks to your team, automate repetitive processes and eliminate unnecessary steps in your workflow.
Every task you let go of creates more space for rest.
4. Choose Intentional Rest
Not all rest is created equal.
Mindlessly scrolling through social media won’t recharge you.
Instead, choose activities that genuinely fill your cup: walking in nature, journaling, painting, or simply sitting with a cup of tea and letting your thoughts wander. Try starting a new hobby. Find those parts of your identity that you love and that AREN’T connected to your work. You’ll be surprised just how many there are.
5. Reflect Regularly
Check in with yourself weekly. How are you feeling? Are you energised or drained? What can you adjust to create more balance? Quarterly reviews are also a game-changer. Look at what’s working, what’s not, and ensure you’re staying aligned with your goals and vision.
Rest Is the Secret to Long-Term Success
Taking time to rest isn’t lazy or indulgent.
It’s a strategic move that allows you to show up as your best self. When you prioritise rest, you’re not just preventing burnout — you’re creating the energy and motivation you need to love your business and your life.
If you’re feeling burnt out or disconnected, you’re not alone. Inside the HerBusiness Network, we have a community of women business owners who are learning how to build thriving businesses without sacrificing their health or happiness.
Get on the waitlist today and be the first to know when we open membership. Together, we’ll help you create the life and business you love.
