I see you, juggling your coaching business or job, family responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list that comes with it all. I know how easy it is to feel like you can’t afford to take a break, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not only okay to stop – it’s absolutely necessary.
As women in midlife, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve built careers, maybe raised families (and dogs 🤗), and navigated countless challenges along the way. But let’s be real – we don’t have the same energy we did in our twenties, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s time to embrace the power of the pause and give ourselves permission to rest.
I know firsthand how tempting it is to keep pushing through, even when your body and mind are screaming for a break. Running my own business means there’s always one more email to send, one more project to complete, or one more client to follow up with. But I’ve learned the hard way that burning the candle at both ends only leads to burnout.
Last week, I had a packed schedule of client calls, workshops, and admin tasks. By Wednesday, I was feeling completely drained. Instead of pushing through, I decided to take a half-day off. I spent the afternoon reading a novel on my roof terrace with my dog curled up next to me. When I returned to work the next day, I felt so much more focused and creative. That break was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries and tackle my to-do list with renewed energy.
Another time, I was in the middle of a big project launch and felt like I couldn’t afford to take a single minute away from my desk. But then I remembered the power of mini-breaks. I started taking five minutes every hour to stretch, do some deep breathing exercises, or simply stare out the window at the trees. Those small moments of rest made a huge difference in my ability to stay focused and avoid burnout.
So, how do we stop when there’s always more to do? Here are a few gentle suggestions that work for me:
#1 Prioritize Ruthlessly
Focus on the tasks that truly move the needle and let go of the rest. Delegate or outsource where you can, and remember that done is better than perfect.
#2 Schedule Breaks Like You Would Any Other Important Appointment
Block off time in your calendar for a quick walk around the block, a cuddle session with your furry friend, or a few chapters of that book you’ve been meaning to read. And here’s the key: treat these breaks as non-negotiable.
#3 Practice Saying No
As women, we often feel pressure to say yes to every request that comes our way. But protecting your time and energy is crucial for your well-being. Politely decline invitations or opportunities that don’t align with your priorities, and trust that the right things will come your way when you create space for them.
#4 Embrace The Power Of The Mini-Break.
If a full day off isn’t realistic, sprinkle mini-breaks throughout your day. Take a few deep breaths between tasks, stretch at your desk, or simply close your eyes and let your mind wander for a few minutes. These small moments of rest can work wonders for your productivity and peace of mind.
Remember, taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of wisdom. By giving yourself permission to pause, you’re investing in your long-term success and happiness. So go ahead, close that laptop, and cuddle your dog or curl up with a magazine. The world will keep turning, and you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever comes your way when you return to your to-do list feeling refreshed and recharged.
You’ve got this, my friend. One break at a time.
Susanne Rieker is the founder of Midlife etc. She moved to Majorca in Spain with her pup Luna, loving the slow island life in the Med. She’s also a business coach, helping women in midlife build a purposeful online business. Follow her on Instagram @susannerieker.
