Permission to Rest, Relax and Unwind: 3 Steps to Renew Yourself Throughout the Day
Fall has a way of pulling us into its whirlwind. The long, lingering days of summer give Life has a way of pulling us into its whirlwind. Deadlines, schedules, events, and the unspoken pressure to keep up seem relentless. Sometimes it feels like we have to force ourselves to relax and unwind, which can cause even more stress, rather than relieving it.
Slowing down may feel like a luxury you can’t afford, but here’s a new way of looking at it: rest isn’t the reward for finishing everything; it’s the foundation that makes everything in your life sustainable. It’s what fuels your energy, creativity, and clarity. Without it, you’re running on fumes.
The American spirit is founded on independence and courage. Pioneers had a vision for a better life, so they left what they knew in the East and blazed trails into an uncomfortable, sometimes hostile, West. They didn’t know what they would encounter. But they were willing to do anything and everything to reach their goal, even when that meant battling their own fears and doubts. 
If you’re like many high-achieving women I work with, you’ve mastered the art of fitting in, yet you may not have truly found a group of supportive people where you belong. 
On May 8 and 9, I had the privilege of gathering with colleagues from around the world for the 
Many women don’t actually know what rest feels like anymore. Even on vacation, the nervous system often stays in motion. We pack the schedule full, trying to make the most of every moment, or we collapse completely, using food, alcohol, scrolling, or sleep to recover from the pace we’ve been keeping for far too long. But neither busyness nor numbing truly restores us.