Taking Breaks - why rest matters more than ever

Hey, hey there! Thanks for tuning in — especially if you're listening the week we dropped this episode (hello, 12/25!). We’re right between Christmas and New Year’s — a weird and wonderful space where “time off” should actually mean time off. And that brings us to today’s topic: Taking breaks. 🛑✨Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or somewhere in between — your body, brain, and emotions need more care. More rest. More down time. Today, we’re diving into why that matters and how to make it happen.🎙️ In This EpisodeWe’re talking about:✦ The ways many of us were taught (or not taught) to rest✦ My personal journey with vacation time + burnout✦ Why taking breaks is critical for our health✦ Advocating for time off — with your boss, family… and yourself✦ How to snag tiny breaks when life is bananas✦ Using the holiday season to actually restore🕰️ “Back in the Day”… and Why That Still Haunts UsGrowing up, breaks weren’t really a thing.• Parents working holidays• Time off in rigid 2-week blocks• Sick days only when super sick• Mental health days? Never.Then, early careers praised the hustle: overtime as a badge of honor, events without compensation, saving every hour possible — because using it seemed weak.Sound familiar? 👀🧠 Fast Forward: Why Breaks MatterTaking one single day now can reset you for weeks.Pushing through? Usually ends in meltdown mode. 😅Breaks help…✔ calm the nervous system✔ improve focus + decision making✔ reduce anxiety✔ support physical health✔ replenish energy so you show up betterImagine explaining it that way the next time you ask for a day off.🗣️ Advocating for Time OffWhether you’re requesting scheduled PTO or asking for extra flexibility, try:• Be specific — ½ day? 1 day? 3 days?• Share what you’re comfortable sharing• Explain how you’ll return more focused and energized• If there’s a “no,” ask when would be okayIf you’re the boss — or work for yourself — the hardest person to convince is YOU.Reminder: You deserve rest.🚫 “Time off” ≠ Checking emailsGive yourself true unplug time.If digital withdrawal makes you anxious? Make a plan.Even ask colleagues to help keep you accountable.🧩 When Work Has Crunch SeasonsSome jobs have blackout periods (looking at you, admissions teams 👋).Take smaller bites:• go in late or leave early• schedule recovery time after the rush⚖️ Wellness Is a Year-Long Balance“Work/life balance” isn’t a perfect daily scale.But when you zoom out to the year? It should even out.If not — that’s your cue to adjust.Reflection is a wellness tool, too.🎄 Holiday Edition: You Can RestIf you’re off for the holidays… let some of that time be for YOU.🛋️ Slow things down✨ Sprinkle in quiet, solo moments🚫 Release the pressure to “be productive”Remember: You never need a break from a break.💬 Connect with MeWhen your break is over, I’d love to hear:• Did this episode help you rethink time off?• How did menopause or perimenopause shape your holidays this year?DM me on Instagram, shoot me an email, or drop a comment — I love hearing from you. 💜Thanks for being here, Menobodies fam.May your rest be real, restorative, and guilt-free. 😌🧘‍♀️Connect with Beth:💌 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter