How to Take Time Off (Without Feeling Guilty)

As ambitious, high-achieving women, the one thing we’re not very good at? Taking time off. We’re used to doing the most, managing multiple tasks, and filling every minute with something “productive.” We know in theory that rest is important, necessary even, but it’s easier said than done. There’s often a low-level hum in the background, a sense that there’s more that needs to be done. Even when we have a ‘day off’ we still check emails, write lists, read self-help books, go to the gym and finally start re-organising the wardrobe (Surely I’m not the only one who considers this relaxation).

The truth is we’re not very good at taking time off because we never do it. We’ve filled our lives with so many things that we’ve forgotten how to rest. I’ve even got a book on a shelf in my bedroom called How To Rest by Thich Nhat Hanh. Seriously! Picture me laying on my bed reading a book about how to rest. The definition of irony.

Why Do We Find It So Hard to Do Nothing?

We all know that millennials have been taught that being productive is the gold standard. Our worth, in part, is tied to how much we can accomplish and achieve. We’re the generation of ‘girlbosses,’ Forbes Under 30’s stars, and entrepreneurs promoting the 24/7 hustle. The message to us over the last decade was loud and clear, to succeed, we must always be working on something, showing up, and outworking everyone else.

We’ve learnt how to optimise our time and increase our output, but there’s no room for life’s “non-essential” tasks. Instead, they build up like a Jenga tower, with every small task threatening to topple the entire thing at any moment.

So, when we do finally have some time off, it doesn’t feel like a break. It feels like a window of opportunity to tackle that ever-growing stack of unfinished stuff, and it’s filled with the urge to catch up on everything they’ve been too busy to handle. But that’s not rest, that’s just a different form of work.

This is especially true for women and mothers. We’re often expected to “do it all”—managing careers, relationships, households, and personal goals. There's constant pressure, both internal and external, to excel as a partner, friend, parent, and boss. It can feel impossible to take time off without guilt or the fear of being seen as selfish. Many of us are constantly wearing multiple hats, moving from one task to the next. The truth is, until we challenge these expectations and prioritise our own well-being, it’s always going to feel hard to step away from the never-ending cycle of doing.

Time off doesn’t have to be spent in a white robe at a spa, but it does need to be intentional. If you’re not very good at resting, consider some of the benefits

For Mind
We're often told to rest because it will improve our focus, boost productivity, or help us perform better in the long run. Sure, this is true, but what if rest didn’t need to be justified by the promise of increased output? What if rest was valuable simply because it restores us? Taking time off allows your mind to recharge, we don’t need the added pressure of needing to be ‘better’ afterward.

For Body
Time off is when your body gets the chance to recover from the intense pace of modern life. It gives you a chance to do things slowly. Is there anything better than waking up at the weekend with no plans? No time restrictions, no meetings to attend, no work deadlines, just the freedom to move through the day at your own pace. This kind of slow living offers the reset your body craves when you’ve been in constant motion.

For Relationships

Taking time off doesn’t just benefit you; it changes how you show up for the people in your life. When we’re constantly on the go, we’re often distracted and disconnected from those we care about. But when we stop scrolling through emails at the dinner table, stop trying to multitask, and stop rushing, we can actually be present. When you’re rested and relaxed, you can be more patient, calm, and the fullest version of yourself.

Final thoughts…

If you’re someone who thrives on productivity and practical steps, taking time off might feel unfamiliar, but the good news is, it’s something you can learn to do, and eventually do well. Start by scheduling your time off just as you would a meeting, workout, or social event. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out and exhausted, look 6-8 weeks ahead in your calendar, block out time for rest, and treat it as non-negotiable.

There’s lots of different ways to rest, it looks different for everyone. If it’s a quiet weekend at home or a few days laying on a beach, figure out what you need and make it a priority. Let go of any guilt that creeps in, rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for maintaining your wellbeing.

Thanks for reading,

Adrienne