Let’s be honest – for many women, rest doesn’t come naturally.
It’s not because we’re lazy. It’s because we’ve been conditioned to hustle, to strive, to always be productive.
And somewhere along the way, rest became something we had to earn.
But here’s what I want you to hear today – rest is not a luxury. It’s a biological necessity.
And in midlife, when your hormones are shifting, your nervous system is overloaded, and your to-do list is longer than ever… pushing through is not a badge of honour. It’s a fast track to burnout.
The Invisible Burden: When “Normal“ Isn‘t Really Normal
Throughout my 30+ years of working as a naturopath and biochemist, I’ve consistently promoted the importance of rest and recharge – especially for women navigating life’s challenges juggling careers, families, and community roles.
But I’ll be the first to admit – life sometimes gets the better of even the most intentional of us.
There have been times in my own journey where I accepted an unsustainable pace, telling myself it was just for now… that I could keep up. That it was normal. That this was the level I had to function at. And for a while, I did.
But the truth is – we can only override our biology for so long.
As hormones shift, the adrenals become burdened, and nutrition slips under the weight of stress and fatigue… the body simply can’t maintain the same pace. It whispers first – then it shouts.
Why Midlife Women Are Burning Out in Record Numbers
Between family responsibilities, careers, ageing parents, and the emotional load that many women carry quietly – the modern “normal” is anything but balanced.
Many of my clients sit across from me, exhausted and overwhelmed, yet still striving to hold everything together. They believe they should be able to do it all – because they always have.
However, just because we’ve been functioning at that level for years doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Eventually, the body says, “enough.”
A Client Story: When Overwhelm Disguises Itself as Normal Life
I once worked with a woman in a high-pressure corporate role. The workplace was incredibly toxic – bullying, unrealistic deadlines, constant pressure to perform.
But she’d been there for years. And so she believed, “This is just what work is like.”
Her health was telling a different story. Her sleep was broken, her gut was a mess, her periods had become erratic, and she was snapping at her kids – something that didn’t feel like her at all.
Together, we worked not only on supporting her nervous system, adrenal health and nutrition, but also on helping her see that what she’d normalised wasn’t actually normal.
She began redefining her boundaries, reclaiming her energy, and reconnecting with what truly mattered. And her health transformed as a result.
The Science of Slowing Down
From a naturopathic and biochemical perspective, rest is deeply therapeutic:
- Cortisol resets only when we activate the parasympathetic nervous system – that calm, grounded state your body craves.
- Progesterone, your calming, sleep-loving hormone, is one of the first to drop under stress – making you feel more anxious and wired.
- Sleep is when your liver detoxifies, your brain regenerates, and your hormones rebalance.
- Nutrient depletion – especially magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and essential fatty acids – is rampant when we’re in survival mode.
Your body can be remarkably resilient – but it’s not designed to run in emergency mode forever.
What Real Rest Looks Like (It‘s More Than Just Sleeping In)
So many women I work with say, “But I had a lie-in on Sunday – why am I still tired?”
Because true rest isn’t just sleep. It’s a full-body, full-system recalibration.
Real rest can look like:
- Saying no to what drains you
- Creating white space in your calendar – even 10 minutes
- Having a magnesium bath without checking emails
- Breathing deeply before responding to that message
- Walking slowly, with no podcast and no pressure
- Spending time in stillness, without needing to be productive
It’s not always glamorous. But it’s powerful.
The Radical Invitation: Rest Without Guilt
It’s time we questioned the version of “normal” we’ve been sold.
What if normal was feeling energised, nourished, and joyful in your own skin?
What if rest was part of your everyday rhythm, not something squeezed in when everything else is done?
And what if slowing down didn’t mean failure – but rather freedom?
You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you reclaim your energy.
You can choose to press pause, to reset, and to let your body exhale.
A Personal Invitation to You
If any of this resonates – if you’re noticing the signs that your body is asking for a different rhythm – please don’t ignore them.
I invite you to take on a simple 5-day Rest Reset Challenge this week:
- Pause for 5 minutes today – no phone, no list, no noise.
- Say no to one thing that’s not essential.
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier (even if the dishes aren’t done).
- Take 10 deep breaths in the fresh air.
- Unplug for one hour from screens and notifications.
These small acts? They’re not indulgences. They’re medicine. They tell your body: You are safe. You are supported. You don’t have to carry it all.
Ready to Reclaim Your Energy?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start, I’d love to support you. Reach out now for an appointment.
Because health isn’t just about what you do.
It’s about what you allow.
And sometimes, the most healing thing you can do… is rest.
Teressa
Naturopath + Biochemist
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
