The Art of Rest: A Midlife Skill We Forgot to Learn

When was the last time you truly rested?

Not scrolling on your phone.
Not half-watching TV while mentally running through tomorrow’s to-do list.
Not “resting” only when your body crashes and forces you to stop.

I mean the kind of rest that nourishes you, restores your energy, and leaves you feeling like yourself again.

If you can’t remember, you’re not alone — especially if you’re a woman in midlife.

Why Rest Feels So Hard for Women 40+

We grew up in a world that rewarded productivity over presence. “Busy” became a badge of honour. And somewhere along the way, rest got filed under “lazy” or “selfish.”

By midlife, we’re often juggling careers, families, ageing parents, and our own health changes. Add menopause into the mix — with its energy dips, sleep struggles, and mood swings — and the need for rest becomes greater than ever. Yet we keep pushing.

What Happens When You Don’t Rest

Without adequate rest, your stress hormone (cortisol) stays high, making it harder to lose weight, balance your mood, or sleep well. Your muscles don’t fully recover from workouts, your immune system weakens, and you start running on fumes.

You can’t pour from an empty cup — and rest is how you refill it.

How to Practise the Art of Rest in Midlife

1. Redefine Rest
   Rest isn’t doing nothing — it’s doing something deeply restorative. This might be lying down with a book, soaking in a warm bath, journaling, or a slow walk in nature.
2. Make It Non-Negotiable
   Schedule rest like you would an important meeting. Your body and mind deserve that same priority.
3. Listen to Your Cues
   Energy dips, irritability, or brain fog are signs you need more rest. Don’t push through — respond with kindness.
4. Try Active Rest
   Gentle stretching, yin yoga, or breathwork can help lower stress hormones and bring your nervous system into balance.

Rest is Strength

Learning to rest in midlife isn’t a luxury — it’s a skill that supports every other goal you have. More energy. Better mood. Clearer thinking. Even improved weight management.

If you’re ready to pair restorative rest with a midlife-friendly plan for movement, nutrition, and hormone balance, my 12-week program The Weight is (OVER) can help you finally feel energised, strong, and confident again, Join the Waitlist here. 

You’ve spent decades giving your energy to everyone else. It’s time to give some of it back to yourself — starting with rest.