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 Episode
We’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 Us
Growing 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 Matter
Taking 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 better
Imagine explaining it that way the next time you ask for a day off.
🗣️ Advocating for Time Off
Whether 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 okay
If you’re the boss — or work for yourself — the hardest person to convince is YOU.
Reminder: You deserve rest.
🚫 “Time off” ≠ Checking emails
Give 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 Seasons
Some 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 Rest
If 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 Me
When 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: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter
