Have you ever felt like switching off is one of the hardest things to do? If so, you're not alone. This week, I'm sharing something personal and relatable. I'm heading off on a week's holiday. Still, truthfully, I find it difficult to completely disconnect from work—even when I know I should. I'm sure many of you can relate to this struggle.

I love what I do as a wellness coach. Helping others thrive is my passion, and it's so fulfilling that it doesn't feel like "work" in the traditional sense. Yet stepping away—even for a short break—is something I still struggle with. That's why one of my travelling companions this time will be… my laptop. But here's the twist—I plan to lock it in the hotel safe for 23 hours each day. This little boundary is my way of letting go (even if it's not completely) and giving myself permission to truly switch off.

A Common Struggle for Women

Feeling like you can't switch off isn't unusual, and it's particularly common for women. Society often casts us in multiple roles, whether as caregivers, colleagues, organisers, or emotional anchors for those around us. Research shows that women shoulder more of the 'mental load,' constantly keeping tabs on what needs doing and who needs looking after. It's a shared experience that many of us can relate to.

Over time, this can create a habit of being perpetually "on." Add to that the demand for professional excellence or the pressure to care for our friends and families, and switching off can feel impossible and indulgent.

Even when work is a joy, as it is for me, we can feel guilt or fear about stepping away. What if we miss something important? What if everything falls apart without us? But here's the truth—we can only give our best when we take time to rest.

The Cost of Staying Plugged In

When we don't allow ourselves to disconnect, stress can quietly creep in. Sleep suffers, burnout looms, and the lines between work and home life blur. Over time, this state of constant connectivity leaves little room for creativity, relaxation, and genuine enjoyment.

Switching off means consciously stepping away from what drains us—even temporarily. It's essential for recharging mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The Benefits of Disconnecting

Science tells us that the brain thrives on rest. It's during these downtime moments that our minds process information, solve problems, and even spark creativity. Emotional balance is restored when we make space for ourselves, and physical recovery has a chance to catch up.

Whether you're reading for pleasure, taking a walk in nature, or doing absolutely nothing, disconnecting has both immediate and long-term benefits. You'll notice more calm, better focus, and renewed energy—not to mention the joy of being fully present with loved ones or in the moment. These benefits are within your reach, waiting for you to take the first step towards them.

How to Start Switching off

If switching off feels daunting or out of reach, start small. Here's how you can begin letting go and creating space for rest:

1. Give Yourself Permission:

First and foremost, decide that you're worthy of rest. Without guilt or overthinking, allow yourself time to recharge.

2. Set a Boundary:

Try my approach...Whether you lock your laptop away in another room, set designated "no-work" hours, or simply silence notifications, creating boundaries around work helps you reclaim your downtime.

3. Plan Ahead:

Preparation eases the anxiety of stepping away. Before taking your break, use an out-of-office auto-reply, delegate responsibilities, and set clear expectations with colleagues or clients.

4. Choose Mindful Rest:

Engage in activities that promote relaxation and presence, such as breathwork, Pilates, or simply reading for joy. The key is to avoid multitasking—instead, focus entirely on what you're doing in the moment.

5. Start Small:

If a full detox feels overwhelming, begin with an hour or two a day when you step back from work or screens. Gradually increase that time over weeks or months.

What About You?

Switching off, even for a short time, might feel unnatural at first. But the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. Imagine the clarity, renewed energy, and deep rest you could gain by simply stepping back—even a little. 

Your Challenge for the Week

Take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with rest and switching off. Ask yourself these questions:

• What's stopping me from disconnecting?
• What one small step could I take today to create space for myself?

Choose something manageable, like turning off work notifications for a set period or designating an evening as a "no-work zone."

By taking that first step, you're sending a powerful message to yourself—that rest matters, and so do you.

A Quick Note Before I Head Off

Part of my challenge while I'm away is to fully practice what I preach. I've decided to switch off entirely, which means you won't see a blog post next week. Taking this step isn't easy—I love consistently connecting with you each week—but it feels like an important boundary to set for myself. By doing this, I'm walking the same path I encourage you to take and reminding myself that rest and self-reconnection are just as vital as productivity. It's a pause to recharge with intention. And when I return, I'll be ready to show up for you with even more energy, and inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Switching off isn't about letting go of your responsibilities or passions; it's about giving yourself the care needed to keep thriving. The world won't stop while you pause, but it just might feel a little brighter when you return.

Until next time, cheering you on to wellness success.