From Burnout to Boundaries: Learning to Rest Without the Guilt 

For years, I thought rest was something you earned. You worked hard, ticked everything off the to-do list, and then—maybe—you were allowed a break. The problem? That to-do list never ended. 

Before running my own business, I worked in education. Long hours, constant demands, and a culture where being permanently exhausted was almost expected. I was used to working late into the evenings, skipping breaks, and pushing through, no matter how drained I felt. 

Rest? That was something for other people. Or maybe for the holidays—if I wasn’t too wiped out by then. 

Fast forward a few years, and things look different now. Not perfect, but better. 

I’m learning how to build actual boundaries into my day: 

• My laptop goes off and the office door closes at 5pm. 

• I don’t answer work messages outside of working hours. 

• I consistently show up for the things that fill my cup—like watercolour classes and my amateur dramatics group. 

Socialising, creativity, doing something just for me… these aren’t extras. They’re essential. They help me feel more like myself—and ironically, they help me show up better in my work too. 

Because here’s what I’ve realised: your business (or your job, your family, your life) doesn’t need you to be constantly busy. It needs you to be okay.