If there’s one thing women know how to do, it’s push through. Push through exhaustion. Push through overwhelm. Push through all the plates we keep spinning—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

But lately, something’s shifted.

More and more women are saying enough to the constant grind and starting to ask a radical question:
What if rest isn’t lazy—what if it’s necessary?

The Burnout Epidemic

Let’s call it what it is: women are burned out. A 2024 Deloitte report found that more than half of women in the workforce reported feeling consistently burned out, and that number jumps even higher for working moms and caregivers. Whether it’s the pressure to “do it all,” emotional labor, or the blurred lines of working from home, it’s taken a toll.

And it’s not just physical fatigue. It’s emotional. Mental. Soul-deep.

The Rise of the Rest Revolution

The good news? We’re finally starting to push back—just not in the way we used to.

Instead of pushing harder, we’re slowing down. We’re creating boundaries, taking naps, deleting emails, skipping the Zooms that should’ve been texts, and saying no without guilt.

Some call it the “rest revolution.” Others call it “soft living.” Whatever you call it, it’s a movement that’s gaining momentum.

Rest Is Resistance (And It’s Smart, Too)

Rest isn’t just about self-care Sundays and spa days (though, yes please). It’s about reclaiming your energy and your right to exist without constantly proving your worth.

Here’s what that might look like:

  • Saying no without offering a 3-paragraph explanation.
  • Turning off notifications after 6 p.m. (yes, the group chat can wait).
  • Letting go of perfection—your home doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board.
  • Taking real breaks, even if it’s just staring out the window for five minutes.

Rest doesn’t mean you’re slacking. It means you’re honoring your limits. And that’s smart, not selfish.

Tips to Bring More Balance into Your Life

If you’re reading this thinking, Yes, but how do I actually do that? — you’re not alone. Here are a few small shifts that can make a big difference:

  • Schedule rest like a meeting. If it’s not on the calendar, it gets pushed aside.
  • Protect your mornings or evenings. Bookend your day with something that fills your cup.
  • Unfollow the hustle culture noise. Your feed should inspire, not exhaust you.
  • Create a “done” list. Instead of focusing on what’s left, celebrate what you’ve already done.

You Deserve to Breathe

At Here Women Talk, we’ve always believed in the power of women’s voices—but also in the power of their silence, stillness, and space to just be.

Rest is your birthright. You don’t need permission.
And in a world that still measures women by how much they can carry, choosing rest is revolutionary.

How are you finding balance this year? Drop us a comment and let’s build a rest-positive community together. 💛