08/09/2026
Welcome to Day 3 of Women’s Health Week 2026, where we explore the power of REST, sleep, downtime and regulation.
Rest is not something we have to earn. It is an essential part of Women’s health. Our bodies and minds need periods of recovery to restore energy, support immune function, regulate hormones, strengthen memory and concentration, and maintain emotional wellbeing.
Jean Hailes for Women's Health Croydon Main Street
For women juggling work, family, caring responsibilities and the mental load, it can be easy to stay in “go mode”. Building small moments of downtime and nervous system regulation into the day can help the body shift from stress and alertness towards a calmer, more restorative state.
Examples include sitting outside and noticing your surroundings, or enjoying a hot drink for 5 minutes without your phone.
Good quality sleep supports physical, mental and emotional health, yet sleep can become more difficult during different life stages like early motherhood, perimenopause and menopause.
Here are some simple ways to support positive sleep:
🌙 Keep a regular sleep and wake time
🌙 Get natural sunlight early in the day to support body clock
🌙 Move regularly, but avoid vigorous exercise before bed
🌙 Bs mindful of caffeine
🌙 Create a screen-free wind down routine before bed
🌙 Keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable
🌙 Avoid relying on alcohol to help you sleep
Rest is not laziness.
Downtime is not wasted time.
Recovery allows us to come back to our lives with greater capacity, resilience and energy.
You might like to reflect: “What is currently draining my energy the most, and how can intentionally protect my time to rest?” 💭