A midlife woman’s permission slip to stop proving you’re strong… and start practising real rest.

Let me guess: you’re good at getting things done.

You’ve built a whole life on competence—family, work, home, everyone’s needs, everyone’s birthdays, everyone’s “just one more thing”.

And now your body and brain are quietly whispering, “We can’t keep doing this.”

So, here’s your permission slip, love:

Rest is not lazy. Rest is wise. Rest is holy.

And if the word “Sabbath” makes you picture strict rules and uncomfortable shoes, stay with me. We’re doing this the WYRLORA way: gentle, practical, and designed for real life.

What Sabbath actually is (in plain language)

Sabbath is a rhythm of stopping.
A regular pause.
A protected pocket of time where you’re not producing, proving, or performing.

If faith is part of your world, Sabbath is often framed as spiritual practice.
If faith isn’t, Sabbath can still be a wellbeing practice: rest with intention.

Either way, it’s about reclaiming your humanity.

Why rest is so hard for midlife women

Because we’ve been trained to earn it.

We rest when:

• the house is clean

• everyone is happy

• the inbox is sorted

• the guilt is quiet

But the truth is… that day never comes.

So, we flip the script:

Rest becomes the foundation—not the reward.

The 3 types of rest you probably need (not just “sleep”)

1) Physical rest

Sleep, yes. But also slowing down, stretching, pausing, not rushing everywhere like you’re in a constant emergency.

2) Emotional rest

Not being “on” for everyone. Not managing everyone’s moods. Not being the family’s unpaid therapist.

3) Spiritual rest

Quieting the noise. Returning to what’s steady. Remembering you are more than what you do.

Research has explored Sabbath-keeping as a holistic health practice, with themes like improved self-care, relationships, and spirituality.

The simplest Sabbath rhythm (start here)

This is the “I’m busy but I want peace” plan.

Step 1: Choose your Sabbath size

Pick one:

• Tiny Sabbath: 2 hours

• Half Sabbath: half a day

• Full Sabbath: 24 hours

Love, you can start with two hours. That is not cheating. That is smart.

Step 2: Decide what you’re resting FROM

Choose 2–3:

• work tasks

• housework beyond essentials

• email and admin

• heavy conversations

• social media and news

• “should” activities

Write it down. Make it real.

Step 3: Decide what you’re resting FOR

Choose 3–5 life-giving things:

• slow breakfast

• a walk

• reading

• music

• a nap

• a long shower

• being with people who feel safe

• church/service (if that’s part of your world)

• time in nature

• journaling, prayer, meditation

Rest isn’t just stopping. It’s returning to life.

The “Sabbath menu” (so you don’t overthink it)

Make a menu like you would for dinner—options you can pick from without effort.

Rest menu ideas

• Body: nap, bath, slow stretch, gentle yoga

• Mind: fiction book, puzzle, quiet music

• Heart: coffee with a safe friend, cuddling grandkids (if it feels life-giving, not draining)

• Spirit: prayer, a Psalm, gratitude list, nature walk, stillness

If you’re thinking, “But Di, I’m not good at stillness,” perfect. Sabbath will teach you.

Boundaries that make Sabbath possible (without a family meltdown)

1) Tell people early

Try:
“On Sunday arvo (or Saturday), I’m taking a couple of hours to rest and reset. I’ll be offline. Nothing’s wrong—I just need a breather.”

You’re not asking permission. You’re sharing the plan.

2) Do a “future you” favour the day before

Spend 20 minutes:

• tidy the kitchen

• set out clothes

• plan simple food

• finish urgent admin

Not because you must earn rest—because you’re removing friction.

3) Put tech to bed

Phone in a drawer. Notifications off.
If you can’t do the whole time, do a “tech-free block”.

Your brain will complain at first. That’s normal. It’s detox.

What Sabbath looks like when life is chaotic

Let’s be honest: sometimes you’re caregiving, working weekends, dealing with sick relatives, or holding a family situation together with prayer and sheer grit.

So here are flexible options:

Option A: The “micro-Sabbath” (10 minutes)

• sit down

• slow breathe

• hand on heart

• one sentence: “I release what I can’t carry.”

Option B: The “car-Sabbath” (3 minutes)

Before you walk into the house, sit in the car and do a reset breath.
Midlife women have been finding peace in car parks for decades. No shame.

Option C: The “kitchen-Sabbath” (while the kettle boils)

Stand still. Feel your feet. Soften your shoulders.
If faith is part of your world: whisper, “Give me peace right here.”

A gentle Sabbath structure you can copy

Tiny Sabbath (2 hours)

• 10 mins: prepare space (tidy, tea, blanket)

• 30 mins: slow activity (walk, book, music)

• 30 mins: nourishment (simple food, water)

• 30 mins: rest (nap, stretch, bath)

• 20 mins: reflection (journal line: “What restored me?”)

Half Sabbath

• tech off

• one life-giving outing (nature, market, café)

• one quiet practice

• early bedtime

Full Sabbath

• plan light meals

• reduce chores

• protect time

• say no kindly

• choose joy on purpose

If faith is part of your world: a simple Sabbath prayer (optional)

“God, teach me to rest.
Not as escape, but as return.
Restore what’s worn thin in me.
Help me receive today as a gift.
Amen.”

The real win of Sabbath (it changes how you live the week)

Sabbath isn’t only about one day. It’s about practising a message your soul needs:

“I am loved without proving. I am worthy without producing.”

And that, love, is midlife freedom.

My Final Closing Words (your next small step)

Pick one:

• 2 hours this week, protected

• one tech-free block

• one rest menu you’ll keep on the fridge

Then treat it like an appointment. Because you matter.

If you want more support, read the WYRLORA post on renewal, join the WYRLORA Circle, subscribe to WL Message, or explore a WYRLORA book when you’re ready.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx