The Life of Bryony Why Women Struggle to Relax: Nicola Jane Hobbs on Burnout, Societal Pressures, and Reclaiming Rest
Jul 28, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, psychologist and author Nicola Jane Hobbs tackles the struggle many women face when it comes to relaxation. She discusses the societal pressures that make rest feel unattainable and how these expectations can lead to chronic stress. Nicola shares practical tools for reclaiming relaxation, emphasizing the importance of unlearning harmful narratives and embracing self-compassion. Through personal anecdotes and actionable strategies, she inspires women to prioritize genuine moments of rest amidst their busy lives.
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Societal Pressures Block Relaxation
- Women face societal and internal pressures that make relaxation difficult and shameful.
- Patriarchal and capitalist narratives demand perfection, productivity, and silence from women.
Nicola's Teenage Mental Health Story
- Nicola struggled with mental health as a teen and never saw women around her truly relax.
- This led her to question if constant exhaustion is the lifelong norm for women.
Internalized Beliefs About Rest
- Women internalize beliefs that rest is lazy, selfish, or must be earned.
- These beliefs fuel chronic overwork as an unhealthy yet socially accepted coping mechanism.
