Episode Overview

In this short but honest Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie unpack what taking a holiday really means when you're juggling a business, parenting, and the relentless mental load of modern life. From Aileen’s seaside escape in Spain (featuring a surprise meerkat) to Julie’s chaotic family visit up north, both share how even time away doesn’t always mean switching off.

They explore the guilt, the pressure, the impossibility of true rest—and why we need to redefine what a break looks like in this phase of life.

Key Discussion Points

• Why it’s so hard to truly disconnect as a mum and business owner
• The pressure to “use” holidays productively (and the guilt when we don’t)
• How rest might look different now—an hour alone, a change of scene, a walk by the sea
• The 35,000 decisions we make daily—and how even reducing one can feel like a win
• Why redefining rest is essential for our sanity, even if it’s imperfect

Listener Takeaways

• You don’t need to earn rest—you just need to allow it.
• A holiday doesn’t have to look like a postcard to count.
• Even small, imperfect moments of letting go can be enough.
• Stop measuring the success of a break by how rested you feel.
• The mental load doesn’t clock off—but you can give yourself permission to pause.

Join the Conversation

What does a real break look like for you? We’d love to know.
DM us on Instagram or leave us a voice note with your thoughts.
And if you know someone who needs this reminder—send them this episode. 💛

Links:

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.