Discover the secrets to unwinding after a demanding day as a female CEO or founder. This article presents a curated collection of effective wind-down rituals, drawing on insights from experienced leaders in the field. From reconnecting with body and mind to establishing relaxing bedtime routines, these practical strategies will help you transition from work mode to a state of calm and rejuvenation.
- Reconnect with Body and Mind
- Create a Hard Stop for Work
- Set Boundaries and Delegate Responsibilities
- Explore and Reflect Through Various Activities
- Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
- Unwind with Nature and Companionship
- Transition from Work Mode to Calm
- Embrace Quiet Time After Busy Days
- Balance Low-Key Activities with Reflection
- Mix Fitness, Fun, and Decompression
- Engage Different Parts of the Brain
- Celebrate with a Tea Ritual
- Indulge in Self-Care and Entertainment
- Prepare for Tomorrow While Enjoying Today
Reconnect with Body and Mind
At the end of a busy day running my business, I make it a priority to step away from screens and reconnect with my body. My ritual usually starts with a short walk outside or gentle yoga to release the tension I’ve carried through the day. I’ll often brew a cup of herbal tea and take a few minutes to journal — just enough to clear my head and let go of the lingering to-do list. This simple practice helps me shift from “go mode” into a calmer state, so I can be fully present in the evening. It’s not elaborate, but it resets my nervous system and reminds me that rest is just as productive as hustle.
Karen Canham, Entrepreneur/Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Karen Ann Wellness
Create a Hard Stop for Work
After a long day of juggling clients, community, and business logistics, I make sure to create a hard stop for my brain. For me, that usually means cooking dinner with my husband, something simple but grounding like chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce while we catch up. I light a candle, put on music, and let the rhythm of the kitchen calm me down. Afterward, I leave my phone in another room and either read or watch a show that doesn’t require deep thinking. Evenings are less about productivity and more about reminding myself that I’m allowed to just be for a while.
Candice Lawhorn, Founder/Therapist, Mental Health Mingle
Set Boundaries and Delegate Responsibilities
After a demanding day of running my business, I strictly adhere to my practice of logging out of all work communication channels at a set time each evening. This boundary allows me to fully disconnect and be present with my family or engage in personal hobbies that help me recharge. I’ve found that delegating responsibilities to my trusted team members not only improves our company’s performance but also gives me the mental space to relax during my off hours truly. This intentional separation between work and personal time has been crucial for maintaining my energy and creativity as a business leader.
Sarah Bonza, Founder, Bonza Health
Explore and Reflect Through Various Activities
After a busy day running my business, I enjoy taking long drives while listening to music, allowing myself space to think and unwind. I practice hot yoga to recharge around people. I also prioritize quality time with my son, exploring new places together — most recently a bee apiary in Deerfield Beach. At home, I enjoy reading the news, dreaming about future business ventures, making lists, and journaling, which helps me reflect, organize my thoughts, and set intentions for the days ahead.
Natalia Grozina, CEO, Grozina
Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
My after-work wind-down time is everything. If I get it wrong, my brain will keep me up with endless tasks and thoughts for the day. So first, I start with a hot shower, which feels like it puts my body into the ultimate relaxation mode. Subconsciously, I wash away the day too, signaling it’s time to wind down. I take magnesium and L-theanine about 30 minutes before bed. PJs on, lights off, phone on sleep mode, lamp on. A few pages into my book, and I’m ready to hit the hay.
Rachelle Sassine, Founder & Head of Strategy, Perceptiv Media
Unwind with Nature and Companionship
Every day, it’s a fresh cup of hot coffee, me and Starla (my black lab), and we go for a glorious 3-mile walk on the bogs. Nothing like bogs, dogs, and coffee after a fulfilling day at work.
Lisa Erickson, Founder, Coachproai
Transition from Work Mode to Calm
Running an online business is hectic, so I’ve created a simple evening ritual to help me reset. I start by turning off all screens by 10 pm, a small but powerful signal to my brain that it’s time to wind down. Meditation or breathwork helps me shift from work mode into a calmer state, while a warm shower or herbal tea helps me relax. Before bed, I write down my to-do list for the next day to clear my mind and then read a few pages of a physical book. This mix of mindfulness, coziness, and structure allows me to recharge and wake up ready for a new day.
Silvija Meilunaite, Nutrition Coach, Founder, Barefoot Basil
Embrace Quiet Time After Busy Days
I’m not only a business owner but also a mom who homeschools her elementary-aged kids. I manage other people’s businesses as well as my own. My days are full of chaos, noise, and constant overstimulation. After a day of running my business while raising my kids, I need quiet time. Absolute quiet. I will take a nice shower and snuggle up with my dog on the couch or my bed and do a quiet activity such as reading or even just having a snack in peace after my kids go to bed. Sometimes I will journal or reflect on the day, but most of the time I want to do something calming, like read a book or magazine.
Sammy Bohannon, Founder | Online Business Manager | VA Team, Bohannon Virtual Solutions
Balance Low-Key Activities with Reflection
At the end of a long day, I like to keep things low-key. Usually, that means putting on a show to relax, and if I haven’t gotten enough steps in, I’ll hop on my walking pad and then stretch a little. I always finish by journaling; it’s where I jot down what I’m grateful for, what I want to pray about, and anything that’s been on my mind that I need to work through or reflect on. It’s a simple routine, but it helps me let go of the day and feel ready for tomorrow.
Ariana Hakman, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, LunaFit
Mix Fitness, Fun, and Decompression
After a busy day running my agency, I either take my dog Harlowe on a three-mile walk with a weighted vest or, if it’s too hot, hit the gym to run on a guided treadmill or lift weights (one of my favorite pastimes). I’ll usually grab a Factor75 meal or supplements from my clients to refuel after. At night, my husband, Eric, (he’s also in marketing) and my sales lead, Cole, hop on Rust with me — it’s our favorite video game. We’ll talk through our workdays, then totally switch off work mode and focus on building bases and raiding other players. It’s honestly the best mix of fitness, fun, and decompression. Very important when running a business from home!
Erin Siemek, CEO, Forge Digital Marketing, LLC
Engage Different Parts of the Brain
It can take me around 2 hours to switch off from work, and as a founder, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking about work 24/7. What helps me to transition more quickly is to do something completely different from the workday activities. My most effective ways of switching off are playing the guitar for 10-15 minutes, cooking, and, of course, taking a walk. I’ve found that the key is choosing an activity that engages a completely different part of my brain, which helps me let go of work and recharge.
Jaana Metsamaa, Co-Founder, Kordon.app
Celebrate with a Tea Ritual
The first thing I do after a long day is drink tea. However, I don’t just go and brew a teabag. I have a selection of premium organic teas, and as soon as I finish my workday, I start my tea celebration ritual. Also, I like to take time and enjoy the process of making tea just as much as drinking it. I feel this helps me get more grounded and present when I return to my family, and it’s a way of doing something for myself first, before I pour into the cups of everyone else. (Pun intended.)
Anna Grunduls, Illustrator, Anna Grunduls Design
Indulge in Self-Care and Entertainment
It definitely starts with kicking off my fabulous (but usually uncomfortable) shoes and hanging up my purse after coming in from another meeting or networking event. My puppies run over to greet me, which is a fantastic dopamine hit, and my husband leans his head back from the couch for a welcome home kiss. Then it’s off to change into comfy clothes and wash my face. Usually, I’ll do some sort of face ritual, whether that’s gua sha, a mask, or one of the many skin tools in my cabinet (being a CEO can bring wrinkles if you aren’t careful). Finally, I get to watch some sort of junk TV, which allows me to turn my brain and my phone off and prepare energetically to relax and repair for another busy day.
Laurel Mintz, GP, FABRIC VC FUND, L.P.
Prepare for Tomorrow While Enjoying Today
After a busy work day, I like to end my day by preparing for the next day and enjoying a bit of reading. When I’m ready for bed, I first check over the day’s list to see what I accomplished. Next, I create my list for the next day, highlighting the top three items I need to accomplish. Third, I pick up a book and enjoy reading until I’m ready to sleep. I always keep a notepad handy in case any new ideas pop up, so I can write them down and have a delightful rest without needing to remember new ideas.
Lisa Graham, Queen Bee, YYC Beeswax
