WOMEN OWNED WAYS TO UNWIND

We rounded up some of our favorites from women owned businesses that understand just how important rest, relaxation, and restoration is for our wellbeing.

Puff Puff Pass Candle by Burn Down For What, The Well Collective Studio located in Richmond, VA, River Organics CBD, and Rest As Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey.

AAs a culture that values productivity and output, it is encouraging that hobbies remain a cherished part of our human experience To do something because it brings joy, calm, relaxation, or even escape is a gift to ourselves and those around us We asked our community on LinkedIn, a place commonly known for work bragging and resume exchange, “What are your hobbies and what do they do for you?” The responses were thoughtful and diverse The activities we pursue in our leisure are a form of selfcare that is completely unique to the individual and their life experiences While it can be tempting to turn every interest into a side hustle, many of us are holding on to the restorative power of having a hobby, just because

Seeking adrenaline rushes. I am a thrill seeker so I am always seeking the next adventure I have done zip lining, white water rafting, skydiving, roller coasters My career has always centered upon planning and making sure everything is controlled, so these hobbies allow me to break away from those constraints and feel the rush that comes from letting go and being at the will of something greater than myself

-Jamie Marino

Digging for treasures. Rock hunting and fossil collecting, I treated my family to a state park pass and drag my children and dog out with me I have a list of places and treasures to find, my younger son frequently refuses to wear a backpack because I have been known to load all available gear with rocks and my dog brings me random treasures when we are out on our walks I have always been fascinated by geology wanted to join the Airforce but I grew up in a country and a household where things like that were not deemed “practical!”, nor was it allowed because of apartheid

-Ushan Govender

Activities with kids. I love playing video games with my teen boys I started with Minecraft and has evolved from there We also love watching Marvel movies together

-Hope Lawrence

Learning a new language. I've been learning Korean for 3 years I pay my friend to tutor me virtually for 4 hours per week, and I recently became in-person study buddies with a coworker who just starting working at my job (they're Korean-American) I've found that if I go a while without my Korean lessons, it really negatively affects my mental health The lessons give me a chance to set aside time and do something solely for my own enjoyment I get to use my brain in a different way Learning and working towards a goal that's just my own can make all the difference in getting through a difficult work week

- Carole Showell

Using my hands. I like hobbies that I can do with my hands, primarily cross stitch and paint by numbers I think part of both of these that really appeals to me is the ability to create something without having to worry about the possibility of over-thinking it The pattern is there for me to follow Do I change things up every now and then? Sure But I'm not stuck with the dreaded analysis paralysis that comes from starting from scratch It's such a nice brain break as a result

-Lindsey Leesmann, MBA