What does freedom to breathe mean for working women?

Freedom to breathe for working women means having time, space and support to step away from constant demands, reconnect with themselves and focus on their needs, values and wellbeing. It is about permission to just be instead of always doing, so they can think clearly and make choices that fit the life they want.

How can I create more freedom to breathe in my daily life?

You can create more freedom to breathe by intentionally building small pauses into your day, limiting noise and distractions, reflecting on what you need, and setting boundaries around your time and energy. Simple practices like journalling, short walks, quiet time without your phone and talking to someone you trust can all help you slow down and reset.

What does freedom to breathe look like for women in the workplace?

In the workplace, freedom to breathe looks like equal opportunities, realistic workloads, flexible working where possible, psychological safety, and fair recognition. It also includes access to mentoring and support so women can grow without sacrificing their health, and workplace cultures that value wellbeing as much as performance.

How is freedom to breathe linked to psychological wellbeing for women?

Freedom to breathe supports psychological wellbeing by giving space for self acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose and personal growth. These six elements come from Carol Ryff’s model of psychological wellbeing and are more achievable when women are not constantly overwhelmed or pushed beyond their limits.

How does Women of Our Time help women find this freedom?

Women of Our Time supports women through the WOOT Support Hub, workshops, mentoring and resources that focus on self awareness, confidence, boundaries and workplace wellbeing. The aim is to give women a sanctuary for reflection and practical guidance so they can quieten the noise, find their own answers and take back control of their lives and careers.

Stress Relief for Working Women: How to Find the Freedom to Breathe

Women of our Time
Apr 4
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Woman multitasking with six arms: holding a laptop, pointing, meditating. Background has a clock, checklist, target, and plant. Text reads "Women for Time". — Freedom to breathe is stepping away from the noise and chaos of everyday life and giving yourself permission to just be.

Stress Relief for Working Women

In a world that often demands more from women—more productivity, more perfection, more sacrifice—the WOOT Support Hub is a sanctuary for self-discovery, empowerment, and growth. It’s a place where women can quieten their minds, take time to breathe, and simply be rather than constantly doing.

Here, women can find the answers they’re looking for, reconnect with their inner selves, and take control of their lives. It’s about creating a space where they can pause, reflect, and breathe—because true empowerment begins when women are given the freedom to do so.

What Does Freedom to Breathe Mean to You as an Individual?

Freedom to breathe is deeply personal. It’s about creating space in your life to focus on you—your needs, your dreams, and your wellbeing. It’s about stepping away from the noise and chaos of everyday life and giving yourself permission to just be. Here’s what freedom to breathe might look like for you as an individual:

Self-Awareness and Reflection

Taking time to understand your thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Recognising your strengths and embracing your imperfections without judgment.

Finding Your Own Solutions

Trusting your instincts and inner wisdom to make decisions that align with your true self.
Exploring different paths and possibilities without fear of failure.

Talking Without Fear

Expressing yourself openly and honestly, free from judgment or criticism.
Sharing your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

Signposting Advice and Guidance

Accessing resources, tools, and information to help you navigate challenges.
Seeking advice from trusted sources without feeling pressured to follow it.

Quietening the Noise

Creating moments of stillness and calm in a busy world.
Letting go of external pressures and expectations.

Stopping Being Lost

Breaking free from confusion or indecision.
Finding a sense of purpose and meaning.

Motivating Yourself

Rediscovering your passion and drive.
Celebrating your progress and achievements, no matter how small.

Freedom to breathe, at its core, is about giving yourself the time, space, and support to focus on you. It’s about reconnecting with your inner self, finding your own answers, and taking control of your life.

What Does Freedom to Breathe Mean for Women in the Workplace?

The workplace can be a double-edged sword for women. On one hand, it’s a space for growth, achievement, and financial independence. On the other, it can be a source of stress, inequality, and stifled potential. Freedom to breathe in the workplace means creating an environment where women can thrive without compromise. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Equal Opportunities

Freedom to breathe means ensuring women have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts—whether it’s a promotion, a leadership role, or a seat at the decision-making table.

2. Work-Life Balance

Women often juggle multiple roles—employee, caregiver, partner, and more. Freedom to breathe means fostering a workplace culture that values work-life balance, offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and parental leave policies that support women in all stages of life.

3. Safe and Inclusive Spaces

A workplace where women can breathe freely is one free from harassment, discrimination, and bias. It’s a space where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard and valued.

4. Mentorship and Support

Empowerment doesn’t happen in isolation. Freedom to breathe means providing women with mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help them grow and succeed in their careers.

5. Recognition and Fair Compensation

Women deserve to be recognised for their contributions and compensated fairly for their work. Freedom to breathe means closing the gender pay gap and ensuring that women are valued for their skills and expertise.

Psychological Wellbeing in the Workplace: The Ryff Elements

When women are given the freedom to breathe in the workplace, it has a profound impact on their psychological wellbeing. This aligns with Carol Ryff’s model of psychological wellbeing, which identifies six key elements of a flourishing life:

Self-Acceptance: A supportive workplace allows women to embrace their strengths and weaknesses, fostering confidence and self-worth.
Positive Relationships: Inclusive workplaces encourage collaboration and camaraderie, helping women build meaningful connections with colleagues.
Autonomy: When women have control over their work and decisions, they experience a greater sense of independence and fulfilment.
Environmental Mastery: Empowerment enables women to shape their work environments in ways that align with their values and goals.
Purpose in Life: A workplace that values women’s contributions helps them find meaning and purpose in their careers.
Personal Growth: Opportunities for learning and advancement allow women to continuously evolve and reach their full potential.

By fostering these elements in the workplace, we create an environment where women can thrive—not just as employees, but as individuals.

The Ethos of Women of Our Time:

At Women of Our Time, our mission is to give women the freedom to breathe—in the workplace, in their communities, and in their personal lives. We believe that when women are free to think, to be, and to choose, they can unlock their full potential and redefine what it means to live with purpose.

Through workshops, mentorship programmes, and advocacy, we are committed to addressing the multifaceted aspects of empowerment. We aim to create a world where women can thrive in all areas of life, from personal development to societal contribution.

Stress Relief for Working Women: Freedom to breathe is not a privilege; it’s a right. It’s time to challenge the systems and structures that suffocate women and replace them with opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment. To every woman reading this: You deserve the freedom to breathe. You deserve the time to think, the space to be, and the power to choose. Your purpose is yours to define, and your journey is yours to shape.

Together, let’s create a future where every woman can breathe freely—and in doing so, find her true self.

This is the ethos of Women of Our Time. This is the freedom to breathe.