When you’re juggling a career, relationships and everyday life, looking after your wellbeing can sometimes feel like one more thing on the to-do list. But over the years, I’ve learnt that the small, consistent choices I make, especially outside of work, are what help me show up as my best self.
Laura Henshaw: How I support my wellbeing alongside my career
ARTICLE
1 July 2025
3 min read
3 min read
What I wish my younger self knew about life outside of work.
The after-work routine.
I’ve found that giving myself at least 90 minutes to wind down before bed helps me really switch off. If I don’t, I end up lying awake thinking about work, missing out on sleep and waking up stressed, exhausted and on edge. So, when I can, I’ll put my devices away and shift my focus onto rest.
Most evenings, Dalton (my husband) and I will sit down to eat dinner together without our phones and just talk about our day. That time is really important and helps me feel grounded. I’ll try to stay off my phone for the rest of the night and either watch tv, read or journal. This routine doesn’t always go to plan but when it does, these little rituals help me feel calm, present and energised the next day.
Checking in with my own wellbeing
I still catch myself feeling guilty when I take time out, especially when work is full-on. But I’ve learnt the hard way that ignoring my needs doesn’t make me more productive, it just leads to burnout.
In my early twenties, I pushed myself constantly, thinking that achieving more would make me feel fulfilled. Instead, I ended up anxious and overwhelmed, eventually experiencing panic attacks. That was a wake-up call. I realised no success is worth sacrificing your health for.
Now, I try to check in with myself before things get to that point. How am I feeling? What do I need: rest, movement, space to breathe? When I take time to reset, I show up more grounded, creative and present. My wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for everything else.
Moving is important. But so is rest.
We live in a world that doesn't always value rest because it isn’t “productive”. But rest isn’t something to earn, it's one of the most powerful things we can give ourselves.
When I don’t give myself space to really recharge, I struggle with decision fatigue, creative blocks and low moods. Whereas, taking the time to slow down helps me think clearly and show up better, not just at work, but in life.
The same goes for movement. I used to think it only “counted” if it was intense, sweaty or a full hour long; there’s no such thing — it all counts. Now I choose movement that supports me in the moment, whether that’s a walk, yoga, a stretch or just moving my body in a way that feels joyful. I choose to see exercise as something I get to do rather than have to do. It’s no longer about punishment or pressure, but what movement gives me and how it makes me feel.
Do It For Life
Do: something mindful.
For: your own peace of mind
Our mental health plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing. Whether we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, carving out a few minutes a day to do something mindful can support our emotional state in the present moment and—when practised regularly—enhance our mental health over time.
The best part? There’s no right or single way to improve your mental wellbeing. Whether it’s practising meditation, tracking your mood or sleep, or reading up on practical tips to manage stress, the AIA Vitality app connects members with a range of resources. Build your own routine and earn AIA Vitality Points for doing so.
Drop the guilt
It’s so easy to glorify being busy. For a long time, I thought that resting meant I wasn’t working hard enough. But, I’ve realised that if I feel guilty while I’m resting, I’m not actually giving my mind or body a chance to recover.
Letting go of guilt doesn’t happen overnight, it’s something I still work on. But reframing rest as a non-negotiable part of success has really shifted how I treat myself. You don’t need to earn your rest, you already deserve it.
A word of advice, to my younger self
If I could write a note to my younger self, I’d say this: Be kind to yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of rest. You’re not falling behind, you’re learning what you need to thrive.
There’s so much pressure to do more, be more, prove more. But you’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to look after yourself. In fact, that’s the most powerful thing you can do.
Laura Henshaw
Laura is the CEO and co-founder of Kic, a health and wellness app helping people change the relationship people have with wellness and themselves. She is also an author, and podcast co-host of the KICPOD. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.
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