Have you ever caught yourself asking, “Can I really afford this time for myself?”—and immediately felt the pull back toward your to-do list? In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I explore the tension between productivity and presence, and how the smallest daily rituals can restore calm, focus, and a sense of control in a world that constantly demands more. Drawing inspiration from Admiral William McRaven’s book Make Your Bed and my own early-morning walks, I reflect o...

Sometimes, it’s not the big things that trip us up; it’s the basics we forget to respect. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I share a simple yet powerful lesson inspired by a hiking mishap (and a few blisters) and the timeless wisdom of legendary basketball Coach John Wooden. Through stories of socks, sports, and self-awareness, I explore how mastering the fundamentals (whether in life, work, or well-being) creates the foundation for true balance and resilience. Small th...

In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I take inspiration from the most unlikely of teachers — a donkey named Josef. Far from being stubborn or slow, Josef reveals surprising lessons about resilience, protection, connection and the quiet strength of boundaries. Through his role as protector of a cattle herd, Josef shows us: Why protecting others, as well as your time and energy, is not a weakness but a strength.How boundaries help you hold the line without shutting people out...

Mindful productivity isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters with presence. For high-functioning women, this distinction is everything. Too often, productivity is mistaken for busyness, leading to frantic multitasking, blurred boundaries, and exhaustion. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I explore how mindful productivity can help you perform at a high level while also protecting your energy, focus, and well-being. This isn’t about lowering your...

Ever find yourself eating, typing, and planning all at once — without really tasting your food or noticing where you are? That was me the other morning, until a poem by Mary Oliver, a cappuccino, and some unexpected wisdom from a coffee shop manager reminded me of the power of pausing. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I share how one ordinary morning became a turning point in presence. From Tommy Rivs’ story of healing to Mary Oliver’s “Invitation,” to Wendy’s sim...

What if one small change could transform how you show up in every part of your life? That’s the power of keystone habits — those foundational practices that create ripple effects far beyond the habit itself. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I’ll walk you through: What keystone habits actually are (and why they matter more than another checklist)Why choosing one strategic habit is smarter than trying to fix ten things at onceMy own story of starting small with a mo...

Meditative living isn’t about sitting cross-legged for hours—it’s about finding presence in the middle of your already busy life. In this episode, I explore how high-functioning women can bring more calm, intention, and meaning into their days—without adding another task to the to-do list. We’ll cover: Why the usual fixes (like boundaries or exercise) don’t always solve that “off” feelingWhat meditative living really is—and what it’s notHow high-functioning women fall into the trap of equatin...

In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, host Ronél shares her personal story of experiencing burnout and what led to her realisation that a significant change was needed in her life. She describes the physical and emotional symptoms she faced, how she sought help from a therapist and a coach, and the ongoing strategies she uses to maintain a healthier work-life balance. Ronél emphasises that burnout is preventable and provides insights into recognising early warnin...

You’re the one everyone calls when things fall apart. The problem-solver. The dependable one. The “strong” one. But here’s the thing — just because you can handle it all, doesn’t mean you’re okay. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I’m talking to every high-functioning woman who’s been quietly running on empty. We’ll explore: The hidden cost of being the "go-to" person, Why functioning isn’t the same as thriving, and Three simple self-check pro...

In this episode of 'Unrushed, Less Stress, More Meaning,' Ronél welcomes Sleep and Recovery Coach Bridgette Smith. They delve into the intricacies of sleep, exploring its impact on overall health and well-being. Bridgette shares her personal journey of overcoming poor sleep and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality. Key points include: The importance of sleep hygiene, The impact of chronic stress on sleep, and The significance of maintaining a positiv...

What if the way to less stress wasn’t avoiding the hard stuff… but gently turning toward it? In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, Ronél explores what bison can teach us about stress, resilience, and how to move through life’s storms with intention and presence. If you’ve been feeling stuck in survival mode—juggling work, emotions, and unspoken expectations—this reflective conversation offers a softer path forward. You’ll learn: Why acknowledging your stress is the fir...

Ever find yourself physically on the couch but mentally knee-deep in tomorrow’s to-do list? You're not alone. In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, we explore what it truly means to switch off — not just log out — and reclaim your evenings from the always-on work culture. Join me, Ronél Pretorius, Certified Women's Wellness Coach, as I share three practical, research-backed strategies to help you unwind after work, without guilt: How to create micro moments of recovery throu...

Welcome to Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, the podcast for high-functioning women who are tired of holding it all together at the cost of their well-being. In this short trailer, your host, Women’s Wellness Coach Ronél Pretorius, shares why this show was created and what you can expect each week—honest conversations, practical tools, and gentle encouragement to help you set boundaries, reduce stress, and create a life that feels truly yours. Connect with Ronél: Thank you for liste...