Ratio Reads June: Rest & Renewal Books for Women in AEC

Summer invites us to slow down — or at least, that’s what the glossy magazines say.

In reality, for many of us, June brings a different kind of hustle: school’s out, camps need coordinating, the kids are home (and somehow always hungry), and work still demands our attention.

I hear this from so many clients – that push-pull between wanting to enjoy the longer days and feeling stretched even thinner than usual.

That’s exactly why this month’s Ratio Reads feels so timely. It’s not about achieving some picture-perfect version of rest. It’s about finding small ways to protect your energy and care for yourself, even when life feels extra full.

Rest doesn’t always look like a nap or a spa day; sometimes it’s a quiet moment in the car before pick-up, a deep breath before your next meeting, or finally allowing yourself to say “no” without guilt.

This month’s picks invite you to explore what rest and renewal could look like for you, even in a season that feels anything but restful.

📖 Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

A powerful reminder that deliberate rest isn’t just nice — it’s necessary.

Pang explores how some of the most accomplished people in history worked fewer hours than we do today, and how rest fuels creativity and resilience.

What you can implement:
Try a “shutdown ritual” at the end of your workday – a short, intentional routine to signal to your brain and body that it’s time to rest. My shut down ritual involves making notes on open items, reviewing my calendar for the next day and gathering up at least two drinks from my desk. If you don’t have a water, caffeine and then something just because it tastes good – how are you surviving the day?! (This post brought to you by a 40 oz Stanley of ice water, a red bull infusion from Scooters, and a juice from First Watch.)

📖 Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

While “wintering” traditionally refers to the colder months, May’s book is really about honoring all of life’s quieter seasons.

This beautifully written memoir-meets-reflection encourages us to embrace slow, inward periods as necessary and healing – rather than rushing to push through them.

What you can implement:
Name your own “wintering” season. Is there an area of your life or business where you need to retreat and rest before blooming again? Give yourself permission to step back without guilt.

📖 Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

This essential book explains why women, in particular, struggle with burnout – and how we can actually complete the stress cycle instead of staying stuck in it.

I recommend this to so many clients. It’s eye-opening and practical, and it feels like a warm, science-backed hug for anyone who feels perpetually “on.”

What you can implement:
Incorporate small physical practices that help complete the stress cycle – like dancing around the kitchen for five minutes, a brisk walk, or a good cry. Yes, really.

📖 Motherwhelmed: Challenging Norms, Untangling Truths, and Restoring Our Worth to the World by Beth Berry

A powerful, gentle book that speaks directly to mothers (and mother figures) who feel the crushing weight of perfectionism and over-responsibility.

Beth Berry invites us to challenge cultural expectations, reclaim our time and energy, and redefine what it means to be “enough.”

What you can implement:
Start by noticing where you’re saying “yes” from obligation rather than alignment. Practice one small “no” this week to protect your energy – even (especially) if it feels uncomfortable.

Why these books matter (and why now)

Whether you’re a mother, a business owner, or a woman who holds space for everyone else first — these books are a gentle nudge to remember: you matter, too.

Rest isn’t a luxury or a reward to be earned. It’s a vital part of living and leading well. By honoring your need for pause, you not only protect your energy but also model a new way forward for your team, your family, and your community.

Tell me: what would it look like to truly rest?

Have you read any of these? How are you finding small pockets of rest and renewal this summer, even in the chaos? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear from you.

Missed one of our other Ratio Reads? You can find the previous ones here:

P.S. Some links are affiliate links, which means if you buy a book, I get a few extra cents to fuel my next iced coffee purchase. Win-win! I only recommend books I truly love and use in my own business and with my clients.