74: Reclaim Your Evenings: How Successful Women Protect Their Peace (and Still Win at Work)

Welcome back to Living While Leading, the podcast for high-performing women who want to thrive without burning out.

I’m Sharon Ehrlich, and today we’re tackling something so many high-achieving women face: evenings that never really feel like our own.

Before we dive in, a quick note:

If you’d like to follow along, you can find the full transcript and other resources for women leaders at LivingWhileLeading.com/74.

Why Late-Night Emails Are Quietly Burning You Out

Now, let’s get into it.

Picture this. It’s 9 p.m. You’re on the couch, phone in one hand, laptop in the other, telling your partner, “Just one more email.”

But guess what? Burnout often hides behind dedication. You’re capable. People count on you. But when your workday spills into the night something important gets lost.

Your presence. Your peace. Your ability to rest.

The Wake-Up Call Every Leader Needs

I once coached a leader who was highly respected and always “on.”

One evening, her teenage daughter said “Mom, you’re home, but it’s like you’re not here.”

It stung. And it was the wake-up call she needed.

Like many of us, she feared that setting boundaries would make her seem less committed.

But the opposite happened. Clear boundaries built trust. Strengthened her impact. And brought her joy back.

Five Boundaries to Take Back Your Evenings and Your Energy

So how do you reclaim your evenings?

Here are five boundaries every high-achieving woman needs.

1. Schedule a Real Shutdown. Don’t just intend to stop working. Block it on your calendar as “Wrap and Renew.” At that time, ask yourself, “What can wait until tomorrow?”
   
   Close your laptop. Silence notifications. Put devices out of sight. My client even told her team, “I’ve signed off for the night, talk tomorrow.” At first, it felt rebellious. But soon they respected it and started doing the same.
   
   
2. Protect What Comes After Work. Create a wind-down ritual that tells your body, work is over! A walk. A cup of tea. Cozy clothes. Whatever helps you transition and relax. These small rituals protect your peace, and teach your brain to let go.
   
   
3. Stop Over-Accommodating. When someone drops a task on you at 6:30 p.m., try this: “Happy to support tomorrow morning, will that work?” You’re not being rigid. You’re simply protecting your time, while still offering a solution.
   
   
4. Make Sleep Non-Negotiable. Treat sleep like your most important meeting. Put it on your calendar and guard it fiercely. One client called bedtime her “strategic reset.” And the results? More focus. More patience and more joy.
   
   
5. Reframe Boundaries as Leadership. Women who set boundaries earn more promotions, experience less burnout, and nurture stronger relationships.
   
   Boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re bridges protecting your energy so you can lead well. Every time you say, “This isn’t urgent now,” or “Let’s circle back in the morning,” you’re modeling sustainable success for your team and shaping a culture that thrives.

Protect Your Peace, Protect Your Career

Here’s your reminder: Your time is precious. So is your peace. You’ve built a career you’re proud of. Now protect the life, and the energy, that makes it all worthwhile.

If you’re ready to move from overwhelm to intentional leadership, I’d love to help.

Visit LivingWhileLeading.com or my LinkedIn About Section to learn more.

Because success isn’t just about what you achieve, it’s about building a life you truly love.

And remember, you’re the solution to claiming what’s important to you!