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Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Ronél Pretorius
19 episodes
1 day ago

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning is for high‑functioning individuals — especially those in demanding corporate roles — who seem to have it all together but quietly wonder if there’s a clearer, more grounded way to live and work.


If you’re successful, capable, and maybe a little exhausted… if you’ve ever sat in your car before walking into the office, taking one intentional breath before the day sweeps you up — this podcast is for you.


I’m your host, Ronél Pretorius — a Clarity & Direction Strategist with nearly three decades of corporate HR experience. I understand how constant pressure, over‑functioning, and the invisible emotional load can blur your sense of self and make it hard to know what truly matters next.


Each week, we slow down enough to think clearly again.
We explore the real inner landscape: boundaries, overwhelm, identity, decision‑making, meaning, and the quiet moments that help you reconnect with yourself.


This is about noticing what’s been draining you, remembering what feels true, and choosing a life that’s calmer, more intentional, and deeply meaningful.


The show is designed with women in mind, but anyone navigating the pressure to hold everything together will feel at home here.


New episodes weekly.
You don’t have to find clarity alone.

Show more...
Self-Improvement
Education,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
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All content for Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning is the property of Ronél Pretorius and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning is for high‑functioning individuals — especially those in demanding corporate roles — who seem to have it all together but quietly wonder if there’s a clearer, more grounded way to live and work.


If you’re successful, capable, and maybe a little exhausted… if you’ve ever sat in your car before walking into the office, taking one intentional breath before the day sweeps you up — this podcast is for you.


I’m your host, Ronél Pretorius — a Clarity & Direction Strategist with nearly three decades of corporate HR experience. I understand how constant pressure, over‑functioning, and the invisible emotional load can blur your sense of self and make it hard to know what truly matters next.


Each week, we slow down enough to think clearly again.
We explore the real inner landscape: boundaries, overwhelm, identity, decision‑making, meaning, and the quiet moments that help you reconnect with yourself.


This is about noticing what’s been draining you, remembering what feels true, and choosing a life that’s calmer, more intentional, and deeply meaningful.


The show is designed with women in mind, but anyone navigating the pressure to hold everything together will feel at home here.


New episodes weekly.
You don’t have to find clarity alone.

Show more...
Self-Improvement
Education,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
Episodes (19/19)
Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
A Gentle Year-End Reflection — Pause, Reset, and Reconnect With What Matters

As the year comes to a close, many of us feel tired, reflective, and unsure about what comes next. In this gentle year-end reflection episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I invite you to slow down, breathe, and step out of the noise long enough to reconnect with yourself. 

This is about creating space — for perspective, clarity, and presence — and allowing insight to surface naturally. 

Through six grounding reflection questions, we explore what this year has revealed about your energy, boundaries, clarity, and direction, and how to move into the next year with intention rather than pressure. 

Six Gentle Year-End Reflection Questions
 
You may want to pause the episode or come back to these questions over the next few days: 

  1. Where did you feel most like yourself this year?
  2. What drained you the most?
  3. What moments brought you clarity?
  4. What did you learn about what you want — or no longer want?
  5. What is asking for your attention right now?
  6. What do you want to carry forward — and what can you leave behind?

There’s no need to rush these. Clarity often unfolds when we stop trying to force it. 

A Note on What’s Coming Next

In 2026, this podcast will continue to be a calm, grounding space — with a deeper focus on clarity, direction, intentional decision-making, and living at a pace that feels human again.

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning remains your weekly moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. 

Your Gentle Invitation This Week

What do you want more of next year?

What do you want less of?

What feels genuinely meaningful to you now?

Please subscribe, follow, or share this episode with someone who could use a moment of calm and clarity.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
3 weeks ago
6 minutes 20 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
When Stress Shrinks Your World: How to Widen Your Perspective

Have you noticed how quickly your world can shrink when you’re stressed? One minute you feel steady and in control… and the next, one email or unexpected request pulls you into tunnel vision. 

Suddenly, all you can see is the problem in front of you — and everything else fades into the background. 

In today’s episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I explore why this happens, what it means for high-achievers in survival mode, and how to gently widen your perspective again when stress narrows your field of view.

You'll learn why your brain defaults to hyper-focus, why December intensifies this pattern, and five simple strategies to help you step back and see the fuller picture. 

This is a grounding, practical episode designed for the moments when you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to “zoom out.” 

In this episode, I talk about: 

  • The brain’s natural tendency to narrow attention under stress
  • Why year-end pressure makes perspective feel harder to access
  • A personal moment of tunnel vision — and what shifted it
  • Five “mental wide-angle lenses” to widen your perspective
  • The gentle reminder you may need this week

You’ll learn how to:

  •  Create spaciousness when your thoughts feel cramped
  • Interrupt the stress cycle with small, intentional resets
  • Ask grounding questions that expand your awareness
  • Reset your sense of time and urgency
  • Reconnect with meaning when the world feels too tight

A gentle reminder:

Your world hasn’t actually gotten smaller — it just feels that way when stress takes over. Perspective returns when you pause long enough to see the bigger picture.
 
Next week:

Don’t miss our final episode of the year — a short, reflective pause to help you enter the festive season with more presence, perspective, and calm.
 
Listen now and give yourself a moment to breathe.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here. 

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
1 month ago
6 minutes 50 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Heading for Burnout? Should You Quit Your Job — or Stay?

Are you on the edge of burnout and wondering whether quitting your job is the only way out?

If you’ve found yourself fantasising about resigning just to breathe again — yet you’re torn because you have bills, responsibilities, and a memory of a time when work didn’t feel this draining — this episode is for you. 

In today’s conversation, I explore one of the most stressful, emotionally loaded decisions high-functioning women face: 

Should you quit… or is there another way through? 

This isn’t an episode about giving advice or telling you what to do.
It’s about helping you pause, unpack the truth beneath the overwhelm, and approach this crossroads from a grounded place rather than a panicked one. 

What you'll learn:

  • The Stormy First Draft: Why messy, uncensored journaling helps you understand what’s actually going on beneath the burnout. 
  • The Second Draft: Guiding questions to help you separate the job itself from the environment, the season you’re in, your boundaries, and your coping patterns. 
  • Making decisions from clarity, not crisis: Why big choices should never be made from emotional space — and how to support yourself before you decide. 

If you’re wrestling with the “Should I stay or should I go?” dilemma, this episode will help you slow down, reflect honestly, and take the next step with intention. 

Questions for Reflection:

• What is the most compassionate next step I can take for myself right now?
• If I weren’t afraid of disappointing anyone, what truth would I admit?
• What would my future self want me to know today? 

Work With Me:

If you’re standing at this crossroads and want support unpacking your situation without pressure or panic, you’re welcome to book a clarity call.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here. 

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
1 month ago
8 minutes 10 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Re-Authoring Your Story: Changing the Narrative That Fuels Stress

If you’ve ever watched a true crime documentary, you’ve probably heard investigators talk about “controlling the narrative.” 

In everyday life, we do the same — not to manipulate others, but to make sense of our world. 

The problem? Many of the stories high-functioning women tell themselves are harsh, fear-based, or outdated. And these internal narratives quietly fuel chronic stress. 

In this solo episode, I unpack how the stories you rehearse internally shape your reality, and why learning to re-author your story is a powerful act of self-care. 

I also share three simple, compassionate steps to help you shift out of overwhelm, interrupt unhelpful thought loops, and choose a narrative that supports your well-being. 

You’ll also hear a personal moment from my recent guest interview on Women’s Health Unwrapped, where she had to work through her own narrative before stepping behind the microphone. 

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider:

If this moment is just one chapter… what do you want the next chapter to be?  

Key Takeaways

  • Why internal narratives can intensify stress — even when circumstances haven’t changed
  • The difference between reality and interpretation in stressful moments
  • How self-compassion and narrative awareness help high-functioning women step out of survival mode
  • Three practical tools for re-authoring your story

Reflection Questions

  • What’s a story you’ve been telling yourself that no longer feels helpful?
  • What might a kinder, truer version of that story sound like?
  • If this moment is one chapter, what do you want the next chapter to look like?

Links & Resources

  • Listen to Ronél’s guest interview on Women’s Health Unwrapped (host: Nicola Farndell): Go to the podcast

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode! While you are there, would you mind leaving a rating?

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
1 month ago
8 minutes 26 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
The Year-End Crunch: Staying Grounded When Work Gets Intense

It's late on a Tuesday evening in November. You're still at your laptop, shoulders up near your ears, and that voice in your head is saying, "Just get through this. It'll calm down after year-end."

But here's the truth: "getting through it" isn't a strategy—it's survival mode dressed up as productivity.

In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I'm naming what's really happening during the year-end crunch and exploring how to stay grounded when the pressure's on. No toxic positivity. No "just meditate your way through deadlines." Just practical, honest ways to move through intensity without abandoning yourself.

What You'll Learn:

Why year-end feels different (and why that actually matters)

The hidden cost of chronic stress and the "just one more month" mentality

Three micro-practices that actually work when you have no time: 

  • The Two-Minute Morning Reset
  • The Boundary Bookmark
  • The Evening Exhale

How to rewrite your year-end story without changing your workload

Key Takeaway: 

You don't have to choose between success and peace. You can be committed to your work AND committed to your wellbeing — and it starts with how you move through right now.

Reflection Questions:

  • What's one boundary you could protect between now and the end of the year?
  • What would it feel like to finish this year not exhausted, but proud of how you showed up—for your work and for yourself?
  • What's the smallest shift that would make the biggest difference for you right now?

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
1 month ago
10 minutes 18 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
The Permission to Slow Down — Why Rest is a Productivity Strategy

What if slowing down isn’t risky, but the very thing that keeps you strong?

In this episode of Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning, I challenge the myth that constant motion equals success and invite you to see rest as a performance strategy, not a luxury.

Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and my own six-day hiking experience through the Maluti Mountains, I explore how intentional pauses, recovery cycles, and moments of stillness help high-functioning women perform at their best — without burning out.

You’ll learn:

  • Why your brain is more creative when you rest (the science of the default-mode network)
  • Simple, practical ways to build a rest and recovery rhythm into your week
  • Why slowing down isn’t just about self-care — it’s strategic and displays leadership

Whether you’re climbing corporate mountains or simply trying to make it through your to-do list, this episode is your reminder that rest is not the opposite of productivity; it’s what makes it possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Rest is a strategic advantage that enhances focus, creativity, and decision-making.
  • Recovery isn’t indulgence — it’s how the nervous system sustains high performance.
  • The healthiest, most effective lives run on rhythms of energy and recovery.
  • Leadership begins with modelling balance and boundaries.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
2 months ago
7 minutes 37 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
The Small Daily Rituals That Restore Calm and Focus

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 on why the little things — like a quiet cup of coffee, a short walk, or simply making your bed — can become anchors in stressful seasons.

If you’ve been feeling scattered, tense, or stuck in “push through” mode, this conversation will remind you that small doesn’t mean insignificant. It means sustainable.

You’ll learn:

  • Why small, consistent rituals matter more than big lifestyle changes
  • How simple habits can reduce daily stress and decision fatigue
  • What “controlling the controllables” really looks like in real life
  • A reflection prompt to help you identify your own grounding ritual

Because sometimes the smallest things are the ones that change everything.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
2 months ago
6 minutes 19 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Small Things, Big Difference: Lessons From My Hiking Socks

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 things really do make a big difference.

You’ll be invited to reflect on your own “socks”: those small daily habits that might seem insignificant but actually hold everything else together.

Tune in to discover:

  • Why the smallest overlooked details often cause the biggest discomfort
  • What Coach Wooden’s philosophy can teach us about consistency and the fundamentals
  • How to identify and recommit to the simple practices that keep you grounded

If you’ve been pushing harder when what you really need is to pause and reset the basics, this one’s for you.

Take care of yourself — and don’t forget to check your socks.🧦

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
3 months ago
5 minutes 51 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Building Resilience Through Connection

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.
  • The truth is that connection builds resilience, because we’re not meant to carry everything alone.

This reflective conversation invites you to pause and ask: Who’s in your herd? Who supports you, and how do you show up for them in return?

If you’ve been carrying too much on your own, this episode is your gentle reminder that even the strongest among us need a trusted circle.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
3 months ago
5 minutes 57 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Mindful Productivity for High-Functioning Women

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 standards or stepping back from excellence; it’s about shifting the way you approach your day. 

We’ll explore three small but powerful shifts: the difference between frantic productivity and mindful productivity, the importance of micro-moments of presence, and how to know when it’s time to push through versus when it’s time to pause. 

Being high-functioning doesn’t have to mean being high-strung. You can achieve, lead, and perform — you don't have to choose between being effective and being at peace.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why busyness isn’t the same as productivity (and what to do instead).
  • The difference between frantic productivity and mindful productivity.
  • How to create micro-moments of presence in your day.
  • A simple way to know when to push through—and when to pause.
  • A gentle prompt to help you bring more presence into your everyday routine.

💬 Book your 30-minute free, no obligation clarity call here.

🎧 Follow Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
3 months ago
10 minutes 56 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
The Power of Pausing: What a Poet and a Cappuccino Taught Me

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 simple yet profound reminder: “Don’t let the work do you. You do the work,” this is an invitation to take a few moments amid a busy day to slow down, notice the little things, and focus on what truly matters.

If you’ve been running on autopilot, this episode is your nudge to pause.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why presence doesn’t happen by accident — it’s a practice.
  • How a simple moment of pausing can shift the entire tone of your day.
  • What Mary Oliver’s Invitation can teach us about slowing down.
  • The surprising wisdom from a coffee shop manager that might just change how you see your work.
  • My invitation to you: What small conversation or cup of coffee might hold more meaning than any task on your list?
  • And a powerful reminder from Mary Oliver: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

📥 Download your copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

🎧 Subscribe to Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
3 months ago
5 minutes 22 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Keystone Habits - The One Habit That Changes Everything

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 once
  • My own story of starting small with a morning protocol — and how it now anchors my day
  • Simple ways you can identify your keystone habit and make it stick without adding more stress

Keystone habits aren’t about doing more. They’re about doing the right one thing that lifts everything else.

If you’ve been feeling pulled in a hundred directions, this episode will help you step back, simplify, and choose the habit that gives you the greatest return — in energy, focus, and calm.

✍🏻 Link to blog post, Keystone Habits to Set Yourself Up for Success (The One Change That Transforms Everything)

📩 Download my free Self-Care Quiz to discover where to start.

🎧 Subscribe to Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
4 months ago
5 minutes 55 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Meditative Living - Finding Presence in a Busy Life

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” feeling
  • What meditative living really is—and what it’s not
  • How high-functioning women fall into the trap of equating busyness with value
  • My personal puzzle story and how it became a metaphor for slowing down
  • Practical ways to weave micro-moments of presence into your day

Meditative living isn’t about perfection or adding another practice to your list. It’s about creating space to reconnect with yourself—even in the middle of a busy, demanding life.

If you’re ready to stop rushing through life and start living it, this episode will provide you with practical insights and gentle encouragement to get started.

✍🏻Link to blog post, Everything You Need to Know About Meditative Living

🎧 Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!

📥 Download a copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

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4 months ago
8 minutes 26 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
My Why Story - From Surviving to Thriving

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 warning signs, the importance of seeking support, and prioritising one's own needs. She encourages listeners to take proactive steps toward a more meaningful and less stressful life.

✍🏻Here's the link to the recent blog post, Thriving Beyond Survival Mode: Why I Created This Programme for High-Functioning Women

📥 Don’t forget to download your copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss a moment of calm clarity and grounded support.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
4 months ago
7 minutes 14 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Strong Doesn’t Mean Okay - The Struggle No One Knows About

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 prompts that can help you reclaim your energy, presence, and humanity. 

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve got this”… while secretly wondering how much longer you can keep it up, this one’s for you. 

📥 Don’t forget to download your copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

🎧 Subscribe so you never miss a moment of calm clarity and grounded support.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
4 months ago
9 minutes 31 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Sleeping Well - The Key to Thriving Under Pressure

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 positive relationship with sleep. 

Bridgette emphasises small, sustainable changes and highlights the importance of protecting the last hour before bed as crucial for better sleep. 

The episode offers hope and actionable tips for those struggling with sleep issues.

Here’s what we cover:

  • From sleep struggles to Sleep & Recovery Coach
  • How poor sleep affects your focus, mood, and energy
  • Why sleep hygiene isn’t always enough
  • The link between stress and sleep (and how to break the cycle)
  • Do a deep dive into the root causes of not sleeping well
  • Small rituals that make a big difference
  • The three systems your sleep depends on 
  • What to do if you’ve tried it all and still can’t sleep

Connect with Bridgette Smith: 

  • Email Address: info@sleepeasy.net.nz
  • Website: www.sleepeasy.net.nz

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
5 months ago
26 minutes 42 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
How to Face Stress Like a Bison - Move Through It!

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 first act of courage
  • What “moving with intention” looks like when you’re overwhelmed
  • How to reconnect with your inner strength — without pushing harder

This is your permission to slow down, stop outrunning the storm, and take one small, meaningful step forward.

📥 Download your copy of the 14 Small Steps to Reset Your Survival Mode Toolkit

🎧 Subscribe to Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning so you don't miss the next episode!

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
5 months ago
8 minutes 23 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
The Art of Switching Off - How to Reclaim Your Evenings

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 throughout your day 
  • The power of a simple shutdown ritual to signal to your brain it's safe to stop
  • Why digital boundaries are essential (and how to set them without going off-grid)

You’ll also hear common objections like “I don’t have time to rest” or “People will think I’m not committed,” and why they might be holding you back from real recovery.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with small shifts that can help you feel more present, less stressed, and genuinely restored.

📥 Don’t forget to download your free copy of the Reset Your Stress Guide 
🎧 Subscribe so you never miss a moment of calm clarity and grounded support.

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
5 months ago
7 minutes 21 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning
Welcome to Unrushed: Less Stress More Meaning

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. 

➡️ Subscribe to Newsletter:

Do you want weekly inspiration and tips right in your inbox? Click here to subscribe.

➡️ Connect with Ronél:

Thank you for listening! You can find more resources and inspiration here:

  • Website: ronelpretorius.com
  • Instagram: @ronelpretorius.coach
  • Pinterest: @ronelpretoriuswellnesscoach
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ronel-pretorius

DISCLAIMER:

The conversations shared on this podcast are meant to inform, inspire, and support — not to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or well-being.

Show more...
6 months ago
1 minute 42 seconds

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning

Unrushed: Less Stress, More Meaning is for high‑functioning individuals — especially those in demanding corporate roles — who seem to have it all together but quietly wonder if there’s a clearer, more grounded way to live and work.


If you’re successful, capable, and maybe a little exhausted… if you’ve ever sat in your car before walking into the office, taking one intentional breath before the day sweeps you up — this podcast is for you.


I’m your host, Ronél Pretorius — a Clarity & Direction Strategist with nearly three decades of corporate HR experience. I understand how constant pressure, over‑functioning, and the invisible emotional load can blur your sense of self and make it hard to know what truly matters next.


Each week, we slow down enough to think clearly again.
We explore the real inner landscape: boundaries, overwhelm, identity, decision‑making, meaning, and the quiet moments that help you reconnect with yourself.


This is about noticing what’s been draining you, remembering what feels true, and choosing a life that’s calmer, more intentional, and deeply meaningful.


The show is designed with women in mind, but anyone navigating the pressure to hold everything together will feel at home here.


New episodes weekly.
You don’t have to find clarity alone.