What the Sumatran Jungle Taught Me About Work–Life Balance

Stillness speaks volumes when the noise finally stops.

True Balance Starts Where the Noise Ends

After ten days trekking deep through the Sumatran jungle, one thing became blindingly clear: we are surrounded by noise, distraction, and expectation. Out there in the thick of the wilderness, I was reminded of the power of presence. Real, grounded presence. And in that stillness, I rediscovered something essential, work-life balance isn't about juggling better. It's about choosing differently.

The Myth of Doing It All

Back home in Perth, I work with business owners every day who are spinning so many plates they can't remember why they picked them up in the first place. More often than not, the search for "balance" turns into another list to tick off-family time, yoga, date night, team meeting, strategy day, school pickup, socials. Exhausting, isn't it?

We treat work–life balance like a maths equation to solve. But in the jungle, I didn't have a to-do list or emails to check; I just had a deep awareness of every sound, every step, every breath.

And that space showed me something I see with clients all the time:

You can't hear what matters when your life is too loud.

Attention Is Being Stolen, And So Is Balance

I took the book Stolen Focus by Johann Hari on this journey. It's all about why we can't pay attention, and what to do about it. Reading it in the silence of the jungle made its message hit even harder. Hari doesn’t just blame tech; he unpacks a whole system designed to fracture our focus and pull us away from what really matters.

And that’s exactly what I see in so many business owners. We're constantly interrupted, pulled from pillar to post by pings, meetings, messages, and a never-ending stream of demands. In that noise, we lose our ability to think deeply, lead well, and live fully.

"You can't live a meaningful life if you can't pay attention to it."

Shifting the Mindset from Survive to Thrive

There was a moment on the trail when I had overwhelming anxiety about leaving my emails, my clients and my business when I realised that I can’t help my clients be the best them if I don’t help myself be the best me. I thought about all the business owners who tell me they feel like they're constantly in survival mode. And I thought of Hari’s research - how most of us aren’t thriving, because the systems we live in reward speed, not depth.

That mindset shift is everything.

From Burden to Curiosity

• What if you didn’t have to do everything?

• What if that exhaustion is a sign, not a failure?

• What would happen if you gave yourself permission to stop?

• What would your life look like if you followed what makes your heart sing?

These are the kinds of questions I bring into my business coaching sessions.

Because it's never just about profit or planning. It's about people. It's about you.

Nature Doesn't Rush, and Yet...

The jungle isn’t quiet. It buzzes with life. But it's not chaotic. It's rhythmic. Deliberate. And it reminded me that balance isn't about slowing down for the sake of it- it's about aligning with what matters,and listening to your heart.

When was the last time you let yourself be still? Not scrolling. Not planning. Just being? Because in that space, you'll often find answers you've been chasing for years.

And yes, it's uncomfortable at first. Just like it's uncomfortable to admit that you might be the bottleneck in your business. Or that you haven't taken a proper break in years. But the breakthrough always starts with honesty to yourself.

Work-Life Balance Is a Practice, Not a Destination

Back in the office now, with emails and client calls and team check-ins, I still carry that jungle energy with me. Not as an escape, but as a guide. I remind myself and my clients that balance isn't a perfect split. It's about living in integrity with your values.

And sometimes, that means choosing to log off early. Or saying no. Or asking for help.

Leaving my phone at home and taking my granddaughter to the park for an hour was a hard step at first . But now, it’s something I prioritise. It quickly became one of the most important and enjoyable parts of my week. That quiet, undistracted time together is a reminder of what really matters.

Because the best leaders I know aren’t the busiest. They’re the most aligned.

FAQ About Work-Life Balance

1. Why do I feel so overwhelmed, even when I’m achieving a lot?

Because success without stillness isn't sustainable. Like the constant buzz of the jungle, your environment might be overstimulating, leaving no room to think clearly or breathe deeply. Business Coaching can help you cut through that noise and reconnect with what truly matters.

2. How can business coaching help me regain focus and balance?

A business coach acts like a trail guide - you might be in the thick of your own jungle, but I can help you spot the blind spots, set boundaries, and prioritise with purpose. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

3. Isn’t work–life balance just a myth for business owners?

Only if you're measuring it the wrong way. Balance doesn't mean splitting time 50/50 - it means aligning your business with your values so both life and work feel more energising. Business Coaching helps you build that alignment.