A certified health coach specialising in women’s wellness and sleep, Helen Peckman tells us about the importance of getting a good night’s rest.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a digital networking platform (with IRL benefits) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented folks! Looking for inspiration? Check out how Helen Peckman, the founder of Sleep Body Mind, gets it done like a boss.
Tell us the story behind your business.
Sleep issues have always been a big part of my life. I started experiencing insomnia from the age of 13. I’m passionate about understanding the connection between the mind, body, and soul, and recognising the remarkable uniqueness of each individual. I’m also deeply passionate about the transformative power of sleep and rest, and how improving these areas enhances our personal well-being and overall quality of life.
Having personally experienced the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on mental and physical well-being, I empathise with those facing similar challenges. I, like many others, used to consider myself a “bad sleeper” without considering the impact of my lifestyle, stress levels, mindset, and individual characteristics on my sleep patterns.
In 2017, while residing in London, I studied sleep disorders and completed certified yoga training focused on sleep recovery. Upon relocating to New York in 2019, I pursued certification as a health coach, delving into the influences of psychodynamics on sleep and wellness. It was during this phase that I began exploring human design, further enriching my holistic approach to well-being.
I founded Sleep Body Mind in 2020 with a vision to help women unlock better sleep and improve their overall wellness. The creation of Sleep Body Mind is rooted in my passion for supporting ambitious women on their journey to attain optimal sleep and well-being, personalised to their individual mental and physical attributes through the lens of human design. I specialise in offering tailored guidance and equipping clients with practical tools that bolster their overall wellness and alleviate stress, empowering them to thrive amidst their demanding lifestyles.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
I’m most proud of the little things that add up. For me, it’s the million tiny steps that got me here that made a difference. From believing in myself to stepping outside my comfort zone on social media and at networking events, pitching my business with every opportunity, building connections, getting more clients and seeing them sleeping well – even starting over in new countries – these challenges have become the building blocks of my business journey. They’ve allowed me to grow and refine my approach, leading me to where I am today.
Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
One of the biggest challenges in life, and especially in business, is accepting that people won’t always share your vision. I take a holistic approach to sleep and wellness, believing everyone’s needs are unique. Naturally, this means encountering people with different perspectives. I had to learn to not feel destabilised by other people’s opinions – and to keep going.
Persistence is vital in business. There will inevitably be moments of self-doubt, less engagement, and discouragement. But I realised that things can turn around quickly for those who don’t give up.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
I’m a morning person; after dropping my kids at the bus, I usually start working around 8am. I’m either hosting client one-to-one sessions or working on content for my business (social media or workshops). I also attend business networking events to get the Sleep Body Mind name out there.
Mid-day, my energy level usually drops and I use that time to reset my energy with any sports activities and/or simply relaxing. I work again until my kids are back from school at 4 or 5pm. From that time, my focus is on them until bedtime.
I love the flexibility of working for myself and planning my day as I wish. As much as my days follow more or less the same routine, some weeks can be very intense whilst others are a bit less. I also try to organize my work, meetings and events according to my cycle. It’s not always possible but when things are aligned properly it’s a game changer.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
I’ve read many books on entrepreneurship and self-development over the last decade. But what influenced me the most was people sharing their stories – entrepreneurs in different fields sharing their wisdom, roadblocks, failures and successes.
I’ve lived in many places in the world and my biggest teachers are the diversity of people I’ve encountered in my life. I’m truly grateful for that. It’s easy to read a book, find it inspiring, and forget about it. However, we get easily influenced by people, which means that some individuals can unlock something within us and inspire us to change or do things differently. It’s important to be aware of the people we surround ourselves with – but also the people we follow on social media.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
If there’s something you truly believe in and want to bring to life, just go for it, even if you’re not entirely sure how to make it happen. Many hold themselves back until they figure things out. Myself included. But it’s normal for things to be blurry at the start. You’ll be surprised how things fall into place once you start taking those small steps. Don’t focus on having all the answers upfront. Just dive in and figure it out along the way.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Prioritise your sleep! I can’t stress this enough: everything is better when we’re rested. Women need 20 minutes more sleep than men. We’re more likely to feel mentally and physically well and thrive amidst the demands of our lives if we get good quantity and quality of sleep.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
Not having rigid plans allows me to fully embrace spontaneity and relaxation. Throughout the week, my schedule is packed with commitments – whether it’s work, kids, or various activities. That’s why I truly value the freedom weekends bring. Spending quality time with my family and going for walks whilst enjoying a coffee rejuvenates me. While each weekend can be different, I always make sure to incorporate moments of slowing down and quality time.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
When I was 20, I moved solo to London with one suitcase. I lived in a hostel and sold frozen yogurt for a living. I didn’t speak English, I felt alone but so alive at the same time. I knew I was at the right place. It’s still the best decision I’ve made in my life. It was the beginning of a whole new chapter in my journey. I would never be where I am today without this big leap.
Get in touch with Helen Peckman online.
Want to join a community of entrepreneurs with weekly masterclasses, member networking, small-business mentoring and more? Check out Launchpad and join us!
