Eleanor Hecks
June 13, 2025
When you’re a leader, rest may seem counterproductive and self-serving in the fast-paced business world. Some even perceive it as a weakness. However, giving your mind and body time to relax improves your well-being and makes you more effective in your role. Here is how stepping away from your responsibilities unleashes your full leadership potential.
Why Must Leaders Learn to Rest?
Leaders have ample responsibilities to ensure the workplace is productive and lucrative. The constant motion often causes fatigue, leading to difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, irritability, low mood and physical strains. The Cleveland Clinic says this condition may be temporary or chronic — lasting six months at a time — and result from stress and burnout.
Although the ability to rest may not seem like a work-related skill, it is essential for successful leadership. For example, studies show that decision fatigue is correlated with impulsive or conservative decision-making, in which you may not properly weigh the pros and cons, leading to poor outcomes. This is especially true for health care environments.
One of the ultimate goals for many workers — 86% of Americans, according to one study — is to make a difference and positively affect society. However, fatigue can significantly hinder this goal and turn a drive to make a difference into feeling like your work doesn’t matter. By learning to rest, you can turn this around and improve your leadership capabilities in the following ways:
- Manage challenges with a clear and focused mindset.
- Foster creative thinking and innovation.
- Give yourself time and space to regulate emotions and respond thoughtfully to team members.
- Reduce stress and improve your physical well-being.
- Set a good example for the rest of your team to prioritize self-care.
Radha Vyas, co-founder of the social travel company Flash Pack, says stepping away for rest and leisure has given her time to reflect on long-term goals and the direction her business is taking. Taking a breather gives her mental clarity and an energy boost to make the best decisions for sustainable growth.
Practical Tips for Busy Leaders to Rest
Rest becomes a vital leadership skill when you consciously try to slow down. This is often a difficult concept to grasp when you’re a busy leader. The following tips can help you cultivate this skill to benefit you and your company’s well-being.
Schedule Breaks
Set aside time in your schedule for uninterrupted breaks throughout the day. You don’t need to pause your workflow for long durations, either. Even 10-minute microbreaks are sufficient for mental, emotional and physical recovery.
The Pomodoro method — 25-minute work intervals with five-minute breaks — is an effective tool for boosting productivity. Blocking meeting-free times is also conducive to recharging in your office or going for a walk outside. Also, creating a firm end-time for work each evening sets a boundary for work-life balance.
Get Enough Sleep
The Mayo Clinic says adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night to stay healthy. When you’re a leader, putting your devices away and reducing stress can make it difficult to get quality shut-eye.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book, listening to soft music or taking a hot shower. Also, ensure your bedroom is dark and cool — blackout shades and sheets with cooling technology can help create the perfect atmosphere.
Delegate Tasks
Part of being a skilled leader is knowing your team members’ strengths and assigning work that aligns with their expertise. Delegating tasks and outsourcing nonessential work to capable individuals takes a load off your shoulders so you can unwind, re-energize and care for yourself.
Unplug
According to DataReportal, the average person spends six hours and 40 minutes online daily. Americans, in particular, spend about seven hours and three minutes on the internet.
Make a deliberate effort to unplug your devices in the evening and on the weekends. You might designate specific times for answering emails or logging into social media to avoid distractions and allow yourself to enjoy life outside of technology.
Pursue Personal Interests
It’s common for busy work schedules to interfere with things that make us happy and relaxed, so remember to pursue your favorite hobbies and interests.
Perhaps you used to enjoy crafting or have always wanted to learn photography or ceramics. You might also take cooking classes, walk around a museum or spend time in nature. Researchers have found that people who visit green spaces more often have lower anxiety, depression and stress levels.
Learn to Say No
Saying “no” is challenging for everyone, regardless of your position. However, being selective about specific responsibilities and declining nonessential projects and requests is essential for protecting your time and energy. Ultimately, saying no helps you build “rest” as a vital leadership aptitude.
Rest Is a Critical Skill for Effective Leadership
To maximize your leadership capabilities, you must prioritize rest and self-care. Step back from your work and put yourself first. You will reap the rewards with greater productivity, creativity and influence in your role.
