A summer brief: Rest, recharge and rejuvenate
Updated: Sep 1
Summer often brings a change of pace. Lighter evenings, family time, holidays, and the chance to step back from the day to day demands of work. Yet for many operations leaders, that's easier said than done.
When you're the person keeping everything running smoothly, taking time away can feel uncomfortable. But a proper break isn't a luxury. It's an investment in your wellbeing, your decision making, and your leadership. So, if you've not yet taken some time for yourself this year, consider this a gentle nudge to do so.
And yes, after England's warmest June on record, we may even be celebrating the return of a little rain. 😉
Why taking a break matters
The benefits of a proper break go far beyond simply feeling refreshed.
You think better after a break. Time away restores attention and helps you make clearer strategic calls.
You model healthy norms. When leaders genuinely switch off, it gives others permission to do the same. Healthy cultures start at the top.
It's good for the business. A rested leader is more focused, delegates more effectively, and is less likely to make costly mistakes.
How long does it take to rest, recharge and rejuvenate?
Research suggests that while even a short break can improve your mood, meaningful recovery takes a little longer.
1 to 3 days can provide a welcome lift, but the benefits tend to fade quickly.
Around 7 consecutive days is often the point where people begin to properly switch off, sleep better, and experience a sustained reduction in stress.
10 to 14 days or more can deliver deeper and longer lasting benefits, particularly when you're able to truly disconnect from work (no constant email checking 😊).
In short, if you can, aim for more than just a long weekend. So, don’t be shy, book a decent break, you deserve it and you’re setting a great example!
Five ways to make your break genuinely restorative
It’s simple really
1. Take enough time
Aim for at least seven consecutive days away from work. If you can stretch to ten days or even two weeks, even better.
2. Set a proper out of office
Let people know who's covering what and when you'll return. A simple message reassures colleagues and helps you switch off with confidence. For example, “I’ll be offline until xxx to recharge, for urgent issues contact…”
3. Delegate well
Clear handover notes and named decision makers can provide enormous peace of mind while you're away.
4. Do something different
Walk. Read. Spend time in nature. Catch up with friends and family. Cook. Explore. Active leisure beats doom‑scrolling.
5. Ease yourself back in
Try to keep your first day back relatively light. Avoid filling it with major decisions, back-to-back meetings, or a mountain of catch up tasks.
Still feeling guilty? Read one of these.
If you need a little extra encouragement, these books make a compelling case for rest and recovery.
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung‑Kim Pang
A practical and evidence-based look at why deliberate rest improves performance.
The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz.
Focuses on energy management rather than time; useful for planning work/recovery cycles.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
A thoughtful, slightly rebellious case for reclaiming attention from the always‑on world.
One last nudge (because you’ll thank me later!)
Think of your summer break as an investment in operations, not an interruption to it.
Book the time. Hand over the keys. Trust your team.
The evidence suggests that a week away is often the minimum needed to properly recharge, and the business will cope just fine without you. In fact, giving others the opportunity to step up is important.
When you return, you'll be sharper, calmer, and probably better equipped to say "no" to those meetings that never really needed to happen in the first place.
Rest. Recharge. Rejuvenate.
✨ WHY TAKING A HOLIDAY CAN IMPROVE THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS✨
“Here is a really simple way to add value to your business. Take some time off.”
Jon Mailer , Founder and CEO, Protrade United
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