The Power of a Break: How Stepping Away Helped Me Step Up

I remember it vividly: a gray Monday morning in the office. My colleague sat across from me, her brow furrowed as she organized a stack of reports. As I cheerfully shared my excitement for an upcoming vacation, she looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and disapproval.

"Vacations aren’t for people like us," she said, resolute. "We have deadlines. These jobs don’t allow for that kind of luxury."

Her words caught me off guard. We were peers, sharing the same management responsibilities, yet our outlooks couldn’t have been more different. While eagerly counting down the days until I could swap my office desk for sandy beaches, she seemed almost resigned to the idea that her work would always come first.

That conversation stayed with me long after it ended. I felt sad for her, not because she lacked ambition—one of the most hardworking people I knew—but because she seemed to have accepted that burnout was the cost of success. This made me reflect on my own beliefs about work and rest. For me, taking a break wasn’t just a chance to relax; it was essential. My best ideas often came when I stepped away from my day-to-day grind.

And wouldn’t you know it? Writing this article hit me while I was on a break.

Why Breaks Matter

I firmly believe that our brains have a limit. No one can sustain peak performance indefinitely. It’s like running a marathon—even the most seasoned athletes need water stations to recharge. Our minds are no different. Science backs this up, showing that regular breaks improve focus, creativity, and productivity.

For me, breaks are my creative fuel. During my vacation that year, I recharged and found clarity on projects I had been struggling with. While watching waves crash on the shore, I came up with solutions to problems I hadn’t been able to tackle in the office. The physical and mental distance gave me perspective.

But here’s the catch: taking a break isn’t just about you. It’s about creating a culture where everyone—from entry-level employees to supervisors—understands the value of rest. Supervisors, especially, set the tone. If you’re a leader who never takes a break, your team will feel they can’t either. And that leads to a cycle of exhaustion that benefits no one.

Making the Case for Breaks

Some of you may still be skeptical. “But Pam, my job doesn’t allow for breaks!” Trust me, I get it. Deadlines can’t be ignored, and there are seasons where work feels relentless. But even in the busiest of times, micro-breaks can make a difference. A ten-minute walk, a quick chat with a friend, or even just stepping away from your desk to stretch can re-energize you and help you approach tasks with a fresh perspective.

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to normalize this. Encourage your team to take their breaks and take your own. Share stories about how stepping away has helped you. Lead by example because your team will follow suit when you show that rest is a priority.

My Challenge to You

As you read this, I want you to think about the last time you took a meaningful break. If it’s been too long, schedule one. Make it happen whether it’s a vacation, a long weekend, or simply an hour to yourself. And if you’re already a believer in the power of breaks, share that belief with someone who might need a gentle nudge.

We’re all wired differently, and that’s okay. But no matter your wiring, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take the time to recharge, and watch how much more you can accomplish when you return.

And who knows? Your next big idea might be waiting for your next break. ;)

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