The Transformative Power of Taking a Break

LinkedIn has been buzzing lately about the importance of unplugging. First the great resignation. Then economic slowdown and layoffs. Whether you are taking a break voluntarily or otherwise, taking time off to recharge, reflect and reassess can be the most transformative experiences.

The Benefits of a Break are Plentiful:

• Mental and Physical Health: Burnout is real. A break lets your body and mind recharge.

Personally, I've committed to a daily yoga practice for more than 20 years. It's a stabilizing force in my life. Seasonal physical activities like swimming, hiking, biking, and skiing have kept me in better shape now than I was a decade ago.

• A Boost in Creativity and Productivity: A busy mind struggles to innovate. When you're constantly working and stressed, it's hard to think creatively and come up with new ideas.

For me, this is where the arts come into play. Museums, opera, ballet—they're not just entertainment; they're catalysts for imagination. I've recently added ceramics and pottery to this list and found a state of 'flow' that has a remarkable spillover effect on my work.

• Work-Life Balance: Corporate jobs can often consume your entire life, leaving little time for personal relationships. The work-life balance we often talk about but rarely achieve becomes a more attainable goal when we take breaks. We're reminded that we should work to live, not the other way around. Life's richest experiences don't happen in boardrooms or behind desks; they happen in the company of loved ones and in the pursuit of our personal interests. ?
• Personal Growth: On a more existential level, breaks allow us to evaluate the bigger picture: our career goals, values, and invest in personal development. During this past year, I took courses at my alma mater, University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business , started my own company #BoldGTM, and embarked on a new career as an independent consultant, fractional GTM executive and advisor. I also had the freedom to explore the world, traveling to Greece, UK, Estonia, Mexico, Costa Rica, which expanded my perspectives immeasurably.

So, whether you’re taking a break because life forced you into it or because you’re seizing a well-deserved vacation or sabbatical, seize the opportunity to transform yourself. This is an investment in your future self, both personally and professionally. And in the midst of it all, take a moment to tell the people you love how much they mean to you. The world will still be there, waiting for your return. But you’ll come back to it stronger, wiser, and energized to take on a new challenge.

#mentalhealth #worklifebalance #BoldGTM