Taking time off isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic move.
In today’s high-performance culture, leaders often fall into the trap of glorifying busyness. But evidence shows that stepping away—properly and purposefully—can be one of the most powerful tools for sustaining growth and performance. For a high-growth business, a well-executed holiday isn’t a break from success; it’s a key driver of it.
Here’s how to switch off the smart way—so you can recharge deeply and return with renewed energy, clarity, and impact.
Before You Go: Build a Foundation for Real Rest
Mentally Train for Downtime
Shutting off isn't something that happens on the plane or at the beach—it starts weeks before. Research confirms that even the anticipation of a holiday can elevate mood for up to two months. Start easing in by disconnecting from small daily stressors: silence notifications in the evening, take a device-free walk, or reclaim five minutes of quiet. These micro-practices train your brain to rest and restore.
Set Clear Boundaries
The week before departure is critical. Communicate with your team and clients clearly: outline your offline dates, identify a point of contact, and define what qualifies as an emergency. These boundaries not only reduce your anxiety but also create an environment where your team can operate autonomously with confidence.
Empower Through Delegation
Delegating isn’t about filling the gaps—it’s about unlocking growth. Identify key responsibilities, assign them with clarity, and provide decision-making autonomy. This signals trust and encourages the kind of leadership development that strengthens your business even in your absence.
Don’t Pack “Just in Case” Work
The temptation to bring “a little work” along is strong. Resist it. Evidence shows that true psychological detachment is essential for recovery. Half-completed tasks and half-answered emails only add cognitive load. Leave the laptop behind—your strategic clarity depends on it.
Decide Your Boundaries on Check-Ins
If scanning your inbox for five minutes a day keeps your mind at ease, fine—but be deliberate. Choose a time, set a limit, and don’t spiral into task mode. Your goal is peace of mind, not productivity. Be honest with yourself about what supports your rest—and what sabotages it.
While You’re Away: Disconnect to Reconnect
Get Active Outdoors
Nature is a powerful productivity hack. Walking, swimming, hiking—any movement in natural surroundings has proven benefits for mood, focus, and cognitive reset. Use this time to reconnect with your body and your environment, away from screens and structure.
Invest in Human Connection
Loneliness is a performance killer. And one of the most valuable aspects of a holiday is the opportunity to reconnect—genuinely—with those you care about. Put your phone away during meals. Laugh. Listen. Engage fully. These aren’t soft benefits—they’re high-impact, long-term resilience builders.
Make Space for Personal Rituals
Whether it’s a sunset walk, journaling over coffee, or morning meditation—rituals help anchor you in the present. They provide rhythm and meaning, and they’re often the moments you remember most. Treat them as non-negotiables.
Returning With Impact: Sustain the Shift
Engineer a Soft Landing
A high-growth leader doesn’t return to chaos. Block off your first day back. Avoid a full calendar. Let your team handle the initial wave—they’re ready. This transition time preserves the clarity you’ve gained and enables better strategic thinking.
Reflect, Then Reapply
The benefits of a holiday don’t end when the flight lands. Reliving the highlights—through photos, journaling, or conversations—can extend the positive effects for weeks. Use this energy. Let it inform how you lead, how you prioritise, and how you create space for others.
Lead by Example
Culture cascades from the top. If you work through your holiday, your team will feel obligated to do the same. Set a new standard. Caroline Strachan of Festive Road encapsulates this perfectly with the acronym “FWYB – For When You’re Back.” As she explains:
“FWYB = For When You're Back. As we head into the holiday season, what's it going to take to leave your laptop at home and delete email and Slack/Teams from your phone? I always come back a better leader, human, mum, wife, friend after a proper break and want my team to feel that too. So I always use FWYB on any messages sent during their holidays, so when they return they know my expectation was always for them to see the message when they return to work.”
That’s leadership in action—protecting rest as fiercely as you protect performance.