Why rest is non-negotiable
Rest isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. Taking time to rest creates space for clarity, creativity, and better decision-making. When you’re constantly ‘on,’ your brain doesn’t have the chance to step back, process, and innovate. Here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t lead to breakthroughs. In a recent survey, 72% of entrepreneurs reported experiencing mental health challenges (Forbes,2020), and burnout is one of the biggest culprits. Constant overwork doesn’t just drain your energy—it also decreases productivity, clouds your judgment, and invites costly mistakes. The physical toll is just as alarming: a stressed working environment can make you twice as likely to develop heart disease and other chronic conditions (Medical News Today, 2023). Even your relationships take a hit. Without rest, success becomes an uphill battle you can’t afford to lose. So, why grind yourself down when recharging could be your greatest power move?
Ah, the hustle. The endless grind. The perpetual chase to turn visions into reality. As an entrepreneur, you know it well. The late nights, the early mornings, and the constant ticking off the to-do list can feel like a badge of honour—until it’s not.
Hustle without rest is like driving a car with no petrol—it’s not going to get you anywhere. As we approach the end of year, let’s talk about why rest is your secret weapon for success, and how taking a step back might just be the key to thriving in 2025.
5 Practical tips to rest and reset over the holiday season
1. Make rest a priority (not an afterthought)
You’ve worked hard all year—now, it’s time to rest. Giving yourself permission to recharge is crucial for maintaining long-term success. Swap the endless tasks for things that make you feel alive and give yourself permission to unplug. Close the laptop, silence the notifications, and let your mind and body recover. Practical tip: Block out specific days for complete rest. No calls and no sneak peeks at your work inbox.
2. Reflect before you reset
Now is the golden opportunity to look back and take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and what left you inspired. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Then, take a closer look at the challenges you faced. What lessons did they teach you? How can you grow from it? Practical tip: Grab a journal and jot down three things you’re proud of and three areas you want to grow in the coming year.
3. Discover rest through a hobby
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using the holidays to catch up on unfinished work. Let’s be honest: that’s not rest—that’s just more work. True downtime means stepping away to restore your energy. Dive into something you love – this will shift your focus, calm your mind, and spark joy, giving you the break you need to truly unwind. Practical tip: Take up a hobby, go for walks in nature, or enjoy quality time with family and friends. This isn’t wasted time—it’s a reinvestment into your mental health.
4. Start small with a holiday morning routine
Take advantage of the quieter mornings to create a simple routine that sets the tone for a peaceful day. Starting your mornings off with intention will help you feel grounded and fully present. Practical tip: Start your day off by intentionally spending 15 minutes meditating, journalling or reading a book – a small ritual can work wonders for your mindset.
5. Plan a January kick-off with a clear mind
Use this time to map out your business goals for the new year—but only after you’ve truly rested! Once you’ve recharged, approach your planning with fresh energy and clarity. This way, you’ll be able to set intentions that align with your long-term vision, ready to kick off with confidence in 2025. Practical tip: Set aside one or two hours to brainstorm your vision for the year ahead. Find a quiet spot, grab a pen and paper, and jot down what you truly want to achieve. This focus time will give you a clear, actionable plan for the year ahead.
The true ROI of rest isn’t just clarity, energy, and focus—it’s creating a business that supports the life you want to live. Ask yourself: Am I building a life I want to live, or just a business I want to grow?
Commit to rest. Embrace the downtime. Let this holiday season mark the beginning of your most balanced, powerful, and successful year yet. You’ve got this!
What’s your first step toward rest and reset this holiday season?