Why taking a break is the smartest thing you can do today
Discover how to use rest to perform better in less time.
I was sitting across from my mentor, planning my activities for the next 90 days to explode my business.
90 day madmen cycles we called them.
I always watched my mentor in awe. Not because of his knowledge and expertise, but because how, at more than 20 years my senior, he always had boundless energy.
Meanwhile, at 26, I couldn’t remember a time in my adult life when I hadn’t felt at least a little bit tired. So, as he’s building out this intense daily schedule, without a break in sight, I’m starting to get a little anxious.
I didn’t mind working long days to reach my goals - I just needed at least a 20-30 minute nap in between.
The thought of admitting that to someone like him made my stomach turn. How am I gonna tell this nearly 50 year-old man that my weak ass needs a damn nap?!?!?
As I’m going back and forth in my head on how to introduce the nap into the conversation, he notices my growing anxiety and asks me straight-up: “What’s wrong?”
I took a deep breath and just said it: “If I’m gonna work all these hours, I need a nap in between.”
I braced for his judgment. Instead, he said, “So, let’s schedule a nap in”.
I blinked: “You don’t think that’s weak?”
His reply shifted everything: “Why would planned rest to make sure you’re performing at your best be weak?”
Did you know that studies show that regular breaks and strategic rest can increase productivity by as much as 34%?
We’ve been fed this lie that hustling nonstop is the only path to success. But here’s the thing: exhaustion isn’t a badge of honor - it’s a productivity killer.
Think about it: have you ever worked late into the night, only to realize half of what you did needed to be redone the next day? That’s not productivity - that’s burnout, disguised as effort.
The real power move? Recovery.
Strategic rest boosts your brain’s ability to solve problems, enhances creativity, and helps you stay sharp longer. Instead of burning out, you’ll sustain your energy and outlast the competition.
Taking breaks isn’t about slacking - it’s about maximizing your output, in less time.
Here’s how to use my R.E.S.T. Framework to make recovery a power move, not an afterthought:
R – Recognize Your Limits: Stop pretending you can run on empty. Notice when you’re tired and honor it.
E – Establish Recovery Rituals: Whether it’s a power nap, a walk, or a stretch session, plan rest like you plan work.
S – Schedule It In: Put rest on your calendar. Protect it like you would an important meeting.
T – Track Your Energy: Pay attention to how strategic recovery boosts your focus and output.
Why This Works
Rather than pushing through tasks on fumes, you’ll tackle them with sharper focus and efficiency.
By prioritizing recovery, instead of succumbing to the boom-and-bust cycle of overwork and burnout, you create a steady rhythm of high-impact effort that keeps you ahead of the competition.
Here’s What You’ll Get Out of It
More focus and energy for the tasks that matter.
Fewer mistakes and wasted hours from burnout.
A sustainable pace that doesn’t leave you dragging every day.
“Rest isn’t weakness. It’s your recharge. Schedule it, protect it, and use it to fuel your success.”
Your Turn:
Take a look at your schedule for today.
Is there at least 1 moment where you can schedule in intentional recovery?
Block it off now. Even a 10-minute break can shift everything.