Why Rest Matters: Rethinking Time Off as a Leadership Practice

Hi leaders, 

It’s December, and I’m tired and looking forward to some much needed rest. Are you?

Recently, a report from FlexJobs mentioned how about ¼ of workers with PTO never take a vacation day over the course of the year. Another quarter feel actively discouraged by their managers from taking vacations longer than a day or two. As a culture, a lot of us are bad at resting.

With a world as full and productivity-oriented as ours is, it’s important to remember that time off is critical for tapping into those deeper rivers of inspiration, ethical care for others, and meaningfulness that will drive your working life for the long haul. 

And the holidays are as good a time as any to do just that. Maybe even go see a performance of The Nutcracker or go for a long walk in parts of your community you don’t normally walk around in. Finding an activity that’s “out of your routine” and enjoyable–even if it’s something small–can help your brain differentiate that now is rest-time. This helps the brain enter that deep state of rest we so need.

Anyway, happy holidays from the Sway Team, and we’re looking forward to seeing you in 2026!

Ashlee