Taking A Break: Why All Great Leaders Must Do It

Let’s be real—when was the last time you thought about taking a break? And I’m not talking about a quick coffee run between meetings or sneaking in a few minutes of scrolling through TikTok. I mean a real break.

The kind where you really step away, recharge, and let yourself breathe. If you can’t remember the last time you did that, you’re definitely not alone.

You’re juggling a million tasks—emails are piling up, team members are knocking on your door every five minutes, and there’s yet another “urgent” deadline that just landed in your lap. You’re running on coffee, pushing through back-to-back meetings, and convincing yourself that you’ll rest “once things slow down.”

But here’s the thing—things never slow down when you’re a leader. There’s always something that needs your attention, always another fire to put out. The cycle never stops, and without taking a break, you’re only heading for burnout.

Even a ‘workaholic’ like Steve Jobs knew the value of stepping away. He’d take long walks just to clear his mind and let creativity flow. Those breaks weren’t “wasted time”; they were necessary moments for recharging, reflecting, and gaining fresh perspectives. 

You don’t have to be a tech genius to see the wisdom here.

Taking a break isn’t just for when you’re exhausted and on the verge of collapse. It’s a crucial tool for refueling your energy, keeping your mind sharp, and coming back to your work with a clearer vision.

In fact, the best leaders know that taking time off isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity! 

So, if you’ve been powering through, thinking rest is something you’ll “get to eventually,” this article is for you. Because trust me, sometimes stepping back is exactly what you need to move forward.

Why Taking A Break Makes You A Better Leader

If you’ve been in a leadership role for a while, you probably know what it feels like to think, “I could really use a break… but can I afford to step away?”

Maybe you worry that taking a break will make you look lazy or selfish. Or maybe you’re convinced that if you’re not there to keep everything together, the team, the projects—heck, the whole company—will just fall apart.

But here’s the truth: taking a break doesn’t just benefit you; it actually makes you a stronger, more effective leader. 

1. A Clearer Mind Leads to Better Decisions

When you’re constantly “on,” running from one meeting to the next, handling crisis after crisis, your mind never gets a chance to slow down.

And that means you’re not giving yourself time to think clearly. You might find yourself making snap decisions just to get things done; you and I both know that those quick fixes aren’t always the best choices.

By taking a break, you give your brain the space to recharge and refocus. Studies have even shown that stepping away can boost creativity and problem-solving. When you come back, you’ll be able to approach decisions with a fresh perspective, rather than just going through the motions.

2. Setting an Example of Self-Care for Your Team

Your team watches everything you do, even if you don’t realize it. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion, what message does that send?

Your team members might think they’re expected to work non-stop, too, and that taking a break is a sign of weakness.

But by prioritizing your own well-being, you show them that it’s okay—and even necessary—to take time to recharge.

Think about it this way: If you come back from a break feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to dive back in, your team will see the difference. They’ll realize that taking a break is a good thing and might even be inspired to take their own. And when everyone’s recharged, the whole team benefits.

3. Preventing Burnout Before It’s Too Late

Burnout is real, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It sneaks up on you, slowly draining your energy and enthusiasm until, one day, you’re just done. No more drive, no more motivation—you’re completely tapped out.

Taking a break now and then is like a safety valve that prevents you from reaching that breaking point. Instead of running yourself into the ground, you’re giving yourself regular “reboots.”

Imagine trying to drive a car without ever stopping for gas. Eventually, you’re going to run on empty. The same goes for you as a leader.

By taking a break—whether it’s a vacation, a mental health day, or just stepping away from your desk for an hour—you’re fueling yourself to keep going. This way, you can keep showing up as the strong, motivated leader your team needs.

4. Building Trust by Letting Go

If you are like me, then you know it’s hard to trust that things will go smoothly when you’re not there. But always hovering over every detail or refusing to step away can actually show a lack of trust in your team.

Taking a break gives your team a chance to take ownership and prove they can handle things without you watching every move.

Think about it. If you step away for a day and your team handles everything like pros, that’s a win for everyone!

Not only does it show them that you trust their abilities, but it also boosts their confidence. They start to feel like they don’t always need to rely on you for every little thing.

So, taking a break isn’t just about you—it’s about empowering your team and building a culture of trust and independence.

5. Rediscovering Your Purpose and Passion

When you’re in the thick of work every single day, it’s easy to lose sight of why you took on this leadership role in the first place. The daily toil can make you forget the bigger picture, the mission, and the passion that got you here.

Taking a break allows you to step back and reconnect with your “why.”

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, stepping away gives you the chance to remember what you love about your role and why you’re doing this work.

When you come back, you’re not just refreshed—you’re re-inspired. And people will really feel that energy.

Take Breaks and Mean It!

Taking regular breaks isn’t a selfish act or a sign of weakness. It’s a way to protect your energy, reconnect with your purpose, and lead with a clearer mind and a stronger heart. To make sure you actually get the most out of your time off:

• Plan Your Breaks: Don’t wait until you’re on the edge of burnout. Schedule regular breaks ahead of time, just like you would any other important meeting.
• Delegate and Trust Your Team: Before stepping away, delegate your tasks to trusted team members. Make sure they know you trust them to handle things while you’re gone. 
• Disconnect Completely: This might feel hard, but to truly recharge, you need to disconnect. Turn off email notifications, avoid checking in, and let your team know to only contact you if it’s a true emergency. If you’re always half-working, you’re not actually taking a break.
• Set Clear Expectations: Let everyone know you’re taking a break and when you’ll be back. This way, people can plan around your absence, and you won’t return to a mountain of questions and problems.

So, never feel bad taking a break. Your team deserves a leader who’s fully present, fully energized, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way. And the only way to be that leader? Sometimes, you have to step away.