Why a Proper Break Might Be Your Smartest Move

Taking a proper holiday away from work is crucial — not just for your health, but also for your long-term performance and overall well-being.
 
Firstly, a genuine break from work allows your body and mind to recover. It reduces stress levels, improves sleep quality, and boosts your immune system. Constant pressure and overstimulation from work can wear down your nervous system. A proper holiday gives you space to rest, recharge, and reset.
 
Secondly, stepping away from your usual environment can boost productivity and creativity. When you disconnect from routine tasks, your brain is free to process information in the background. Many people find they return to work with new ideas, clearer thinking, and a sharper sense of focus. It’s often during downtime that breakthrough thoughts occur.
 
 
It makes all the difference.
 
Taking a holiday also strengthens personal relationships and emotional health. Whether you spend time with family, friends, or alone, these moments away from work deepen your connections and increase your self-awareness. It’s a chance to be present in your own life, rather than always rushing through it.
 
Crucially, regular holidays help prevent burnout. Without rest, even high performers can become exhausted, cynical, or disengaged. Taking time out helps maintain a healthy balance and ensures you can sustain performance over the long term. It’s not about slacking off — it’s about investing in your future capacity.
 
In short, a proper holiday isn’t a luxury — it’s a vital part of a healthy, productive life.
 
 
I was a workaholic.
 
I used to be a workaholic, constantly pushing myself to be the best and achieve outstanding results. I believed that success came from long hours, relentless effort, and always being available. On the outside, I was achieving — hitting targets, climbing the ladder, and earning recognition. But on the inside, I was running on empty.
 
The truth is, the harder I worked, the more I neglected myself. I regularly skipped breaks, sacrificed sleep, and blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. My identity became tied to my output, and I often wore burnout like a badge of honour — as if exhaustion proved how committed I was. But in reality, it was damaging my health, my relationships, and ironically, my effectiveness.
 
Burnout wasn’t a one-off event — it came in cycles. I’d crash, recover just enough to function, and then go back to the same unsustainable pace. Over time, the cost became too high to ignore. I knew something had to change.
 
 
Then everything changed.
 
Over the past few years, I’ve explored and applied some powerful productivity and well-being techniques that’ve completely transformed the way I work — and, just as importantly, the way I rest. I’ve learned how to structure my days to make the most of my energy, how to focus intensely without distractions, and how to prioritise what truly matters.
 
I no longer measure my value by the number of hours I work, but by the impact I make — and that shift has been life-changing. I’m more focused, more present, and more energised. My work is better, my health is stronger, and I’ve reclaimed evenings, weekends, and moments of calm I didn’t realise I was missing.
 
Looking back, I see how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that working more equals achieving more. But real productivity isn’t about doing everything — it’s about sustainably doing the right things. Real success encompasses your well-being, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy the life you’re working so hard to create.
 
 
What a wonderful holiday.
 
We’ve just returned from a wonderful holiday, and I’m proud to say I didn’t do a single bit of work while we were away. That’s something I’ve consciously built into my routine: giving myself full permission to switch off, recharge, and truly rest.
 
I’ll admit, I was tempted at times to check in or pick something up, but I resisted — and I can genuinely feel the benefits of that decision.
 
The result? My first week back has been one of my most productive in months. I’ve had several powerful and extremely positive coaching sessions, all of which led up to delivering a talk yesterday at the Nottingham City Business Club, which turned out to be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my career.
 
NCBC was established in 2024, and I had the honour of signing their official speaker book, which includes the names of some incredibly prominent and respected speakers. I’ll share more about that next week — but for now, I’m just grateful for the rest, the reset, and the fantastic start to being back.
 
 
Thoughts for the week. 

1. When was the last time you truly switched off from work?
2. What stops you from taking a proper holiday?
3. Do you feel guilty when you rest?
4. How would your energy and motivation improve if you took time out? 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend, and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John


https://jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/