This is going to be a disaster.

This is going to be a disaster.

I thought this to myself.

I’m an avid runner and pickleball player.

My weekly routine includes 3-4 sessions for each.

During a recent road trip, I couldn’t keep my disciplined lifestyle.

No weights.

No running.

No pickleball.

No healthy food either.

When I returned, I dreaded resuming my regime.

Surprisingly, my first 3-mile run post-vacation was my fastest of the year.

The triumph continued on the pickleball court.

Even after a ten-day hiatus, I played my best games yet.

How could this be?

The revelation came in two parts: Rest and Psychological Refreshment.

Over time, constant physical activity had tired me out.

My vacation acted as a restorative pause.

It allowed my body to recover and rebuild.

This, paired with a mental reset, reduced stress and rejuvenated me.

It sparked the unexpected surge in performance.

Measuring the time-off’s impact on running and pickleball is easy.

But I can’t help but believe it’s also positively impacting me with productivity and creativity at work.

The experience made me realize the power of stepping away.

It could be a brief walk during a hectic workday.

It could be sleeping on a challenging project.

It could be a full-fledged vacation.

Time off isn’t just an escape.

It’s an essential tool for self-rejuvenation.

It primes you to return stronger and more motivated.

It boosts your performance in all areas.

Take that break.

It might just be the secret to your next personal best.

Taking a step away can be the leap forward you need.