Rest Is Power: A CEO's Guide to Embracing Rest as Self-Care

Rest Is Power: A CEO's Guide to Embracing Rest as Self-Care

In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to equate nonstop hustle with success. Calendars overflow, demands increase, and the pressure to always be available can feel relentless. But what if the secret to sustainable leadership wasn’t found in doing more—but in choosing to rest more? For CEOs and high achievers, rest is not a luxury—it's a leadership strategy. As Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, reminds us: "We cannot continue to run on empty and expect to be effective. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity."

Understanding the Power of Rest

In the world of executive leadership, rest is often sacrificed in pursuit of success. But without intentional recovery, leaders run the risk of burnout, poor decision-making, and a loss of vision. In fact, embracing rest as part of your wellness and performance strategy is one of the most effective ways to lead with clarity, energy, and resilience.

Strategies for CEOs to Embrace Rest as Self-Care

Invest in Intentional Rest and Recovery
Just as athletes build recovery into their training schedules, CEOs must integrate rest into their routines. Bill Gates famously took "think weeks" to rest and reflect. Arianna Huffington’s shift toward well-being came after a collapse from exhaustion. These examples show how high performers thrive when they prioritize rest.
Redefine Productivity: Productivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with energy and focus. Quality rest improves creativity, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. For example, Maya, a nonprofit executive, began setting boundaries around her workday. After committing to eight hours of sleep and regular screen-free evenings, she found her productivity and leadership presence increased dramatically.
Create a Rest Culture at Work: Modeling rest as a leadership practice sets the tone for your organization. When leaders value rest, employees feel empowered to do the same. Simple shifts—like encouraging mental health days, minimizing after-hours emails, or leading by example—create healthier work environments that support sustainable success.
Normalize Microbreaks and Tech Boundaries: Rest doesn't always require long vacations. Mental and sensory rest can come from short walks, journaling breaks, or device-free lunches. Andre, a tech startup founder, instituted "no meeting Fridays" and "focus hours" in the afternoons. These changes allowed his team to recover cognitive bandwidth and produce better work.
Prioritize Sleep Like a Business Goal: Sleep is the foundation of cognitive function, memory, and emotional balance. Use tools like wind-down routines, blackout curtains, or sleep tracking apps to help make restful sleep a non-negotiable. Treat your sleep with the same seriousness as your KPIs.

Practical Tips for Integrating Rest into Your Leadership Routine

Block time on your calendar for recovery and breaks.
Practice digital detoxes by turning off notifications during key hours.
Build in "white space" for thinking, reading, or creative time.
Replace hustle culture with focus culture—less busy, more intentional.
Take vacations or extended weekends without guilt—rest is part of your performance plan.

By implementing these rest strategies, CEOs and professionals can increase performance, prevent burnout, and foster sustainable leadership. When we shift our mindset to view rest as a strength rather than a setback, we create space to lead with intention, presence, and purpose.

Level Up Empowerment Coaching offers personalized coaching, emPOWERing webinars, and transformative courses. Let us help you prioritize your wellbeing and reignite your passion for leadership. Rest is not the enemy of success—it’s the foundation of it.

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