Benefits of Downtime for Creativity

The Power of Taking a Break I used to believe that productivity meant never stopping. Then I discovered something counterintuitive: my best ideas come when I'm not trying to have them. Last week, I was stuck on a project that had me spinning my wheels for hours. Frustrated, I stepped away for a 15-minute walk around the block. By the time I returned, the solution was crystal clear. The break didn't just refresh me, it unlocked what my focused mind couldn't access. Here's what I've learned about the art of strategic pausing: ✅ Your brain needs white space. Just like a well-designed page needs margins, your mind needs breathing room to process, connect dots, and generate fresh perspectives. When we're constantly "on," we're actually limiting our cognitive potential. ✅ Breaks aren't earned, they're essential. We often treat rest like a reward for hard work, but it's actually fuel for better work. The most productive people I know aren't the ones who work longest; they're the ones who work most intentionally. ✅ Quality matters more than duration. A mindful 5-minute break where you fully disconnect can be more restorative than a 30-minute scroll through social media. Step outside, take deep breaths, or simply sit quietly with your thoughts. Movement changes everything. Whether it's stretching at your desk, walking to get water, or doing jumping jacks in your office, physical movement shifts your mental state instantly. By giving yourself permission to pause, you actually accelerate your progress. You return with clearer thinking, renewed energy, and often the exact insight you needed. And don’t forget to hydrate. Start small today. Set a timer for one genuine 10-minute break. Notice what happens to your energy, your creativity, and your perspective. What's your go-to way to reset during a busy day? I'd love to hear what works for you. #productivity #wellness #mentalhealth #worklifebalance #mindfulness

I don’t get my best ideas in forced ideation meetings. I get them during my 45-minute disconnect sessions. Most people think innovation comes from working non-stop. But real breakthroughs don't come from grinding harder - they come when you step away from: - Work - Screens - Constant hustle Research from UC Berkeley shows a striking finding: taking regular breaks from technology boosts creativity by 60%. Bill Gates does this through an annual think week - where he lives in an off-grid cabin in the woods just to disconnect and think. But that’s not an option for you and me, so here are my easier alternatives that consistently lead to breakthrough ideas: 1. Tech-free nature walks ↳ Nature walks without my phone force me to notice things I'd usually miss. The fresh air clears mental clutter, and new environments spark unexpected connections. ↳ Moving outdoors boosts my energy, making me feel more refreshed and open to new ideas. 2. Doodling and mind mapping ↳ It allows me to visually explore ideas and connect dots I'd normally overlook. ↳ The freeform process helps me think without constraints while giving my brain a productive break. 3. Zero-pressure brainstorming ↳ I ask “What if?” questions when there’s no need to do so, and welcome every idea without any judgment. ↳ It leads to bold, unexpected solutions because no idea is off-limits. ↳ By exploring all possibilities, I find more innovative answers. Following this routine fuels the kind of creativity that sets you apart. This intentional disconnection creates space for breakthrough ideas that others miss while stuck in their daily grind. What's your favorite way to disconnect? Has it ever led to an unexpected breakthrough? #breaksessions #productivityhack #personalgrowth

🔌 Unplug to Power Up: Why Stepping Away Can Be the Most Productive Move You Make In a world that glorifies the grind, rest can feel like rebellion. But here’s what I’ve learned as a business strategist, coach, and someone who’s owned 15 companies: When I unplug, truly unplug, I come back 10X sharper, more focused, and more innovative. And there’s data to back it up. 📊 According to the World Health Organization, chronic workplace stress, aka burnout, is a recognized medical diagnosis. Yet, 70% of entrepreneurs push through without ever hitting pause. That used to be me. Years ago, I ran one of my wireless retail companies seven days a week for 14 months straight. Revenue climbed, but so did my blood pressure. The eventual crash forced a reset. Now? I schedule my downtime as deliberately as I schedule sales calls. Here’s how I unplug, without guilt, and why it’s a strategic business move: ✅ Block Unplugged Time on the Calendar If it's not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. I plan unplugged windows during the week, even if it's just an afternoon. During those blocks, no phone, no Slack, no email. Just space for mental recovery. ✅ Set Rules for Your Digital Detox Whether it’s no devices after 7 PM or a full 24-hour tech blackout monthly, boundaries breed clarity. My coaching clients who implement this often report breakthroughs during their unplugged time. ✅ Train Your Team to Operate Without You If you can’t unplug without things falling apart, your systems (or leadership) need work. Delegation isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for scale. Remember this: Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a responsibility. Unplugging isn’t about being lazy. It’s about sharpening the axe so you don’t spend all day swinging. You don’t earn more by grinding harder; you earn more by thinking clearly. Next time you hesitate to unplug, ask yourself: Is burning out really the badge of honor I want to wear? 🧠 Ready to come back 10X sharper from your next break? #MyBizCoaches #BusinessConsulting #FractionalExecutives #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeClarity

Give me 2 minutes, and I’ll give you a good reason to put your phone down During the brainstorming session, we’re using our analytic brains to come up with questions But our subconscious brains often have the answers Letting your brain ruminate without screen time is beneficial for coming up with answers to brainstorming questions. Here’s why: 1. Incubation Effect Stepping away from a problem leads to subconscious processing and often leads to fresh insights 2. Diverse connections Rumination helps your brain connect disparate ideas, leading to more diverse solutions than the immediate logical ones from brainstorming 3. Less mental fatigue Taking breaks to let your mind wander reduces mental fatigue, which leads to better creative thinking and problem-solving 4. Less stress Constant focus from brainstorming to screen time can cause stress and burnout, but rumination reduces stress and improves brainstorming 5. More creativity Rumination helps your mind think freely by letting it consider ideas without “logical” limits Practical tips for effective rumination: -Take short breaks without your phone -Engage in light activities (walking, doodling) -Sleep on it -Change your environment -Engage in mindful activities (meditation, breathing) Brainstorming can give us immediate results, but allowing our brains time to ruminate without screens gives us deeper and more creative solutions Mixing hard work with breaks and letting your mind work in the background can optimize brainstorming effectiveness Share this with the friend who never puts their phone down!

Consider this suggestion that has helped me survive this industry for three decades at Microsoft, Google, and Amazon…during this holiday season step back from the endless cycle of activity and think, reflect, and live in the moment. Being busy every second isn’t what leads to inspired decisions or breakthroughs. Instead, it can stifle creativity, increase stress, and prevent the innovative thinking that moves the needle. Ignore work and be with your family – I guarantee that you will have better ideas and more energy when you restart next year. Here are the specifics: 1. Create Space for Innovation: The best ideas often emerge when you have room to breathe and think. Give yourself permission to slow down over the holidays. With that mental breathing room, you’ll be better equipped to imagine creative approaches, develop new strategies, and identify opportunities that may have been hidden in the day-to-day grind. 2. Prevent Burnout: Non-stop work leads to burnout—worn-down energy levels, reduced clarity, and diminished effectiveness. By intentionally setting aside time to recharge, you protect your mental and physical well-being. Returning to work refreshed means you can hit the ground running with renewed focus, making it easier to channel your energy into the projects that drive real results. 3. Refresh Your Objectives: Innovation doesn’t just appear out of thin air; it emerges when you thoughtfully consider what’s been working and where you can improve. Use the slow ramp at the start of the year to reflect on the road ahead. Coming back with a fresh perspective will help you zero in on what matters most, ensuring your efforts align with your core objectives. 4. Invest Time in Yourself: Slowing down provides time for learning and personal growth—reading, thinking, or exploring new perspectives outside your normal routine. By expanding your horizons during the break, you return to the office with heightened curiosity and sharper judgment, ready to tackle complexity. This holiday season, step away from the mindset that more activity equals more success. Instead, recharge. Let your mind wander. Immerse yourself in moments that inspire you. By doing so, you’ll return to work with greater clarity, a fresh sense of purpose, and the creative momentum.

In a work environment of always-on, Top Employers are guarding something that may seem unproductive: Taking breaks. Why do Top Employers insist on real breaks? Well, there’s science behind it. There's a growing body of research on the power of downtime and we compared that up against the data we have on the HR practices from 2,400+ certified Top Employers from all over the world. Here are 4 reasons why leading companies are making ‘breaks’ cultural-norms in every day work: 1) Productivity reboot. Brief breaks re-energize us. Top Employers know this - 70% encourage employees to take time to unplug and destress. Those that do see 13% higher revenue growth. 2) Creativity surge & emotional recharge. Stepping away from complex problems allows creative breakthroughs. Breaks also let us refresh and manage stress. 74% of Top Employers offer wellbeing spaces in the office. 3) Burnout prevention. Lack of detachment from work is a burnout risk. 77% of Top Employers encourage responsible use of offline time. Holistic wellbeing strategies lead to 11% lower turnover. 4) Perspective reset. Immersed in work, it's easy to lose the big picture. Stepping back restores clarity and motivation. It's one reason 62% of Top Employers sponsor employee volunteer time. In a 24/7 work world, embracing breaks may feel counterintuitive. But Top Employers know the science - downtime drives productivity, creativity and resilience. Building break rituals into your culture is a powerful way to boost both wellbeing and performance. At Top Employers Institute we exist to build a better world of work. We certify HR excellence for 2,400+ global multinational employers representing every industry and 124 countries helping them do 3 things exceptionally well: 1) Benchmark, measure, and track progress on their HR & People practices year-over-year; 2) Enhance their employer brand in key markets; 3) Improve HR Leader’s relationship with the board by correlating HR practice improvements to key business outcomes (like rev growth, profitability, & shareholder value gain). Question for you: how do you take downtime and what helps you best rest or reset on a typical work day? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

What is the key to unlocking your creativity? I've asked this question to many of the most successful people, and on this week's episode of Thirty Minute Mentors, I received a surprising answer. Uncle Nearest, Inc. founder and CEO Fawn Weaver joined me on Episode 278 of Thirty Minute Mentors. Fawn is one of only five Black women in U.S. history to found and lead a billion-dollar business. "One of the biggest pieces for creativity that I think a lot of people miss is rest," Fawn told me. "There is this hustle culture, this no sleep culture - this is just absolute nonsense. The portion of our brain that gives us ideas - the creativity - is the portion of our brain that is shut off if there is worry, if there is stress." Leaders can foster a culture of creativity and innovation within their organizations by promoting balance and by combating work-related anxiety and stress. "One of the most important things that I can do as a leader is making sure that the anxiety is low, the stress is low, because that allows their creativity to be at its best. It allows it to be at its peak. And I am that way with me, and I encourage every single person who works for me: do not work seven days a week... I really promote rest. I promote vacationing with your family. And it seems not intuitive, but that is what sparks a lot of the best ideas. My team members will come back from vacation with some of the best ideas." If you need another reason for a good night sleep tonight and a relaxing weekend, this is it... Listen to the episode and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app. 🎙️

"Play" is more than just goofing off or playing games. It's about taking intentional breaks, disconnecting, and nurturing your well-being so you can crush it at work. Here's why incorporating "play" and taking time away from work is crucial: 1️⃣ Renewed Creativity: Stepping away from work sparks new connections and insights. Engaging in activities you enjoy unleashes your creative potential and leads to innovative solutions. 2️⃣ Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, taking time for play can actually enhance your productivity. When you give your brain a break, you recharge your energy levels, improve focus, and tackle tasks with renewed vigor and efficiency. 3️⃣ Enhanced Well-Being: Constant work engagement can lead to burnout and diminished well-being. By prioritizing play and taking time to disconnect, you prevent stress from taking over and foster a healthier work-life balance. 4️⃣ Improved Problem-Solving: Playful activities outside of work stimulate your problem-solving skills. Whether it's engaging in a hobby, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness, these activities enhance your cognitive abilities and help you approach challenges with clarity and resilience. Still not convinced? Incorporate these strategies to integrate "play" and relaxation into your work routine, and let me know how it goes. 1️⃣ Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to step away from work and breathe. So go for a walk, sip tea, or try a mindful breathing exercise. You'll feel rejuvenated in no time. 2️⃣ Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Say no to work emails or business calls during leisure hours and enjoy guilt-free playtime. 3️⃣ Pursue Hobbies: Pursue hobbies you're passionate about outside of work. Whether it's painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, these activities can help you escape the grind and nurture your inner creativity. Bottom line: "Play" and relaxation aren't luxuries, they're necessities. Prioritizing "play" boosts your well-being, productivity, and satisfaction in life. So, don't snooze on "play." #Joychiever #EngagementMatters #PowerofPlay #ManagementTraining

Why Do Our Best Ideas Come in the Shower? 🚿💡   Ever wondered why so many 'aha' moments strike us while we're shampooing our hair? It's not magic; there's some solid science and psychology behind why this happens. In today's fast-paced world, we're perpetually engaged - in meetings, email, or ticking tasks off our to-do lists (don't even get me started on how much time we spend on social media in between each of those activities). This means that our brains, like high-performance machines, are always "on," diligently processing, solving, and multitasking. But the secret sauce of creativity is downtime. When we're in the shower, away from screens and external pressures, our minds activate the "default mode network" or DMN. The DMN is a network of brain regions that become active when an individual is not focused on the outside world and the brain is at wakeful rest. It's essentially the brain's "autopilot" mode. The DMN is fertile breeding ground for creativity because it promotes the connection of distant ideas, fosters personal reflection, and allows for subconscious problem-solving. Crazy stuff, right? Here’s how you can take advantage: Innovators intentionally engage their DMN by setting aside time for unfocused thought. They adopt practices like meditation, long walks, or other activities that allow their minds to wander, and hopefully lead to breakthroughs or big ideas. They recognize that to think differently, you sometimes need to step back and let your brain breathe. So, the next time you're seeking a breakthrough or a fresh perspective, remember that the answer might not be more grind, but more space. Your next innovative idea might be awaiting you in the most unexpected of places! P.S. (I got the idea for this post in the shower 😂) #Creativity #BrainScience #Mindfulness #ShowerThoughts #Innovation

Annnd we're back! I spent the last 30 days traveling with family and took an intentional break from writing. Here are 5 breakthrough lessons on how to blend work + life from my trip: 1. Break your work into components. Too many people worry about their work-life "balance" when they should be focused on a work-life "blend". For me, this means not trying to run away from "work" and rather focus on chunking it down into its various components so I can create flexibility in HOW I work. 80% of the work that bogs me down are the video calls: pitches, investor updates, 1:1's, sales calls, etc. Cutting those out left critical "deep work" that could be nurtured - vision exercises, product roadmapping, hiring definitions, intention setting - all while traveling and not available during "typical" hours. 2. Leverage downtime to create breakthroughs. Take a step back to take a LEAP FORWARD. As a founder, your biggest gains will come from exponential breakthroughs. Those moments are fostered when you are in the right mindset. Stepping outside leads to breaking up your pattern of thinking and allows for more creative discourse. This goes back to point #1. When you blend work and life....you take the restful and joyous moments of life to fuel the creative problem solving needed for work. A lot of my inspiration comes from listening to audiobooks while running or cycling. Right now, I'm loving Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday. Give it a listen! 3. You have to feed your support system. As a leader/founder/CEO - you are only as good as your team. Depending on your work style, you're probably in the weeds a lot. When you step out, it gives them an opportunity to take control and implement things the way they would like to without constant over site. It pressure tests them in some ways and hopefully it excites in other ways. You also begin to see the facets of your work that you can let go and what the team really needs you for. People want to be led and taking the time to foster motivation and alignment is more important the perfecting a few pixels. 4. Slow down to speed up. Having more time away from our product, I could see that we were doing a lot. More features, more integrations, more stuff - but how much of it is actually being used by a high % of customers? It may me reconsider how we could more narrowly focus our mission on our core functionality. I asked myself - how can we do more with less? I don't want a more employees - I want a more efficient team that gets more out of what it builds. 5. Have fun. Life is short...find a way to love what you do and do what you love. I'm a big believer in sacrificing in the short-term for long-term gain, but I also have found that you can still enjoy and appreciate that "sacrifice". Training for an marathon for example means a lot of sacrifice, but I still find myself loving the process. Your work should feel like that - requires a lot of discipline, but it's something you actually enjoy. ✌️