The Art of Rest: Why Your Summer Break Matters More Than You Think

Hello August—and hello to the second half of 2025. Now’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: How am I really doing?

We often talk about goals, growth, and getting ahead, but what we don’t talk about enough is rest. Not the "I'll check one quick email" kind of rest—but real, intentional time off. Because if we want to finish the year strong and take Q4 by storm, we need to learn how to truly switch off first.

The Problem with Working on Holiday

Let’s be honest—how many times have you packed your laptop “just in case” or taken that one “quick” call on the beach?

It never is just one call. And the laptop? It never stays in the suitcase. Before you know it, you're halfway through your holiday and still stuck in work mode, just with a better view.

But here's the real issue: if we don’t rest during our holidays, when do we?

Too many of us return to the office more burnt out than before we left. We tell ourselves we’ll rest “later,” but later never comes. And so begins the cycle of exhaustion all over again.

Why Proper Rest Actually Makes You Better at Your Job

Rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.

It helps you reset mentally and physically, allowing you to return to work with clarity, creativity, and focus. Studies show that people who take proper time off are not only more productive but also more resilient, less stressed, and far less likely to burn out.

And let’s not forget what else holidays are for: spending time with the people who matter most. Strengthening relationships, laughing more, sleeping in—these are the things that recharge our internal batteries in a way no quick email fix ever could.

How to Actually Enjoy Your Summer Break

Whether you’ve got three days or three weeks—make them count. Here’s how:

• Switch off properly: Set your out-of-office and mean it. No peeking at emails.

• Say yes to joy: Go to that concert, hike that trail, book that last-minute weekend trip.

• Be present: Put down your phone, look up, and savour the little moments.

• Let yourself rest: Sleep in, read for fun, do absolutely nothing—guilt-free.

  
  

Because once September rolls in and the pressure of Q4 kicks in—budgeting, targets, meetings—you’ll be glad you took the time to reset.

When the Holiday Ends: Keep the Energy Going

So, you’ve rested. You’re recharged. Now what?

Start building in micro-moments of joy into your everyday life. Challenge yourself to try something new every weekend—whether it’s a local class, a nature walk, or catching up with someone who makes you feel good.

Romanticise the small things. Take the scenic route. Buy the good coffee. Laugh out loud.

And if you need permission to believe in yourself again? This is it. Be bold. Be a little delusional (as my friend likes to put it-" delulu is the solulu"). You’ve got six months left in the year—make them count.

Need help bringing more balance and wellbeing to your workplace?At Treat Your Staff, we create experiences that help employees recharge, reconnect, and reset—no holiday required.

Get in touch and let’s make rest a priority, not a luxury.