Why forward-thinking leaders are embracing a different pace
In a world where speed is rewarded and overextension is praised, the concept of rest can seem almost radical—especially in leadership. But more and more, forward-thinking leaders are beginning to ask: At what cost are we chasing productivity? And what if the real power lies in the pause?
I didn’t come to this realization overnight. For years, I wore the title of “high performer” like a badge—until burnout forced me to put everything down. What I once called drive was actually depletion. What I called success was slowly costing me my health, my career, my creativity and my sense of self.
What I needed wasn’t another productivity hack. I needed rest. Restorative rest— rest that was intentional, integrated and non-negotiable.
In Canada, 1 in 3 workers reports feeling burnt out, and nearly half say their job is their biggest source of stress. Rest isn’t an add-on or perk—it’s a critical component of sustainability. In our hyper-connected, overstimulated world, rest gives us the opportunity to reset, restore and return to our work with renewed perspective and presence.
In recent months, I’ve been leading efforts through Life Out Loud to redefine rest as a purposeful and empowering practice. Through our learning series, we explore rest as a leadership strategy— not a passive break from real work, but the foundation that makes meaningful work possible.
This shift challenges outdated ideas that tie our worth to output, and instead centres rest as a source of clarity, resilience and creativity.
In working with leaders, educators and entrepreneurs, I’ve witnessed the transformation that happens when we trade hustle for heart. Creativity flourishes. Decision-making sharpens. Teams thrive. People lead from a place of wholeness rather than depletion. And this shift is not only possible—it’s necessary.
So how do we bring this into our daily leadership practices?
Three intentional tools for embedding rest in your work
1. The 30-Second Pause
Before replying to that email, jumping into that meeting, or making a big decision—pause. Breathe. Ask: “Is this urgent or just loud?” This simple check-in moves you from reacting to responding—with clarity instead of chaos.
2. Calendar White Space
Protect 1–2 hours a week on your calendar for nothing. No meetings. No to-dos. This intentional margin becomes a reset zone—clearing space for reflection, visioning and renewal.
3. Rest-Informed Check-Ins
During team meetings or one-on-ones, go deeper than task lists. Ask: “Where are you feeling steady—or stretched?” or “What kind of support would help right now?” These small but powerful questions foster trust, emotional awareness and sustainable momentum.
These strategies aren’t short-term solutions—they’re long-term practices that support thoughtful work, compassionate leadership and lasting progress.
Rest isn’t a retreat at the end of exhaustion. It’s a rhythm that carries us through.
It’s not something we earn after burning out—it’s something we build into the very foundation of how we live and lead.
As Fall approaches—a season that often brings renewed focus and full calendars—it’s tempting to default back into hustle mode. But what if this season invited something different? What if we moved more deliberately? What if rest became our leadership advantage?
It may feel countercultural—but it is a return to wisdom, a restoration of self and perhaps the most courageous act of leadership in a world that’s forgotten how to pause.
Interested in exploring rest as a leadership tool in your workplace or organization? Learn more about Life Out Loud at lifeoutloud.ca or reach out directly at martina@lifeoutloud.ca.
