I don’t usually recommend or approve half-day vacation leaves.
The truth is, even with flexible work arrangements, there are days when we stretch ourselves more than usual. Sometimes it’s because we’re riding a wave of momentum; other times, we’re determined to hit a milestone before the day ends. And in the process, we forget to take a break. 😮💨
When it’s for rest and recovery, I encourage my team to take the whole day off—unless, of course, they just need to run a quick errand at a government office. 🏛️
Because here’s what I’ve learned: BUSYNESS ≠ PRODUCTIVITY.
It’s not about how many hours we work, how many tasks we check off, or how much effort we exert. 🕒❌
In fact, some of the most creative breakthroughs and strategic insights happen not during hustle, but during rest.
Rest isn’t a luxury or a reward for hard work—it’s the fuel that makes great work possible. 🔋✨
💡 Rest Fuels Innovation
Some of the most brilliant minds in history had their “Eureka” moments during downtime:
🛁 Archimedes discovered the principle of buoyancy while relaxing in a bath.
🍎 Isaac Newton conceived the law of gravity while sitting under an apple tree.
🧪 Alexander Fleming found penicillin after returning from vacation and noticing mold in a petri dish.
🧬 Friedrich August Kekulé dreamed of a snake biting its tail, inspiring the ring structure of benzene.
🚌 Henri Poincaré had a mathematical breakthrough while stepping onto a bus during a geology trip.
🧠 Albert Einstein imagined falling freely while daydreaming at work—leading to his theory of relativity.
Even modern thinkers echo this truth:
🧠 Adam Grant – Organizational psychologist and bestselling author of Think Again and Give and Take.
He reminds us that “there’s a difference between intensity and volume.” Productivity isn’t about working longer—it’s about working smarter and managing attention.
🌲 Simon Sinek – Leadership expert and author of Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last.
He teaches that “rest is not laziness—it’s preparation,” using the metaphor of sharpening the axe before chopping wood.
💤 Jim Kwik – Brain coach and author of Limitless.
He emphasizes that sleep is your brain’s way of recharging, repairing, and rewiring itself for peak performance, and that quality rest boosts memory, focus, and creativity.
🧠 Jordan B. Peterson – Clinical psychologist, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, and author of 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order.
He emphasizes the importance of strategic recovery, warning that overwork can sabotage long-term productivity. His own health journey has deepened his advocacy for rest as a necessary part of healing and resilience.
🔍 Nir Eyal – Behavioral design expert, former Stanford lecturer, and author of Hooked and Indistractable.
Eyal teaches that planned rest is essential for focus and creativity. He champions timeboxing—scheduling every part of your day, including leisure—to avoid burnout and stay “indistractable.”
📖 Rest Is Sacred
The Bible affirms the value of rest—not just for the body, but for the soul. It’s a divine rhythm woven into creation and a gift meant to restore us:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own… Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:30-31
🌿 How I Personally Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Rest isn’t just something I encourage my team to take—it’s something I intentionally practice myself.
🗓️ I block off time for rest in my calendar, just like I would for meetings or deadlines. Whether it’s a full day off or a quiet morning, I treat it as non-negotiable.
📵 I unplug regularly. I set boundaries around screen time or a “hard stop,” especially in the evenings. This can be particularly challenging when working with counterparts across the globe and we need to take calls at night (PH time), but I make space for my mind to breathe.
😴 I prioritize sleep. A well-rested mind is sharper, more creative, and more emotionally resilient.
🌳 I spend time in nature and silence. Whether it’s a walk after brunch or a quiet coffee in the pantry, these moments help me reset and reconnect.
🙏 I attend midweek and weekend worship services and fulfill my church duties. These are grounding practices that nourish both my soul and my sense of purpose.
📓 I reflect and journal. It’s how I process thoughts, release stress, and stay aligned with my values.
Rest is how I show up better—for my work, my team, and myself.
It’s not a break from productivity—it’s what sustains it. 🔋✨
