The Importance of Time Out for Leaders

Here in the UK, as you may be aware, the 10th October 2025 is World Mental Health Day and here at P45 we're proud to support it. In fact, mental and physical health and wellbeing is the heart of what we do, especially our NetWalking initiative.

Because of the incesstant nature of modern business, leaders like you and I are often expected to be constantly available, highly productive and resilient under pressure.

The myth of the 'always-on' executive persists, glorifying burnout as a badge of honour. Yet, the reality is that sustainable leadership requires balance; time to recharge, reflect and prioritise mental and physical wellbeing every single day.

Photo by Emily Underworld on Unsplash

Don't Underestimate The Importance of Time Out

Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder that wellbeing isn’t just a one-week consideration, it’s a year-round necessity.

For leaders, taking intentional 'time out' isn’t a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative.

In this blog, I'm going to explore the important of taking some time-out and why stepping back is essential for effective leadership, how it benefits both individuals and organisations and practical ways leaders can integrate regular breaks into their routines.

Why Leaders Need Time Out

1. Preventing Burnout

Burnout is a growing epidemic among executives, characterised by emotional exhaustion, cynicism and reduced performance.

A study by Deloitte found that 77% of professionals have experienced burnout at their current job, with leadership roles being particularly vulnerable.

When leaders don’t take time to rest, their decision-making, creativity and emotional intelligence suffer. Chronic stress impairs cognitive function, making it harder to lead effectively.

Regular breaks, whether short daily pauses or longer vacations, help mitigate burnout before it takes hold.

2. Enhancing Decision-Making and Creativity

Great leadership requires clarity and innovation. However, constant busyness stifles creativity.

Further research from Stanford University found that overworked employees are significantly less productive than those who take regular breaks.

Time away from work allows the brain to reset, leading to fresh perspectives. Many breakthrough ideas happen during moments of rest; whether on a walk, during meditation, or while on holiday.

Leaders who schedule downtime often return with sharper insights and better solutions.

3. Improving Emotional Intelligence and Relationships

Leadership isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people.

Stress and fatigue erode emotional intelligence, making leaders more reactive and less empathetic.

When leaders are overwhelmed, team morale and engagement suffer.

Taking time out helps leaders regulate their emotions, communicate more effectively and foster stronger workplace relationships.

A leader who models self-care also encourages their team to prioritise wellbeing, creating a healthier organisational culture.

4. Setting a Positive Example

Employees look to their leaders for cues on workplace norms.

If a CEO never takes a holiday or answers emails at midnight, employees may feel pressured to do the same.

As I touched on earlier, this "always-on" culture leads to widespread stress and disengagement.

By visibly prioritising their own wellbeing, leaders send a powerful message; health comes before hustle.

This shift can reduce presenteeism, improve retention and boost overall productivity.

How Leaders Can Take Effective Time Out

Knowing the importance of breaks is one thing, actually taking them is quite another.

Many leaders struggle to disconnect due to guilt, fear of missing out (FOMO) or an ingrained belief that rest is somehow just unproductive.

Here are some of my favourite and ultimately practical ways to make time out a non-negotiable part of leadership.

1. Schedule Regular Short Breaks

• Daily Micro-Breaks: Even 5-10 minutes of deep breathing, stretching, meditating or a short walk can reduce stress.

• Digital Detox Hours: Designate periods (e.g., early mornings or evenings) where you disconnect from emails and notifications.

2. Take Real Holidays

• Plan Ahead: Block holiday time in advance and delegate responsibilities so work doesn’t pile up on your return.

• Fully Unplug: Avoid checking emails (however tempted you might be); trust your team to handle things in your absence.

3. Incorporate Mindfulness Practices

• Meditation: Apps like Headspace or Calm can help leaders build resilience.

• Reflective Journaling: Writing about challenges and successes improves self-awareness.

4. Prioritise Physical Health

• Exercise Regularly: Movement reduces stress hormones and boosts endorphins.

• Sleep Well: Poor sleep impairs judgment so aim for 7-9 hours nightly.

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

5. Delegate and Trust Your Team

As I've just. touched on, just it's worth reiterating, many leaders avoid breaks because they fear things will fall apart. But over-control stifles growth. Delegating empowers teams and frees leaders to recharge.

The Ripple Effect of Leader Wellbeing

When leaders prioritise their mental and physical health, the benefits extend far beyond themselves.

The benefits include:

• Stronger Teams: A rested leader fosters a more engaged, motivated workforce.

• Better Business Outcomes: Reduced burnout means higher productivity and innovation.

• Healthier Organisational Culture: Wellbeing becomes a shared value, not an afterthought.

Conclusion: Time Out as a Leadership Strategy

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

Mental Health Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity to reflect on wellbeing, but true change happens when leaders commit to self-care year-round.

Taking time out isn’t selfish; it’s essential for sustained success.

The most effective leaders aren’t those who never stop - they’re the ones who recognise that pausing is power. By stepping back, they return with greater clarity, energy, and vision.

So, if you’re a leader reading this: When was the last time you truly took time out? And more importantly—when will you take your next break?

Your mind, your team, and your business will thank you for it. #BelieveInSuccess

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Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I'd love to know what you think. How do you manage you time-out? Do you schedule it like another other business commitment? What tools do you use to help with your own mental and physical wellbeing? Let me know in the comments below.

If I've convinced you that taking some time-out is good for you (it is) and you're in London, please come along to one of our NetWalking events. It's a chance to walk the walk AND talk the talk with other business leaders in an informal, supportive and fun environment as we walk together around London. They take place on the last Saturday of the month (excl. December) so please click here for more details.

If you'd like to make my own time-out that little bit more pleasant and would also like to show your apprecation for this blog, please click the button below to buy me a virtual coffee. Thanks in advance.