Why Every Leader Needs Time Away to Recharge

As entrepreneurs, leaders, or creatives, it’s easy to get caught in the constant cycle of doing. Running a business, managing a team, and showing up for clients takes energy, and if we don’t protect that energy, burnout isn’t far behind.

A while back, I spoke with Marina of Vivaciously Marina on her podcast about this exact topic: how to prioritize your well-being while building a business you love. That conversation inspired me to keep sharing this message, because it’s one every leader needs to hear.

And right now, as I take my annual summer vacation away from the day-to-day of SHRED, I’m reminded once again why stepping back is so powerful.

Why Self-Care is Non-Negotiable for Leaders

A one-hour workout is only 4% of your day, but it can completely shift your energy, your clarity, and your leadership.

Small Acts with Big Impact

Whether it’s:

• A SHRED fitness class 🏋️

• A grounding yoga practice 🧘

• A sunrise surf session 🌊

• A simple walk, run, or meditation

These small acts are deposits into your energy bank. They fuel the creativity and focus you need to lead with strength.

The Power of Stepping Away

Every year, I take an extended break from the business of SHRED. This isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What Time Away Provides

That time away gives me:

• Mental space to process and reflect

• Headspace to see challenges with fresh eyes

• Clarity to make better decisions for the future

• Inspiration from places and moments I wasn’t expecting

  
  

Some of my best ideas, my “lightbulb moments,” don’t come when I’m juggling multiple balls during the busy high season in Puerto Escondido. They come when I’m away, exploring new places, experiencing new cultures, and letting my mind breathe.

A Different CEO Mindset

In today’s culture, we often hear about high-profile CEOs like Elon Musk or Jensen Huang who boast about extreme work hours and never stepping away. That hustle-driven mindset makes headlines, but it doesn’t foster creativity or sustainable leadership.

I believe in the opposite approach. Leaders like Bill Cassidy, CEO of Siggi’s, have spoken openly about the importance of vacation and PTO, showing that real strength comes from balance, not burnout. Taking time away doesn’t weaken leadership, it strengthens it.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Care

When you make time for yourself, whether it’s a week-long vacation or just one hour a day, everything else benefits:

• Your team feels the positive energy

• Your creativity flows more freely

• Your relationships deepen

• Your sleep and health improve

• Your business grows stronger

  
  

It’s not selfish, it’s the foundation of sustainable success.

Final Thoughts

So here’s my reminder: Step away. Prioritize yourself. Protect your energy. Whether it’s five months, five days, or just five minutes, the return on investment is bigger than you imagine.

I’m grateful for this season of rest, and I’m excited to return to SHRED with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and new ways to serve our incredible community in Puerto Escondido and beyond.

👉 Want to dive deeper? Check out the full podcast conversation with Marina of Vivaciously Marina .

And if you’re ready for your own reset, our upcoming retreat, The Reset, in partnership with @happyseekertravel, is the perfect opportunity to prioritize yourself. ✨ Pre-sales open in just a few days, stay tuned.