As many of you know, I took summer 2024 to rest, reflect, and slow down. Even now, I find it hard to write that without feeling a hint of guilt. Taking time “offline” feels indulgent, especially when life and work are in such a good place. Forming Impact is thriving, our work is about people, and as a leader, shouldn’t I always be there, ready to show up? Will everything fall apart? Am I letting people down? Am I being selfish? Those were my first five weeks: a steady loop of these thoughts that kept pulling me back into the habit of checking in, following up, and jumping in for “just a day or two” here and there.
The truth is, after 18 plus months of saying yes to so many opportunities, projects, and plans, I realised I had put myself last in order to get it all done. And while I was often happy and fulfilled in the process, work had slowly taken over—impactful and rewarding, yes, but all-consuming. Eventually, my health started taking a toll; I was running on empty with no time or space left to recharge. I’d been in this place before, stuck in survival mode, and this time I knew what I needed: time off.
The support to take that time, especially from those who know me best in our global community, was incredible. Everyone encouraged me to step away, though I could tell some weren’t convinced I’d actually follow through! I laugh about it now, but at first, taking this break felt more like a punishment than a reward.
Here’s the thing about me: I’m all in. So when I finally committed to going all in on this sabbatical, I knew I had to see it through. I felt that same love from others as they checked in, making sure I wasn’t saying “yes” to more projects that might keep me from taking this much-needed time.
Why now? It’s been ten years of building Forming Impact, and what a journey it’s been. I also knew that in order to move forward in the best possible way, we needed to step back, take stock, and make space for a sustainable next decade—for both our community and the organisation.
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"So, where are you going to go?" That was everyone’s question, and my answer was simple: nowhere.
I've lost count—really, I need to sit down and tally it up—but honestly, I’ve been to so many cities, countries, and even continents over the past few years. For me, this sabbatical was about the opposite: how little could I do? How could I reset my fast-paced life and rediscover the art of simply being? After all, we’re human beings, and I had somehow lost touch with that essential "being" part.
So what did I end up doing? Well, I did travel, but I went without my laptop, and since my phone had recently stopped working, I was almost completely unplugged. I ticked off a few bucket list items, and I booked myself into a retreat focused on nature and digital disconnection. For me, this time was about stillness—about reconnecting with myself and actually feeling the space around me, allowing me to hear and feel my own presence again. Putting the "being" back into human being.
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Here’s What I Learned from Taking Time to Step Back
The experience of stepping away from the familiar pace of work and life taught me lessons I hadn’t expected. We often imagine that to be at our best, we need to work harder, push further, or keep going at full speed. But this summer sabbatical showed me that sometimes, the real strength lies in letting go, slowing down, and reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us.
The Importance of Disconnecting
In a world where burnout has become somewhat normal, sabbaticals or time away from work life aren’t just a luxury or reward, they have become a necessity. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management reveals that extended breaks can significantly boost creativity, job satisfaction, and physical health. For those like me, deeply connected and invested in our work, though, switching off is far easier said than done.
It took me nearly six weeks to truly disconnect. I’d been so deeply intertwined with my work and life that it felt like there was no clear line between them. But I knew that to benefit from this time off, I needed to find a way to fully step back.
Here’s how I did it:
Turning off notifications: My phone was no longer my inbox but simply a tool for genuine, personal connections.
Taping my laptop shut: A small but effective act that became a physical reminder that work was off-limits. I resorted to duct tape in the end!!
Setting clear boundaries: I let friends, family, and colleagues know I was in sabbatical mode, not work mode.
Reconnecting with myself: Without the productivity lens, I could reflect on who I was, not just what I did.
Travel and enjoyment: I explored the UK and Europe purely for pleasure, rediscovering the joy of simply being in a place without any business agenda.
Nature: My Greatest Teacher
This summer, nature became my biggest and best teacher. It reminded me to slow down, to simplify, and to embrace a life where “less is more.” During a meditation with a group of women in a quiet Finnish forest, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, a thought came to me, ‘If this is life, it is enough’. In that moment, disconnected from the outside world, I was closer to nature—and my truest self—than I had been in years.
Spending time in the forest, nearly off-grid and embracing a simple camping setup, brought me back to the essentials. It reminded me that we need very little to live meaningfully and fully, to feel gratitude for what we have, and to be content with the present. Nature taught me patience, mindfulness, and a depth of appreciation I hadn’t felt in a long time.
A New Take on Switching off
While my summer sabbatical was transformative, one key takeaway was the idea that shorter, more frequent breaks could be just as effective. Reflecting on my eight weeks offline, I realised that taking just one week off per quarter might offer similar benefits without the same level of anxiety about being away for so long. This approach can provide regular resets, making it easier to maintain a balanced rhythm throughout the year.
Studies from Harvard Business Review support this idea, suggesting that even brief breaks can enhance effectiveness by up to 20%. For many, stepping away for months isn’t realistic, but regular, shorter breaks could be the perfect solution to prevent burnout and maintain peak performance.
Connection and Boundaries
I’m a people person through and through, so I still made time to meet new friends, catch up with close ones, and chat on the phone. But I became intentional about reducing the “noise” that often comes with modern socialising. No Zoom calls, no talk about work when meeting new people—only real, present, and meaningful conversations about life, love, connection, purpose, family, and the world.
Here’s what I discovered:
Saying no is okay: Even to the most exciting invitations. Boundaries allowed me to focus on what truly mattered.
Saying yes to things that fill the soul is worth it: Whether it’s a quiet walk, a good book, or time spent with those who lift you up, these moments are vital for the spirit.
Genuine connection: Connecting with people without discussing work gave our conversations depth and meaning. It wasn’t about what we did; it was about who we are.
Embracing New Habits
During the summer, I experimented with habits that I had neglected in the bustle of work. They brought me back to a simpler, more balanced way of living that I’m working to carry forward.
Sabbatical Habits:
No alarm clock: I let my body set the pace, waking up naturally, and feeling recharged in a way I hadn’t experienced in years.
Leisure reading: Fiction became my escape, and I finally let myself enjoy books that had nothing to do with work.
Physical activity: Climbing, Padel, and long walks became part of my days. I even rediscovered wild swimming in lakes and oceans across Europe, reconnecting with the freedom of being in nature.
The Science of Slowing Down
Taking time off allowed me to slow down, think more clearly, and approach challenges with fresh eyes. Studies show that leaders who take time to reflect are more effective and productive. Slowing down isn’t just about rest—it’s about creating the space to gain perspective and reconnect with our values.
During this time, I adopted practices that reduced life’s pressures:
Moving slowly: I became more intentional with my actions, avoiding the constant rush to accomplish.
Spending time in nature: Being outdoors helped me feel grounded and brought me clarity.
Prioritising loved ones: This break gave me the time and presence to connect with family and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Learning to say no: Even to amazing opportunities. I found that protecting my time and energy was essential for true balance.
Returning with New Intentions
As I return to my daily routines, I’m focused on sustaining the balance I achieved this summer. Here’s how I’m applying some of what I’ve learned:
Keeping notifications limited: By limiting work-related notifications, I’m less likely to feel overwhelmed or distracted and more present.
Prioritising movement: I’m keeping up with walking, exercise, and staying active. Walking meetings have become my new favourite, allowing me to get in my steps while staying productive in person or on the phone.
Reducing screen time: I’ve cut back on video calls, opting instead for phone conversations and in-person meetings, which has improved my mental clarity and well-being. I have that active listening can be just as powerful, if not more so, on a phone call than a video call.
Transformation Through Time Offline
Taking time away—whether it’s a long sabbatical or regular, shorter breaks—has been transformative. It has given me clarity, creativity, and renewed energy. For me, this time has been about investing in myself and setting the stage for another decade of growth and impact.
Find what restores you, whether it’s a week off each quarter or a more extended break from work life. Prioritise your health and well-being, because ultimately, the best leaders invest in themselves. If you find yourself in survival mode, I encourage you to take the time to move out of survival mode and into a space where you can get back to being at your best.
How do you find the harmony of all that life throws at us? Have you ever considered taking a sabbatical? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!