Embracing Mindful Leadership: The Power of Intentional Rest

barbara schindler conscious leadership leadership skills mindful leadership team empowerment

“When we can relax, we restore our well-being. We come back to ourselves and release all tensions and worries. Some workplaces have found that setting aside time for rest actually increases productivity and effectiveness of work.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

As an executive coach, I've long believed in a truth eloquently expressed by Thich Nhat Hanh:

"When we can relax, we restore our well-being. We come back to ourselves and release all tensions and worries."

Over years of working with professional leaders, I've witnessed the transformative power of this wisdom.

Some workplaces have discovered what Hanh suggests – that setting aside time for rest actually increases productivity and effectiveness of work. It's not about working longer, but working more intentionally with clarity and present mind focus.

Your mindful day starts with a deliberate review of intentions. Block out time not just for meetings and projects, but for meaningful breaks. These aren't luxuries; they're essential reset moments that will fuel your creativity and resilience.

I've seen firsthand how the most effective leaders integrate restorative breaks. When we truly allow ourselves to relax, we do more than just pause – we reconnect with ourselves. A lunch away from your desk, a brisk walk outside, or a moment of connection with a colleague becomes a practice of returning to your center, releasing the tensions that naturally accumulate throughout your day.

Nature is an excellent go-to reset button. Stepping outside, even for just a few minutes, allows your brain to shift from constant doing to simply being. It's in these moments of pause that you will understand what Hanh means by "coming back to ourselves" – a profound state of restoration that goes beyond mere physical rest.

At the end of each day, take time to reflect. How did it go? Where did you find your energy? Where did you feel drained? This self-assessment is crucial for positive development and maintaining well-being.

Peak performance isn't about working harder—it's about working mindfully, with intentional breaks that restore and replenish. As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, when we can truly relax, we don't just improve our work – we improve ourselves.

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Author: Barbara Schindler

Related Video:
Mindful Leadership: Relax for Well Being

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