The Importance of Taking Time Off Work!

As a UK military charity founder, it's counter intuitive but absolutely essential that you prioritise taking time off, whether that's Bank Holidays, annual leave, weekends, or important family days, not just for your personal wellbeing, but for the long-term sustainability and success of your mission. Running a charity that supports the Armed Forces community can be emotionally intense. You're often dealing with stories of trauma, hardship, and loss. Without adequate rest, you risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and decision fatigue, all of which diminish your ability to lead effectively. Regular time off acts as a mental reset, helping you return with a clearer mind and renewed purpose.The demands of leadership often mean long hours and high stress. Over time, this can take a serious toll on your physical health, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and sleep disturbances. Prioritising rest days, holidays, and weekends helps your body recover, boosts your immune system, and improves energy levels, so you can show up fully for your team and beneficiaries. Strategic thinking and innovation thrive when your brain has the space to wander and reflect. Time away from daily operational pressures encourages creative problem-solving and fresh perspectives. Some of the best ideas often come during a walk with family, on a quiet weekend morning, or while reflecting on a beach holiday. Your team and volunteers will look to you as a role model. If you’re constantly working and never taking time off, it sends a message that overworking is the norm. Prioritising time off demonstrates healthy leadership, encourages balance in your team, and helps retain committed, resilient people. Your family and close personal relationships are your emotional anchor. Celebrating key milestones and showing up for loved ones builds resilience and keeps you grounded in what truly matters. These moments help remind you why you started the charity in the first place, often reigniting your passion and drive. Prioritising rest is not a luxury, it's a leadership responsibility. It enables you to lead with clarity, compassion, and creativity, ensuring your charity thrives and continues making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who’ve served.

Tony Wright CEO