The ROI of Rest: Why Your Wellbeing Is Your Greatest Investment
By Paige Coulthurst, Operations Director at Soap Media.
When was the last time you truly prioritised yourself? For many ambitious professionals and high-flyers, work often takes centre stage. The urgent email that couldn’t wait, the meeting that ran over, the project that demanded “just a bit more” of your time—sound familiar? But here’s the truth: working harder at the expense of your wellbeing is not the path to success. In fact, it’s often the road to burnout, mistakes, and missed opportunities.
Prioritising your wellbeing not only benefits your health, your relationships, and your overall quality of life, but it can also be the secret weapon that helps you thrive in your career. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment.
Why Rest and Wellbeing Should Be Non-Negotiable
The Cost of Burnout for Professionals
Millions of workdays are lost globally each year due to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This isn’t just costly for businesses—it’s personally expensive for individuals (like you!) who pay the price with their health and career progression.
Neglecting your wellbeing might feel like the “right thing” to do in the short term. After all, you’re trying to prove your dedication, right? But here’s the truth: if burnout sidelines you or impacts your performance, you’re not helping anyone—least of all yourself. Success comes when you’re able to show up consistently as your best self, especially when you’re in a leadership role.
But the benefits are prioritising rest and wellbeing go even further…
Four Key Benefits of Prioritising Rest
1) Rested Minds Perform Better
Being at your best during working hours is far more valuable than being present 24/7. It’s tempting to push through late-night emails or revisit reports after hours, but a rested mind performs betters.
When you prioritise rest, you’ll notice sharper decision making, enhanced creativity, and stronger problem-solving skills—all crucial for success in any profession.
Imagine this: instead of working at 50-90% capacity all the time, you’re giving a focused 100% during your scheduled hours. The result? Higher productivity, fewer mistakes, and more time to enjoy life outside of work.
2) Fulfilment Fuels Career Success
When you feel balanced, your enthusiasm for work skyrockets. That energy is contagious—it inspires colleagues, delights clients, and propels your career forward.
For leaders, the stakes are even higher. Research shows that businesses with highly engaged employees are 21% more profitable than their less-engaged counterparts. A fulfilled workforce isn’t just happier; it’s productive and profitable too.
3) Protect the Quality of Your Work
Mental clarity is a non-negotiable for professionals. Stress and exhaustion impair judgement, leading to mistakes that could have been avoided. By prioritising your health, you safeguard not only yourself but also the quality and reputation of your work.
4) Energy is Contagious
Ever worked alongside someone who radiates positivity? Chances are, they made the day a little brighter and inspired you to do your best work. Now think about the opposite: the colleague whose stress, irritability, or fatigue drags the morale of the entire team down. The energy you bring to work matters. Rest and recovery ensures you’re spreading motivation, not negativity.
How to Start Prioritising Yourself
It’s easy to read this and think, “Great advice, but how?” The good news is, small, intentional changes can have a massive impact. Here are six practical steps to reclaim your wellbeing and career:
1) Schedule Personal Time Like a Meeting
Treat your personal time with the same importance as any professional commitment. Schedule activities that help you unwind and recharge, whether it’s a fitness class, dinner with loved ones, or indulging in a favourite hobby.
Pro Tip: Dedicate one day every few weeks to complete freedom from commitments. Spend it however you choose—hiking, decluttering your home, or simply binge-watching your favorite series. This unstructured time is not a luxury; it’s essential for recharging.
2) Move Your Body Daily
Exercise isn’t just about fitness—it’s a powerful antidote to stress and a natural mood-booster. The American Psychological Association reports that 33% of high-stress individuals feel significantly better after physical activity.
Pro Tip: Build exercise into your daily routine. A quick lunchtime walk or a weekly fitness class can become a habit you’ll cherish, helping you feel more balanced and energized.
3) Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Rich Food
Think of your body as an engine: the quality of your fuel determines how efficiently it runs. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet enhances energy, focus, and resilience. Plan and prep meals ahead of time to avoid impulsive, less healthy choices.
Pro Tip: Start with easy, energy-boosting options like overnight oats topped with fruit, nuts, and chia seeds. This simple yet nutritious breakfast fuels your day and keeps you feeling your best.
4) Master the Art of Saying No
Saying no is not about shirking responsibility—it’s about protecting your time and energy to ensure you deliver your best work. Set clear boundaries and communicate them honestly with colleagues or managers. Most will respect your transparency and appreciate your commitment to maintaining high-quality output.
Pro Tip: Frame your "no" constructively by suggesting alternatives or prioritising tasks collaboratively. This shows you’re solution-oriented while protecting your workload.
5) Delegate with Confidence
You don’t have to do it all. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength that allows you to focus on what matters most. Build systems and processes that empower your team to take ownership of tasks, contribute their expertise, and lighten your load.
Trusting others not only enhances efficiency but also creates opportunities for team members to grow and shine. It’s a win-win for you and your organisation.
Pro Tip: Regularly review responsibilities and assign tasks that align with individual strengths to maximise productivity and build trust.
6) Organise Your Time Effectively
Effective time management is essential for reducing stress and increasing productivity. Frameworks like Getting Things Done (GTD) can help you prioritise tasks, stay organised, and maintain mental clarity.
Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft To-Do to track projects, set deadlines, and keep your workload manageable. By structuring your days thoughtfully, you can focus on what truly matters and avoid the overwhelm caused by disorganisation.
Pro Tip: Break your day into focused work sessions, scheduling high-priority tasks during your peak energy hours. This not only boosts efficiency but also ensures you end the day with a sense of accomplishment.
Why Your Wellbeing is the Ultimate Investment
True success isn’t about endless hustle—it’s about thriving sustainably. When you invest in your wellbeing, you unlock greater creativity, productivity, and overall happiness.
This isn’t just about improving your career; it’s about transforming your entire life. Make rest a priority today, and watch your energy, focus, and success soar.
