the power of stepping away: lessons learned on resilience

Normally, November arrives and, like so many of us, I feel like I’m running on empty; pushing hard, needing a break, but not allowing myself to take one. In recruitment, late autumn is not a time of year I’d usually dream of going away, let alone attempt a full switch-off. But when a client extended a warm invitation to a holiday in the Caribbean as a thank you for my work with them this year, I knew it was the right time to accept. And I began to wonder: have I ever truly switched off?

rest that restores

So, in mid-November, there I was stepping out of the plane and into the beauty of Antigua. But when I arrived, I noticed how difficult it was for me to slow down mentally; my mind kept racing with tasks and lingering thoughts. It took about three days before I could say I was truly present.

And it was only then that I realised distraction is not the same as rest.

I’ve often mistaken scrolling, binge-watching, or even socialising for rest, but those things clearly only kept the noise going. Real rest (the kind that restores) takes a little distance. Determined to give myself the space I needed, I deleted my social apps and committed to checking only urgent email once a day. I put down my phone and picked up my camera instead. I actively stepped away.

permission to exhale

And then the real joy began. I slept better than I had in months. My thinking became much clearer. I noticed small things I’d often miss; the sound of waves, the way the light moved across the water. I felt more aware, more grounded, and so much more present and engaged with those around me. Distance gave me perspective, and any worries were rationalised. Creativity returned, and thoughts gently flowed. Emotionally, I felt a reset too, and all because the constant input had stopped.

Even my body gave me signals of slowing down: my breath steadied, my pace softened, my energy levelled. It was as if my whole system had been waiting for permission to exhale. Yes, I had expected to disconnect, but I hadn’t expected to relax as deeply as I did, or to gain such clarity about what I want to say yes to, and what I need to say no to going forward.

resilience and energy

Most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding around resilience. So often depicted as something built by pushing harder, resilience is in fact gained by allowing recovery. It’s not about grinding more, or building a tougher shell. It’s about allowing recovery and setting boundaries. It’s the ability to absorb pressure without losing yourself.

Now I’m back, full of positive focus, fresh perspective and the energy to take me into 2026. I’m taking on new clients and am happily open to conversations about new talent and recruitment projects.

regular resets

Antigua itself played a huge role in my reset, of course. The island’s beauty is undeniable: turquoise waters, endless beaches, the warmth of the people, and the gentle pace of island life. There’s something about watching the sun rise to start your day that reminds you how small you really are! I felt incredibly lucky to be there.

But the lessons I learned in Antigua can apply to everyone, every day. There is huge power in taking regular time to step away, particularly before you are too exhausted. It’s an investment in yourself. It isn’t an indulgence, it’s essential. When we pause, we allow distance and reset, and we allow ourselves to return with clarity, creativity, and resilience.

It doesn’t have to be a holiday. It could simply be a few moments each day devoted to switching off and reconnecting with yourself. As we enter the busy and often draining festive period, these habits can prove invaluable.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop for a while. And sometimes, stopping is exactly what you need to make you stronger.