THRIVING IN CHAOS, BY VICTORIA PREW

The Power of Stepping Away: Why Mini-Sabbaticals Work

Read time: 2 minutes

Happy Monday team 👋

Here are three interesting ideas (business, entrepreneurship and personal growth) to start your week:

• Idea: Have you thought about taking a mini-break?
• Takeaways: Reducing stress and burnout
• Book: The art of slow productivity

💡 The Idea:

Last month, I took a short sabbatical—a month off social media and a step back from the daily grind. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel unplugged from the constant buzz of work and connection, but it turned out to be one of the most impactful decisions I’ve made.

Here’s what surprised me: lifting my head out of the game sparked more ideas than I’ve had in years. Without the noise, I had the space to reflect on what I truly want and found joy in small, everyday moments I’d overlooked.

Shorter, more frequent breaks are underrated. As Sheryl Sandberg once put it, “Our careers are jungle gyms, not ladders.” Taking time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment. These moments of stillness help us find clarity, creativity, and joy amongst the chaos.

✅ Key Takeaways:

Here are my top takeaways from this mini-sabbatical:

1. Reduced stress and burnout: Time away helped me recharge and reconnect with myself.
2. Enhanced creativity: With space to breathe, I felt more inspired and innovative.
3. Improved work-life balance: I focused on what really matters—health, family, and friends.
4. Increased self-awareness: Reflecting on my goals and values helped me see what’s next.
5. Room for growth: The break gave me fresh perspectives and new energy for my career.

🔗 Book Recommendation:

• ​Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout: If you are a fan of academic-level productivity, this book is for you.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to step back. Whether it’s a day, a weekend, or a month, prioritising your well-being can set you up for your next big leap.

Have you ever taken time away from work or social media? How did it change your perspective?

Here’s to finding joy in the pause.

Have a great week, and chat next Monday!

Victoria