Making Space: How Doing Less Creates More Growth

The Asana notifications keep multiplying. Endless red dots marking another task, another deadline, another Q4 goal still waiting in the "to-do" column. The calendar's crowded with launch dates and program releases - all needing to happen before December 31st. Late nights fueled by questionable amounts of coffee have become the norm, justified by staying "on track" and "maintaining momentum." (Because nothing says strategic business owner like sending emails at 3 AM.) 🙄

Maybe you're not quite at the 3 AM email stage. But we've all had that season of "pushing through" toward some imaginary finish line in our business. That mythical moment when we'll have enough clients, enough revenue, enough success to finally slow down. When everything will magically become easier.

But doing more isn't always the answer.

Scientists found that people are 60% more creative after a simple walk compared to staying glued to their desk. Sixty percent. That's the kind of stat that makes you pause mid-coffee-sip. Sometimes the best strategic move isn't pushing harder—it's creating space to think clearly.

This really hit home for me a few months ago while planning my month-long trip to Bulgaria. Not a fully unplugged vacation, but with much more space in my schedule. Before leaving, I spiraled about all the things I "needed" to prep—including projects I completely made up in my head. I spent weeks stressing about prep work (without actually doing any of it), until finally getting the essential stuff done in the last couple weeks.

The surprising part? My business thrived during that month of working max 10 hours a week. Clients stayed happy. Projects moved forward. I even signed a new client while wandering through an ancient Roman stadium in Plovdiv! That month showed me something about the constant busyness I'd created back home—most of it wasn't necessary. Yes, I work more hours now than I did in Bulgaria. But that break stripped away the fake urgency and taught me a vital lesson about rest and productivity..

Taking a month off in Bulgaria isn't required to find this clarity (though I highly recommend it). The real lesson is about creating intentional space in your daily life. No mountain hikes needed—just 20 minutes on a walking pad while listening to music. An hour soaking in a hot bath. Reading in bed with sleepytime tea instead of binging another episode of Nobody Wants This (so good, btw!). Or <insert whatever relaxing hobbies you love here>

These small moments of rest add up to something significant: the ability to see what actually moves the needle in your business versus what just keeps you busy. When I spend that extra hour taking care of myself instead of pushing through my to-do list, my work gets better. Ideas flow more easily. Decisions become clearer.

That's what strategic rest does—it helps you separate the real priorities from the endless list of "shoulds" that fill up your calendar.

While a month abroad sparked this realization for me, you can start creating this clarity in your business right now.

Here are four simple ways to make rest a strategic part of your business day:

Start with movement.

Schedule a 15-minute walk between client calls. The physical distance creates mental space to process ideas and spot patterns you might miss while staring at your screen.

Set non-negotiable sleep hours.

Your brain needs consistent rest to make clear decisions. Pick a bedtime that gives you 7-9 hours of sleep and treat it like your most important meeting of the day.

Create transition moments.

Take 5 minutes between tasks to breathe deeply, stretch, or step outside. These small pauses prevent mental fatigue and help maintain focus throughout the day.

Schedule relaxation like you schedule work.

Block off time for activities that help you decompress—reading, taking a bath, or simply sitting quietly with tea. When rest is on your calendar, it's harder to skip.

While these might seem like small, insignificant changes, when practiced consistently, these small habits can create powerful shifts in your business.

The real value of rest shows up in your bottom line —just not in the way you might expect.

Mental clarity leads to faster, better decisions. Instead of second-guessing every choice or getting stuck in analysis paralysis, you'll spot the right direction more quickly.

Your priorities become obvious when your mind isn't clouded by exhaustion. Those "urgent" tasks that filled your days? Many of them fade into the background when you're well-rested, leaving space for work that actually grows your business.

Creativity flows more naturally. You'll find solutions to old problems, spot new opportunities, and develop fresh ideas for your business - all because you gave your brain space to think.

Most importantly, you'll build a business that lasts. Running on empty might work for a few months (or even years!), but sustainable success requires sustainable practices. The way you build your business is the way you will experience it. AKA hustling harder to create some imaginary future where you’re spontaneously taking afternoons off isn’t how you’re actually going to get there.

Here's how to start without overwhelming yourself.

Ready to experience these benefits in your own business? Start small. Pick one new practice, like taking a 10-minute break between client calls or a short walk after lunch. No need to revamp your entire schedule all at once.

Just start somewhere. Notice how that small change affects your energy and focus. Once it becomes natural, you might find yourself craving more moments of rest. Maybe you'll add a screen-free lunch break or set an actual bedtime.

The key is beginning with something so simple you can't talk yourself out of it.

I'd love to know—how do you create space for intentional rest in your business? Comment below and share your favorite way to unplug!