The ROI of Rest: Why Your Wellbeing Is Your Greatest Investment

By Paige Coulthurst, Operations Director at Soap Media

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When was the last time you truly prioritised yourself?

For many high-flyers, work dominates every waking moment. The email that couldn’t wait; the meeting that ran over; the project that demanded “just a bit more” of your time. 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.

In actuality, prioritising your wellbeing not only benefits you, your health, your relationships, and your 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 Come First

Globally, millions of workdays are lost each year due to stress, anxiety, and burnout. It’s a costly reality for not just businesses, but also 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 tea: 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, not just occasionally, as your best self- particularly when you’re in a key leadership role.

But, there are even more reasons to prioritise rest and wellbeing…

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 research shows that a rested mind performs better. When you invest in your wellbeing, 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 Success

When you feel balanced, your enthusiasm for work skyrockets. That energy is contagious - it influences colleagues, clients, and even the trajectory of your career. Instead of dragging yourself to your desk, you’ll approach challenges with fresh eyes and newfound excitement, consistently giving your ‘all.’

If you’re in a leadership position, the stakes are even higher. Investing in employee wellbeing not only improves retention, reduces turnover costs, and boosts morale, but also directly impacts the bottom line. Research shows that highly engaged businesses are 21% more profitable than their less-engaged counterparts. A fulfilled workforce isn’t just happier, it’s a productive and profitable one.

Work Quality Stops Suffering

For any professional, the ability to assess and manage risks is crucial. Whether it’s leading a team, managing a budget, or delivering results to a client, mental clarity is non-negotiable. Stress and exhaustion cloud judgement, leading to avoidable mistakes. By prioritising your physical and mental health, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re safeguarding the quality of your work.

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 pulls the entire team down. The energy you bring to work matters, especially when leading a team or project. Rest and recovery ensure you’re spreading motivation, not negativity.

So, how do you start prioritising you?

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 some practical steps to reclaim your wellbeing and your career.

1. Schedule Time for Yourself

Treat your personal time with the same respect as a work meeting. Book activities that force you to log off and change gears. A fitness class, a dinner with friends or family, or even an hour dedicated to a hobby can help you reset.

Pro Tip: Keep one day (most likely a weekend day) every couple of weeks completely open, with no commitments or plans. Whether you spend it hiking, resetting the house, or binge-watching your favourite show, the choice is yours. Scheduling time for nothing is important, too.

2. Move Your Body

Exercise isn’t just about physical health, it’s a stress-buster and mood-booster. The American Psychological Association reports that 33% of high-stress individuals feel significantly better after physical activity. Schedule a workout, take a lunchtime stroll, or simply stretch during your breaks. Your mind will thank you. 

 Pro Tip: Make a habit of moving your body. Take a lunchtime walk every day or schedule a class once a week. After a few weeks or months, you’ll feel lost without it.

3. Fuel Up

Your body is your engine. What you eat affects your energy levels, focus, and resilience. Prep healthy meals ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling to grab something on the go. Need a starting point? Try overnight oats with fruit, nuts, and chia seeds, a perfect mix of nutrients to keep you energised.

4. Say No Without Guilt

Learning to say no is a powerful skill. It’s not about shirking responsibility; it’s about setting boundaries to ensure you can deliver quality work. If taking on more isn’t feasible, communicate openly with your manager or team. Most will appreciate your honesty and respect your limits.

5. Delegate

Let go of the idea that everything rests on your shoulders. Build systems and processes that empower others to share the load. Trust your team, they’re skilled, capable professionals who can contribute valuable insights and ideas.

6. Master Time Management

Time management frameworks, like Getting Things Done (GTD), can help you organise tasks, prioritise effectively, and clear mental clutter. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft To-Do to keep track of projects and free up your brain for strategic thinking.

Your Wellbeing Is Your Superpower

Success isn’t about sacrificing yourself on the altar of hard work, it’s about thriving in a way that’s sustainable and fulfilling. Prioritise rest, embrace balance and watch your productivity, creativity, and happiness soar. Because when you invest in your wellbeing, you’re not just better at your job, you’re better at life.