Escaping work won’t fix your burnout! Here’s what will….
A Holiday May Not Be the Cure-All for Your Problems ✈️🌴
For those who know me, this is going to sound like a strange statement! ILOVEtravel. Planning trips and events is one of my hobbies—adventure is one of my top three values. In fact, I’ve just returned from a trip to South America, where my husband and I visitedSantiago, Easter Island, Buenos Aires & Ecuador—as well ascycling coast to coast across the continent! 🚴♀️🌎
BUT—what I also know from my work onburnout & self-leadershipis the importance ofhealthy habits. Constantly working on the habits I coach in my programs and keynotes allows me to get the most out of life, living in alignment with my values and having the vitality to do things I find awesome—likecycling 1,500km!
Having survived alife-threatening accident, I know that when we don’t listen to our body whispering, it oftenscreams. For a long time, I’ve been trackingheart rate variability (HRV)—a physiological measure of recovery and adaptability. Recently, I started wearing aWhoop—which I love, mainly for itsgreat sleep monitoring, analysis of habits, recovery scores, and real-time stress tracking.
So imagine my interest when I compared my recovery scores fromChristmas weekto thesecond week of our holidays…
The Data Doesn’t Lie 📊
Christmas Week (Home, ‘normal’ routine with intense training!)
✅ Rode my bike for26 hours, climbing over3,500m, covering nearly700km✅ Multipleearly starts(including 3:30 AM on Monday!) ✅ Worked in preparation for our trip ✅ Christmas Day celebrations (even ranPark Run!🏃♀️) ✅Social activities, no alcohol✅Slept in my own bed, prioritisedhealthy eating & recovery habits—includingearly nights,ice baths, physio, & a massage.
January in Easter Island (Holiday Mode)
✅ Away for a week,no jet lag (that explains the previous week’s low recoveries!) no major schedules(just two6 AM sunrises) ✅ Staying in astunning all-inclusive spacewithdaily walks & amazing food✅ Most strenuous activity? A17km mountain bike ride🚴♂️ ✅1-2 alcoholic drinks most days 🍷✅No work
Strange, right? 🤔
Despite being in arelaxing5-star location, my recovery scoredropped by 10%!The body stress metrics (which include sleep quality, heart rate, HRV, and more) were actuallyhigheron holiday than during my intensebike-training, ice bath-taking, 3:30 AM-startingChristmas week!
What’s Really Stressing You Out? 🍰🍷
We often assume thatwork, intense exercise, and structured routinesare the biggest stressors. But we underestimate how muchwhat we eat & drink, our daily rhythms, and recovery habitsimpact us—even more than a holiday!
Looking at mystress monitorin Easter Island revealed an interesting pattern: 📍I was often stressed at mealtimes.Why?
Richer foods, desserts (oh, those desserts! 🍰), and the occasional Chilean wine 🍷.
Less structured recovery habits.
💡 While I follow the80:20 ruleacross life, the impact of high stress on my body was clear—along with somemild pangs of anxiety. Research shows that ourgut is a ‘mini brain’, with the food we eat affecting ourmood & neurochemicals within minutes. No wonder many of us return from a holiday—even in a 5-star resort—feelingdrained, anxious, and off!
What This Means for You ⚡
I help peoplereclaim their vitalityandtake back control of their health & well-beingso they canlead—rather than just manage—their lives. Because let’s face it:we only have one!
So whether your idea of a good time iscoffee with friends ☕, a spa day 🧖♀️, or running a marathon 🏃♂️, you need thevitalityto truly enjoy it.
Have you returned from a break feeling drained?Maybe you’re concerned about your team’s habits?
Here’s how I can help:
📌Thrive 360 launches Feb 18!12 weeks → 20% more purpose, productivity & prosperity!Get the most out of your life with: ✅Unlimited SMS support✅9 live calls (recorded for those who can’t attend)✅Unique workbook, pre-recorded training, & certificate of completion🔗Sign up here:https://suzanne-rath.mykajabi.com/offers/5ibj8Yso
Info videos on my You Tube Channel:https://youtu.be/BubygR-UtxE?si=lzBnhKSOEE7Agw6P
📌Empower Her, March 7th (Sydney)JoinAngela Sedran& Ifor thisamazing IWD event, where you’ll gain valuablebusiness strategy & well-being toolsto set you up forsuccess in 2025. Plus, enjoy apanel of inspiring women& delicious Italian food! 🍝 🔗Details & tickets here:https://www.angelasedran.com/IWD2025
📌Renaissance in Rome, Sept 5-13 🇮🇹Atransformative leadership, strategy, and well-being retreatin Rome!Bring a friend for 10% off!🔗Details here:https://www.angelasedran.com/rome
Key Takeaways 🔥
Aholiday won’t fix burnoutif your daily habits are off.
Work & heavy exercise aren’t always the biggest stressors—food, alcohol, and lack of routine can be!
Yourgut health impacts mood & energymore than you realise.
Theright daily habitscan keep you thrivingall year round—not just on holiday!
