The power of rest.

I cried when I heard that Simone Biles won her eighth national title at the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships earlier this week. 

Tears of joy, of hope, and of relief.

Simone Biles is an absolute phenomenon, and someone I have long admired.

She became the first gymnast to win eight All-Around Titles at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, and, in a sport where many elite athletes are teenagers, she has the honour of being the oldest women to have won this competition. At the age of 26. 

Two years ago, in August 2021, she stunned the sports world when she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics mid-competition, citing her mental health. Critics (and there were many) said she would never return to competition.

She has proved them wrong.

Her coach, Laurent Landi, told the media that “Simone is more fit right now than she’s ever been,” and that her floor exercise was the best of her career.

Her two-year absence, to focus on her health, sends an important message to athletes and leaders around the world.

It’s OK to take a break and look after your health.

It’s OK to take a break to focus on what’s important.

While you may not be looking to take a two-year break, or even have the financial means to do so, there is no reason AT ALL why you can’t build regular breaks into your day / week / month / year.

One of the best ways we can take a break from work is to plan a holiday. Whether you choose to go away or have a staycation is up to you!

I’d love to know if you have your next holiday planned.