Rest isn’t weakness. It’s your recharge.

As we move toward the end of the year, the pace picks up. Deadlines pile on, family expectations grow, and that pressure to “finish strong” creeps in. Before we know it, what should feel like celebration starts to feel more like survival.

But here’s the truth: you can't show up for everyone else if you never make space for yourself. Real leadership (at home and at work) requires room to breathe.

When you make space, you give yourself time to think, rest, and connect. You lead with clarity instead of exhaustion. And in the middle of the year-end rush, that’s the most radical thing you can do.

Creating Space in Your Personal Life

Space doesn’t just appear. You have to create it.

Start small:
😮‍💨 Take three deep breaths outside before walking into a busy family gathering.
👋 Give yourself permission to skip the event that drains you.
☝️ Protect your mental health by saying, “I need a minute,” and taking one.
🤳 Turn off your phone for an hour. The world will keep spinning.
😌 Schedule an afternoon that belongs only to you: no errands, no work, no guilt.

These small boundaries aren’t selfish. They're acts of self-respect.

Creating Space in Your Professional Life

Leaders set the tone for everyone around them.

If you run yourself ragged, your team will too. Model what balance looks like. Show your team that it’s okay to rest.

Try this:
🗓️ Block focused time on your calendar before year-end projects pile up.
📴 Encourage your team to disconnect fully during their time off.
📵 Turn on “Do Not Disturb” for part of each day and let your team know you’re doing it.
❌ Cancel the meetings that no longer serve a purpose.
💭 End the week with a short reflection instead of one more task list.

When you model space, you give others permission to protect theirs too.


So this month, I’m inviting you to slow down. To make space for joy. For quiet. For whatever helps you return to yourself. Because when you do, you don’t lose momentum. You find meaning.

This month, don’t just talk about balance. Practice it.
What’s one way you’re making space for yourself?

Together we unleash forward,
Salima Valji