Good morning!

We hope you are enjoying your summer.

This August, as many of our clients take a break and enjoy the nicer weather, we are reflecting on relaxation and leisure time. That reflection led us to a few great articles we thought you might enjoy and find helpful.

• Recent research shows that Americans are taking less time off than ever before, yet the benefits of using vacation time are numerous. People who use their vacation time are more likely to be productive and even promoted at work.
• Vacations can also help with burnout, which is an increasing problem right now for leaders. Jennifer Moss, who is researching burnout for an upcoming book, has found that empathy is one of the most useful ways to help others and ourselves with burnout.
• Other steps you can take to address burnout, according to Zaria Gorvett, focus on our personal agency—our awareness that we are in control of many small choices that can lead to happier and healthier lives. Gorvett’s tips are both practical and manageable.
• The opposite of burnout is flourishing. Dani Blum at The New York Times has a great article about flourishing, complete with 7 practical steps we can all take to achieve the “lofty combination of physical, mental, and emotional fitness.”
• And here’s one final article on something you might consider in these last days of summer—boredom. While many of us are constantly glued to our phones and other technology, sometimes to avoid boredom, recent research has actually found that boredom boosts creativity.

We hope you have gotten (or will soon get) the rest and rejuvenation you need this summer.

The Boda team