Leadership isn’t about working until you break.
In fact, the most effective leaders I’ve worked with know this and do something most people overlook: they treat their energy as a critical resource. They realize that how they manage their energy influences not just themselves but everyone connected to their work—teams, customers, and even their families.
Last month, I spoke with the director of a busy hospital. “I thought skipping vacations and working nights proved my dedication,” he admitted. “Then I collapsed in the middle of rounds.” That wake-up call forced him to rethink what leadership truly demands.
Here’s the simple truth: You have a very limited amount of energy every day.
Leadership energy isn’t endless. Yet most advice about recharging misses the mark, especially for leaders. How do you carve out time for yourself when every decision feels urgent? How do you disconnect and unplug when others depend on you?
I’ve seen many successful leaders who learned to recharge effectively. Their methods aren’t what you’d expect. These approaches aren’t glamorous, expensive, or time-consuming. They’re straightforward, science-backed habits that create real, lasting change—habits anyone can use, even in the busiest leadership roles.
What does an effective recharging activity feel like?
The most effective way to cope with burnout is to recharge. However, not all recharging activities are created equal. The key to recharging sustainably lies in identifying activities that you can engage in with minimal barriers—those that fit your interests, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Understanding these four levels of recharging activities helps you make better choices about how to manage your energy.
If you try to recharge with activities you dislike or don’t fit into your life, you might end up feeling more stressed and frustrated. On the other hand, activities that are enjoyable and easy to access can truly restore your energy and make you feel more balanced.
By recognizing these levels, you avoid wasting time on things that don’t work and focus on creating habits that genuinely help.
Level 1: You have no interest in the activity.
Level 2: You have an interest in the activity but it will not fit in your life.
Level 3: You have an interest and it will fit in your life but it is not an “anywhere anytime” activity.
Level 4: You have an interest and it will fit in your life and it is an “anywhere anytime” activity.
The goal here is to focus on activities that work for you personally, rather than copying what others do. If an activity doesn’t interest you or fit your life, don’t feel guilty about skipping it—find something else that works.
Prioritize recharging activities that you can do anytime and anywhere, like taking deep breaths, listening to music, or going for a short walk. These flexible strategies are powerful tools to manage stress in the moment. Additionally, I have seen effective leaders incorporating more engaging activities whenever possible, such as hiking or pursuing creative hobbies, to experience a greater sense of fulfillment.
Activity 1. Sketching, Doodling, Painting, Crafting
Artistic expression helps reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, which fosters relaxation and boosts creative thinking. For busy executives, taking even a few moments to sketch, doodle, or craft can provide a mental break, reduce stress, and spark innovative ideas. It’s an accessible and enjoyable way to recharge mentally while nurturing creativity.
What are some examples of it? Examples include expressive painting, crafting activities like crocheting or knitting, origami folding, photography, collage making, and upcycled art projects. These activities engage the brain in new ways, helping individuals step away from work pressures while focusing on creativity.
Who has done it? Former President George W. Bush has taken up painting as a hobby, creating portraits of veterans and world leaders. Billionaire Richard Branson is known for his habit of doodling during meetings, which he claims helps him focus and generate ideas.
Activity 2: Joining Virtual/Local Social Clubs or Communities
Joining clubs or communities offers leaders opportunities for networking, learning, and maintaining a balanced life. Whether it’s a book club, fitness group, or professional association, these social connections allow leaders to step away from work and engage in meaningful interactions, promoting personal well-being and professional growth.
What are some examples? Examples include joining a book club, participating in a fitness group like running or hiking, attending language exchange clubs, hosting neighborhood gatherings, joining local sports leagues, or taking dance classes.
Who has done it? Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has been known to participate in virtual reality social experiences through his company’s platforms. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is an avid cricket enthusiast and has been involved in local cricket clubs.
Activity 3: Volunteering
Volunteering offers leaders a way to step outside their corporate roles and engage with their communities. It fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and provides a sense of purpose beyond profit. Leaders can also develop new skills, expand networks, and inspire employees to give back, all while finding personal fulfillment and recharging emotionally.
What are some examples? Examples include mentoring young professionals, participating in community service projects, helping at animal shelters, engaging in healthcare volunteering, and joining environmental conservation efforts.
Who has done it? Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is well-known for his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, has implemented a 1-1-1 model of corporate philanthropy, encouraging employees to volunteer.
Activity 4: Practicing Meditation or Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness practices offer leaders a way to reset mentally and emotionally, promoting clearer thinking and balanced decision-making. Short daily sessions—whether guided through apps, practiced during walks, or experienced in retreats—can help leaders manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
What are some examples? Examples include mindful breathing exercises, body scan meditation, loving-kindness meditation, walking meditation, mindfulness coloring, and mindful eating.
Who has done it? Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, is a strong advocate for meditation and has implemented meditation rooms in his company’s offices. Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Square, practices Vipassana meditation and has attended silent retreats.
Activity 5. Trying Out New Recipes in the Kitchen
Cooking is a mindful activity that engages the senses, requires focus, and offers a break from work-related thoughts. Trying new recipes can reduce stress, spark creativity, and encourage social connection when meals are shared with others.
What are some examples? Examples include exploring recipes from other cultures, attending cooking or baking classes, and hosting barbecues with friends or family.
Who has done it? Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, has spoken about her love for cooking and how it helps her unwind. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has shared his attempts at smoking meats and baking bread on social media.
Activity 6. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Projects
DIY home projects are creative, hands-on activities that involve crafting, building, or repairing items for your home. These projects provide a fun way to solve problems, develop skills, and explore creativity in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.
What are some examples of it? Examples include creating wall art, crafting seasonal decorations, or upcycling old furniture into something new and useful.
Who has done it? Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is known for living in the same modest home he bought in 1958 and has spoken about the satisfaction of home maintenance.
Activity 7. Indoor Gardening or Caring for Houseplants
Tending to plants offers a way to nurture life and cultivate a sense of accomplishment. It provides a calming escape for leaders juggling complex business decisions while offering an opportunity to connect with nature indoors.
What are some examples of it? Examples include growing herbs or vegetables, propagating succulents, or designing beautiful plant arrangements.
Who has done it? Indoor gardening has become a popular recharging activity among corporate leaders. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has incorporated large-scale indoor gardens into Amazon’s corporate offices. Oprah Winfrey, media executive and philanthropist, is known for her love of gardening and often shares her experiences on social media.
Activity 8. Reading and Writing
Reading and writing are reflective activities that foster learning and emotional clarity. Reading exposes leaders to new ideas, while writing helps them process thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
What are some examples of it? Examples include reading poetry, journaling, or engaging in creative writing like storytelling or songwriting.
Who has done it? Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is known to spend 80% of his working day reading and thinking. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, regularly shares book recommendations and insights from his reading.
Activity 9. Engaging with Movies and Music
Movies and music offer leaders a creative escape, fostering empathy, emotional regulation, and cognitive function. They also serve as a tool for bonding with others, supporting teamwork and networking.
What are some examples of it? Examples include watching nostalgic movies, attending live concerts, playing a musical instrument, or composing songs.
Who has done it? Reed Hastings, co-founder and co-CEO of Netflix, naturally has a passion for film and often discusses the transformative power of storytelling. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, is known for his love of music and has spoken about how it helps him relax and find balance.
Activity 10. Body Movement & Sport
Physical activities, from yoga to team sports, offer a mental and physical break from work while promoting health, leadership skills, and social connections.
What are some examples of it? Examples include hiking, practicing yoga, participating in team sports, or engaging in winter or water sports.
Who has done it? Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is known for his running habit and has participated in marathons. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, starts his day with tennis or kitesurfing.
Activity 11. Participating in Online Courses
Online courses are a great way to learn new skills, spark fresh ideas, and stay up-to-date with industry trends, offering both personal growth and professional development.
What are some examples of it? Examples include personal development courses, skill-building workshops, or hobby-based classes.
Who has done it? Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is known for his “learn-it-all” approach and encourages a culture of continuous learning at Microsoft. Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, has emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in adapting to industry changes.
Activity 12. Gaming
Gaming, particularly strategy games, sharpens problem-solving and decision-making skills. Multiplayer games also promote teamwork and communication, making them a valuable activity for leaders.
What are some examples of it? Examples include playing board games, solving puzzles, or engaging in video games and escape rooms.
Who has done it? Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has spoken about his love for video games and how they’ve influenced his thinking. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, is known for his passion for strategic board games and has drawn parallels between gaming and business strategy.
Activity 13. Collecting Cool Things
Collecting offers a focused activity outside of work that can provide a sense of control and expertise in a specific area. It can also serve as a form of investment or legacy building. The process of researching, acquiring, and organizing collections can be a meditative experience, providing a mental break from work-related stress. Additionally, collections can serve as conversation starters, potentially aiding in networking and relationship building. Through collecting, leaders can recharge their minds while potentially gaining new perspectives that might influence their approach to business challenges.
What are some examples of it? Examples include collecting minerals, antiques, or vintage technology.
Who has done it? Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is known for his art collection. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, has an extensive collection of exotic cars and yachts.
Activity 14. Hanging Out with Your Pets
Spending time with pets provides companionship, routine, and light exercise, helping leaders create balance and decompress from work. Spending time with pets offers a form of unconditional companionship that contrasts with the often demanding nature of professional relationships. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of routine and responsibility outside of work, helping to create a better work-life balance. Activities like walking a dog or playing with a cat offer opportunities for light exercise and mindfulness.
What are some examples of it? Examples include cuddling with pets or training them in new skills.
Who has done it? Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, often shares photos of his dog on social media and has even brought his pet to office meetings. Oprah Winfrey is well-known for her love of dogs and has spoken about the joy and comfort they bring to her life.
Activity 15. My Favorite: Pebble Painting
Pebble painting involves decorating stones with designs or messages and leaving them in public spaces to brighten someone’s day. It’s a calming, creative outlet that fosters mindfulness and spreads positivity.
What are some examples of it? Examples include painting inspirational quotes or intricate patterns on pebbles and placing them in parks or community spaces.
Who has done it? Ehsan Etezad, Co-Founder & CEO of MEUS Science, promotes pebble painting as a simple and effective way to relax and give back to the community.
