Relax, Mediate, Chill Out to Improve Work Productivity

Tom Iselin
May 29, 2015
3 min read

Updated: Dec 14, 2025

You need to take care of yourself in order to do the noble work in front of you. Make quality time for you and your family.

Relax, Mediate, Chill Out to Improve Work Productivity

Here in Sun Valley, Idaho, it’s one of those days that reminds you why getting outside matters. It’s been beautiful—80° weather, wildflowers blooming, snow melting off the mountains. Just gorgeous.

And being in a place like this makes something very clear.

The Quick Takeaway

If you’re working hard to change the world, you also need to take care of yourself. Decompressing isn’t a distraction from your work—it’s what allows you to do it well.

You’re Doing Important Work

If you’re watching this, chances are you’re busy. Really busy.

You’re putting in long hours.You’re carrying responsibility.You’re trying to make a difference.

And the truth is, the world needs more people like you. People who care enough to show up and do the work.

But here’s the part that often gets overlooked.

You can’t keep giving if you never refill.

Make Space to Relax—No Matter Where You Are

Relaxation doesn’t require a vacation or a perfect setting. It’s about intention.

No matter how busy your day is, you can:

Step away for a few minutes
Take a walk outside
Pause and breathe
Let your mind settle

Those moments matter more than you think.

Find Your Place and Get Centered

Everyone has a place that helps them reset.

It might be:

Outside in nature
With loved ones
Somewhere quiet and familiar
Anywhere you feel grounded

When you find that place and take time to decompress, something shifts.

You come back clearer.More focused.More energized.

Takeaways

Decompression improves effectiveness, not just well-being
Rest helps you show up stronger for the work you care about
Getting outside can quickly reset your mindset
Being centered allows you to lead and serve better
Taking care of yourself is part of changing the world

Summary

So here’s my encouragement to you to improve work productivity:

Take a little time today to relax.Get outside if you can.Spend time with the people you care about.

Find your place and get centered.

When you do, you’ll return to the work you love even stronger than before—and the impact you’re making will only grow.

Tom Iselin

Rated One of America’s Best Board Retreat

and Strategic Planning Facilitators

About the Author

Tom Iselin is recognized as one of America’s leading authorities on high-performance nonprofits. He has built nine sector-leading nonprofits and two software companies, written six books, sits on multiple boards, and has been rated one of America’s Best Board Retreat and Strategic Planning Facilitators. His work on nonprofit strategy, board leadership, and culture has been featured on CNN, Nightline, and in Newsweek.

Tom is the president of First Things First, a firm specializing in board retreats, strategic planning services, fundraising strategy, and executive coaching for nonprofit CEOs.

Board Retreats & Strategic Planning

If you’re looking for a board retreat facilitator or strategic planning facilitator who has been in the trenches and understands real-world nonprofit challenges, Tom can help your board gain clarity, build alignment, and create an actionable plan that improves performance and impact. His sessions propel organizations to the next level of performance and impact . . . and they're fun!

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