How to reclaim rest and boost creativity when you're running on fumes

In Part 1 of this series, we explored the neuroscience that proves that rest is an active, powerful tool for creative problem-solving. We ended with a key question:

How can we, as founders and leaders, access this state when we are running on fumes?

When you are stuck on a strategic problem, the solution is unlikely to come from forcing more hours of frantic work. I should know this, been there done that! The solution is more likely to surface when you allow your brain the space to connect disparate ideas. And this is a space that only opens up during rest.

Let's move from the why to the how

Part 2: How to Cope When You are Running on Fumes

The first step is to normalize this struggle.

The pressure you feel is real and shared by entrepreneurs everywhere. The solution is not to wait for the pressure to vanish but to build systems to manage it.

Here are a few evidence-based tips to reclaim rest in the middle of the storm:

1. Redefine Rest. Rest is not just sleep. It can be a five-minute walk without your phone, three deep breaths before a call, or listening to a song with your eyes closed. These somatic experiences can soothe an overstimulated nervous system.

2. Schedule Active Recovery. Treat rest like a non-negotiable meeting with your most important stakeholder: your future self. Block out 15-20 minutes in your calendar for strategic gazing or a short walk. Defend this time fiercely.

3. Practice Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR). Popularized by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman at Stanford University , NSDR involves protocols like Yoga Nidra or simple meditation that guide you into a state of deep relaxation. These practices have been shown to restore dopamine levels, improving focus and motivation. You can find guided NSDR scripts for free on YouTube.

4. Set Enough Metrics. The founder's to-do list is infinite. At the start of each day, define what enough looks like. For example: "Today, I will complete my top three priorities. Anything else is a bonus." This creates a finish line and gives you permission to stop, preventing work from bleeding into every waking moment.

Image generated by Google's Gemini

Conclusion: Your Greatest Strategic Advantage

The journey of building a venture is a marathon. Certainly it is not a sprint, so don't try to run it like one. In this marathon, rest is not a pit stop; it is your form, your breathing, your pace.

Image generated by Google's Gemini

The external peace and stability we seek as founders is the result of the internal peace and stability we cultivate through deliberate rest. By choosing to rest in the midst of uncertainty, you are giving yourself the advantage of a clear, resilient, and creative mind capable of building the stability you seek. 🧠

I write regularly about the intersection of mental health, entrepreneurship, and sustainable leadership. If these topics resonate with you, follow me for more insights. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this article in the comments below.