GUEST POST BY Wendy Jenkins OAM, READY RESILIENCE
Ready Resilience helps organisations thrive during times of change and challenge, using practical neuroscience-based resilience tools that have been proven to offer in-the-moment solutions and long-lasting results. Learn actionable tips you can apply right away in Ready Resilience Founder Wendy Jenkins’ articles, written exclusively for the TEMi community.
Unleashing the power of neuroleadership: Rest and play are strategies, not rewards
The following article captures elements from Wendy’s presentation at TEMi’s recent Compass for Change Summit – ‘Rest and Play are Strategies, Not Rewards’.
In fast paced workplaces, rest and play are often seen as rewards or optional extras. Neuroscience tells us they are in fact essential strategies.
Neuroleaders who encourage strategic rest and play can help protect cognitive performance, build trust and unlock innovation across their teams.
When you take a genuine break, whether by stepping away from screens, walking outside or letting your mind wander, the brain’s Default Mode Network activates. This network consolidates memory, connects ideas and sparks creative insights.
Without adequate rest, the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision making and emotional regulation, becomes fatigued, leading to slower thinking and poorer judgement.
Research also shows the brain works in ultradian rhythms of 90 to 120 minutes of peak focus followed by a need for recovery. Leaders who model short breaks in line with these rhythms help maintain energy and accuracy.
Strategic play is equally powerful. Anticipating and engaging in playful activities releases dopamine, boosting motivation, focus and learning.
Play also drives neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to create and strengthen neural pathways, which supports adaptability and creative thinking.
Social play, such as humour, friendly competition or collaborative challenges, increases oxytocin, which strengthens trust and psychological safety.
Neuroleaders can embed this science into their culture by modelling breaks, opening meetings with light conversation, celebrating small wins, incorporating quick creative challenges and protecting boundaries around after-hours communication.
When rest and play are valued, teams think more clearly, recover faster from stress, solve problems more creatively and strengthen their connections. Rather than reducing productivity, they enhance it, because brains perform at their best when given time to recharge and freedom to explore.
Leading with this understanding means shifting from simply driving performance to creating the conditions in which performance can thrive. Rest and play are not rewards to be earned, but neuroleadership strategies that sustain success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Jenkins is the founder of Ready Resilience, Co-Founder of the Lungitude Foundation, certified Neuroplastician, Speaker and Lung Transplant Survivor.
Ready Resilience helps organisations thrive during times of change and challenge, using practical neuroscience-based resilience tools that have been proven to offer in-the-moment solutions and long-lasting results.
Having been told she had two years to live over eighteen years ago, Wendy is passionate about empowering people to transform their perspective on life’s challenges through dynamic masterclasses, workshops, and certified resilience training.
To learn how Wendy can support and inspire you at your next conference, leadership event, or personal development session, visit www.readyresilience.com email [email protected] or connect with Wendy on LinkedIn.
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