Burned out in 2025? Here’s how CEOs switch off from the big job
Between Christmas and New Year—when you forget all sense of what day of the week it is—can be the perfect time to blow off steam, unwind, and refresh for the year ahead.
The only problem? You’re often still stressed from the manic run-up to the holidays and reeling over whether you completed your to-do list before switching on the out-of-office. Nobody gets that more than CEOs and founders, who often admit to struggling to switch off from the top job.
Nevertheless, Fortune’s The Good Life has spent the best part of this year finding out how up-and-coming leaders unplug (as well as, treat themselves, invest their wealth and more). Scroll on to get tips on how the top kick back their feet after a long day.
Playing padel tennis and running
“When I’m not working, I prioritize being away, spending time, and being present with family. I used to be on the Danish racquetball national team, and although it’s not quite the same, I like to play padel tennis when I get the chance.
I also go for runs, but I find that they don’t unwind me, actually the opposite. My mind starts racing and I get 100 new ideas while I do so. I often have to stop running and take notes–so I guess that defeats the point of unwinding.”
Kim Povlsen, president and CEO of Danish robot company Universal Robots.
With a book
“Although my work is deeply fulfilling, I make sure to create space for personal activities to recharge, like going for walks, playing tennis with friends and reading.”
“Some of my current reads include An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi, Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang, and Magnificent Rebels: The First Romantics and the Invention of the Self by Andrea Wulf. “
Andrea Rasca, founder and CEO of London’s hottest hang-out spot right now, Mercato Metropolitano.
In the kitchen or a reformer pilates class
“Exercise is a great way for me to unwind. I used to do a lot of yoga and have recently started doing Reformer Pilates, which I really enjoy.
Having said that, my favorite way to unwind is to cook. I love transforming ingredients into beautiful dishes and flavor combinations. It’s a challenge that requires my full attention. According to my friends, Rigatoni Bolognese is my best dish.”
Alfonso de Gaetano, founder and CEO of the fine wine club Crurated.
Watching the theatre
“Every two weeks my husband and I will catch a play in the West End. We’ll walk through Hyde Park to the theatre, watch something with great reviews and afterwards grab drinks and a late dinner. I absolutely love theatre and used to read lots of plays when things were less hectic, so this is definitely a guilty pleasure.
Then there are the more obvious things like catching up with close friends, spending time with family and also meeting new people.”
Hanushka Toni, the founder and CEO of Britain’s fastest-growing luxury reseller, Sellier.
Regular pampering
“How do I unwind from the top job? With the occasional Peloton ride or weight training, fortnightly nail treatments, monthly massages, and date nights with my husband.”
Connie Nam, CEO of London’s hottest jewelry chain right now, Astrid & Miyu.
A cheeky cocktail
“I am the first to admit that, after a long and stressful day, I like to unwind with a drink. I could pretend I attend yoga or mindfulness sessions, but the truth is I prefer to relax on my sofa.
I have a well-stocked bar corner in my living room which I like to fill with intriguing liqueurs discovered across the world. Most recently I added a bottle of Appenzeller Alpenbitter, a bitter that I found in a small tavern in the Swiss Alps.”
Finn Lagun, millennial co-founder of Pasta Evangelists.
On the ski slopes—failing that, in an at-home infrared sauna
“It’s really hard to unwind, I feel ‘always on’ in London, so really it’s about traveling. My favorite thing is skiing, and nothing helps you switch off like flying down a mountain on a pair of skis—there is not really time to think about other things.
“To unwind after work, I love spending time with my little girls, who are 2 and 4 years old. No matter how hectic the day has been, coming home to them puts everything into perspective. I’m also enjoying our home infrared sauna, which we got for my wife’s birthday this year. It’s perfect for decompressing and helps ensure an amazing night’s sleep if you go late at night.”
David Abrahamovitch, founder and CEO of Grind.
Axe throwing
“I work out a lot, five days a week. I have two gym memberships: ThirdSpace and Gymbox. My friends find it odd but I think Gymbox has the best leg equipment so I use it for leg day. On other days, it’s Third Space. I also go axe throwing a fair amount and play padel.”
Timothy Armoo, founder, Fanbytes
Golf, bike rides and the odd triathlon
“I work out a lot at our Third Space clubs (obviously!) and ride my bike through the Hampshire countryside or through the Mountain ranges of Europe when I get the chance. I also play golf and compete in the odd triathlon. And, of course, spending time with family, friends and wine.”
Colin Waggett, the CEO of London’s hottest high-end gym, Third Space
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This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
