If in doubt, turn it off and on again.
It works for computers, Wi-Fi routers and our brains.
Tomorrow, I’m switching off. And on 1st September, I’ll switch back on.
Downtime isn’t just nice to have. For me, it’s necessary.
Neuroscientists call it the Default Mode Network, the brain’s ‘idle mode.’
When you step back, switch off the socials, stop pushing and allow your mind to wander, something remarkable happens: creativity spikes, problems untangle themselves and you come back sharper.
In other words, rest isn’t wasted time. It’s essential.
Think about it:
Athletes take recovery days so muscles can rebuild.
Nature encourages hibernation.
And every five years, Glastonbury has a fallow year so the site can recover.
August is my fallow time.
I’ll be reading, thinking and giving my brain a proper reboot so I can return in September refreshed, recharged and ready for a brilliant final third of 2025.
But by the miracle of automation, you’ll still hear from me.
Last year in August, I had Brilliant Ai write and send four messages.
Speaking of rest, I think you (and me) are ready for a rest from Ai right now, so I’ll be sharing four of my Greatest Hits newsletters. I’ve chosen pieces that readers loved (and hated) but agreed they changed the way they think.
Then on Monday, 1st September, I’ll be back to normal service with Magic Monday, new newsletters and a whole bunch of exciting live keynotes and events.
If you’ve been meaning to have a reboot, consider this your permission slip.
I know I’m fortunate to be taking a month, but a few days can make a massive difference.
Switch off the scrolling, step away from the noise (even for a few days) and see what happens.
When you power down properly, you don’t just come back online, you come back faster, fitter and fresher.
See you in September.
Michael
0 Comments