Resilience Is in Our Nature

The Power of Natural Rhythms

There’s something about getting outside that resets everything. I just spent the weekend camping with my sons on our annual mother-son trip to the Peace River in Florida. It’s a tradition—one that involves about 50 people of all generations, setting up tents, cooking meals over the fire, and spending time in a world completely unplugged. And I mean completely.

The Peace River trip is a special kind of getaway because there is zero cell phone service. Not one bar. No checking in, no scrolling just to pass the time, no quick weather updates or solitaire games. You are in it, fully present. The world keeps moving, but for those couple of days, you step into a different rhythm—one that has nothing to do with meetings, deadlines, or notifications.

And let me tell you, the stars out there? Incredible. Without the glow of city lights, the night sky is breathtaking. The sound of the river flowing by is enough to let your thoughts wander, reset, and return to you in a way they don’t when you’re in go-mode 24/7.

The Rhythm of Effort and Rest

One of my favorite moments from this trip happened before we even got there. Around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, we got the call that some friends were making an early push to arrive that night instead of waiting for Saturday. So we rallied. We rushed. We threw everything together, hit the road, and arrived at camp after dark, setting up our tent by flashlight. Headlamps strapped on, working quickly like pros, we put up our home for the weekend in record time.

Was it a scramble? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without a doubt.

And here’s the thing—it reminded me how effort and recovery work together. We had the big push of energy to get out there, to set up in the dark, to make it happen. But after that? We got to rest. We got to enjoy the fire, the slow mornings, the peace of knowing everything was handled.

This is the same cycle that should happen in our work lives. Push when it matters. Recover when you can.

Nature Knows the Secret to Resilience

Nature has seasons. Trees lose their leaves. Bears literally hibernate. Even the river we camped next to moves in cycles, rising and falling depending on the season. Everything follows a rhythm of intensity and restoration.

But in the corporate world? No such rhythm exists. It’s just go, go, go. Even after vacations, people don’t get time to transition back. They go straight from out of office to inbox overload, expected to be fully operational the second they return.

I’m not saying we need to take six months underground like a bear. But a little built-in recovery time? A moment to recalibrate before diving back in? That would change everything.

Okay, Let’s Play: Build Your Own Rhythms

The key to resilience isn’t just pushing through. It’s knowing when to push and when to recover.

Ready: Think about your work-life balance right now. Do you have intentional rhythms of rest and effort, or are you just constantly in motion?

Set: Identify one area where you can build in true recovery time. It could be a transition buffer after a vacation, a quiet start to your mornings, or simply protecting your lunch break.

Go:

Maximize your mornings. Set up your day with a ritual that helps you feel grounded before diving into work.

Redefine your commute. If you’re heading back to the office, use that time for a podcast, music, or something that recharges you.

Pack your own energy. Whether it’s healthy snacks, a great playlist, or a small comfort from home, bring what you need to stay fueled.

Celebrate connection. The people around you at work aren’t just coworkers. They’re navigating the same challenges. Let shared moments uplift you.

Resilience Starts with Leadership

As a founder, I’m just over a year into running my own agency. And let me tell you—building something from the ground up has tested my resilience in ways I never could have imagined. There have been intense sprints, unexpected roadblocks, and moments where I had to trust myself to navigate the unknown. What I’ve learned? Pushing through isn’t the answer. Creating a sustainable rhythm is.

Leaders set the tone for their teams. If we expect people to bring their best ideas, best energy, and best problem-solving skills every single day, we have to recognize that best doesn’t come from burnout. It comes from knowing when to work hard and when to recharge.

So if you’re feeling the pressure to push through, consider this instead: pause, reset, and come back stronger. Nature does it. The best leaders do it. You can too.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!