How to really rest? A conversation about turning off before the summer ends…
In this special summer edition of our newsletter, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Scheck, Co-Lead of Young Entrepreneurs in Science. Together, we delve into Sarah’s personal journey with yoga and its influence on her professional and personal life. We have talked from trust in teams to vacationing. Sarah shares her insights and practical tips for turning off during holidays to return fully recharged and ready to tackle new challenges. Enjoy reading!
Can you tell us about your personal journey with yoga and how it has influenced your professional and personal life?
In 2015-2016, I spent a semester abroad in India, where yoga was woven into the fabric of our daily activities through an integrated sports programme. This experience marked the beginning of my yoga journey. When I returned, I continued practicing at the University Sports Centre, exploring various disciplines that supported me through everyday life and particularly stressful periods.
Upon moving to Berlin, I kept up with my practice at home. Unhappy in my jobs and lacking clear direction, I decided to dive deeper and underwent a yoga teacher training. I needed something that brought joy and fulfillment into my life.
The training took three years to complete, during which there were times when I practiced intensely and times when I stepped back. Yet, I always found myself returning to yoga. It has become a foundational “base” for me, a source of well-being and balance.
How has yoga changed you both personally and professionally? Do you have any before-and-after examples?
Yoga introduced me to a community where I felt a deep sense of trust and acceptance. After a challenging day, being with fellow practitioners felt like coming home. It was perfectly okay to arrive feeling stressed or not being able to do much; some poses worked, some didn’t, and that was all part of the process.
This sense of acceptance and trust I developed through yoga profoundly impacted my professional life. I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we are transparent about them. In my current role, trust has been crucial. Sometimes, others had more confidence in me than I had in myself, pushing me to overcome my self-critical nature.
How can people develop acceptance and trust?
Trust, for me, means allowing room for mistakes and fostering a culture that embraces errors. It’s okay to make mistakes if we are open about them. Encouraging participation and involvement in decision-making processes, similar to a sense of ownership, is vital. An open and transparent feedback culture without aggression is essential. When someone doesn’t perform a task well, it’s about having a straightforward conversation and finding a solution together, maintaining an equal exchange.
Acceptance involves approaching situations or actions with a beginner’s mindset. Sometimes, I catch myself believing my way is the best or only way. Listening to others without interruption helps me understand new perspectives and appreciate their value.
What does holiday mean to you?
Holiday can mean different things to different people, but for me, it’s about striking a balance between activity and rest. Being active rejuvenates me, whether it’s immersing myself in nature, mountain biking or hiking. Outdoor adventures help release my high energy levels. Equally important are phases of doing nothing—no appointments, to-dos, laptops, or phones, just a good book.
Another aspect of holiday for me is letting go of the idea of super-efficient use of time. It’s about taking more time for the small things in life, like preparing and enjoying meals or sitting down to write a message to a friend instead of multitasking.
Why is it important to fully disconnect during vacation, and how can this contribute to resilience for scientists and entrepreneurs?
Fully disconnecting during vacation is crucial for anyone in a high-pressure profession, especially for scientists and entrepreneurs who constantly juggle numerous responsibilities and decisions. The future is unpredictable and evolves rapidly, demanding quick adaptation and decision-making. To stay resilient and sharp, it’s essential to take breaks that allow for complete mental and physical rest.
Writing about thoughts or talking them out helps to clear the mind. I often send myself voice messages to revisit later, which helps park my thoughts and continue working. Keeping a work diary to reflect on my role, challenges, successes, and positive feedback also helps. Writing down my thoughts clears my mind, reducing clutter. When feeling stuck, taking a short walk does wonders—fresh air and light stimulate new ideas and solutions. Disconnecting allows us to return fully recharged, with a clear mind and renewed energy.
How can people truly turn off during their holidays? Do you have any tips and techniques for returning fully recharged?
- Turn off email accounts and communication channels; even a single message can consume unnecessary mental energy.
- People are different, but I like to plan my time well before a vacation, ensuring I don’t return to chaos. A good structure and plan make me feel secure, knowing I won’t come back to a mess.
- The reassuring feeling of working in a great, responsible team helps. Trusting that my team will handle things well in my absence allows me to fully relax and recharge.
What happens next?
Check out our event calendar for upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and success stories!
Curious for more? Connect with Sarah via LinkedIn.
Interviewer & Editor: Dilara Ekinci
Illustration: Bengt Xylander
Web Design: Bianca Cramer
