Last Updated on August 18, 2026 by Bethany Wilinski
An academic sabbatical is meant to be a period of renewal, intellectual exploration, and, ideally, rest. Yet, for many scholars, the idea of “resting” feels counterintuitive or even impossible. If you’ve earned a sabbatical, it’s because you’re smart, motivated, and good at what you do. Those same qualities that got you to this point are the ones that make it feel hard to slow down and perhaps even guilty for doing so.
Yet, I have seen firsthand (my experience and my clients) how important it is to use sabbatical for rest and renewal. Allowing yourself to rest more can lead to clarity, renewed interest, and, counterintuitively, a higher level of productivity.
How to get the rest you need during sabbatical
Redefine rest: Rest doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing. Instead, think of it as engaging in activities that replenish your energy rather than depleting it. For some, that might mean hiking, painting, or traveling. For others, it could be reading widely, thinking deeply, or engaging in slow, unpressured writing. The key is to differentiate between what restores you and what drains you.
Set boundaries: Sabbaticals often come with research expectations, but that doesn’t mean you need to maintain the same pace as when you’re not on sabbatical. Set limits on work hours, say no to nonessential tasks, and be mindful of over-committing to projects. Consider taking designated “off” days where you deliberately do not engage in academic work. Need help with boundaries? Check out this episode of Sabbatical 101.
Change your routine: One of the best ways to signal to yourself that you’re on sabbatical—and not just working remotely—is to shift your daily routine. If you typically check email first thing in the morning, try delaying it. If you usually work in an office, explore working at a coffee shop or at the library. Even small changes can help shift your mindset away from habitual busyness. Read this blog post for ideas about how to create a flexible structure for your sabbatical.
Make time for non-academic pursuits: Sabbatical is a great opportunity to reconnect with your hobbies and interests outside academia and your scholarship. My clients have used their sabbatical to learn or practice a musical instrument, try out creative or non-academic writing, learn a new skill (e.g. how to throw pottery), spend more time with friends, explore their community, and so much more.
Unplug from academic culture: It can be so restorative to step away from academic life during sabbatical. You can do this by limiting your exposure to work-related social media, attending conferences selectively (or not at all), and resisting the urge to stay deeply engaged in department politics. This distance can help create mental space for deeper thinking and genuine rest.
Although it’s easy to forget, sabbaticals are not only about productivity. By intentionally incorporating rest, you can return to campus after sabbatical with renewed energy and excitement for your work.
Looking for more on this topic? Check out this episode of Sabbatical 101.