July 9, 2025

As I return to work today after EY’s Summer Break, I’m reminded once again of the immense value of a company-wide shutdown.

The longer I’m with EY, the more deeply I appreciate how truly restorative a full week off can be for both my personal well-being and my professional efficacy.

A Different Experience

A company-wide shutdown is a uniquely different experience from simply taking a few days of vacation on your own.

There’s no returning to an overwhelming avalanche of emails in your inbox, because everyone else was also out of the office.

It’s a genuine reset. My wish is that more firms would adopt this practice for their people.

Gallery

Here are some pictures from my break.

Restorative Staycation

My wife and I enjoyed a fantastic staycation. Highlights included exploring haute cuisine and a fascinating Greenwich Village exploration with Scott’s Pizza Tours.

Wellness Focus

I dedicated significant time to wellness, attending six workout classes with Wellhub, visiting StretchLab Franchise twice, and having three sessions at the chiropractor. I also started a new nightly stretching habit before bed.

Honoring Family

It was a special week for my family, as I had the privilege of seeing my parents receive honors at our temple for their dedicated service.

Bio-Age Benchmarking

Curiosity led me to benchmark my biological age using Superpower, WHOOP, and Don’t Die.

Friends & Flexibility

I even had a last-minute opportunity to babysit for friends, adding a spontaneous and joyful moment to the week.

Conclusion

This firm-wide break, including a wonderful birthday gift of a day at the WORLD SPA from my core client engagement team, truly allowed me to recharge.

The benefits of such a comprehensive break are undeniable.