Crisis and Conflict Management: Why Taking a Break Matters

Those who know me know that I put a lot of energy, passion, heart and soul into my work helping people in crisis and conflict. When I started my own business, I read many books and listened to lectures about how being self-employed requires discipline—the discipline to work and to follow through. For me, it’s exactly the other way around. I’m so passionate about what I do that I need discipline to take a break, to stop, relax, and enjoy free time.

In addition to my passion for crisis and conflict management, I spend several hours a week volunteering and continuing my education, while also being a palliative care patient receiving regular life-sustaining treatment and living in a happy relationship. According to friends and clients, I seem to have a lot of energy.

I fill my daily life with gratitude and humility. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and fulfilled when I can help my clients. At the same time, I regularly experience strong emotions and hear harrowing stories in the conflicts I support.

To remain effective in such situations, managing energy is essential. Without it, you lose focus, empathy fades, and the quality of support declines. That is neither healthy nor professional. In my view, good crisis and conflict management requires a solid resilience and energy strategy.

People often ask how I stay strong. I had to reflect on this, because I don’t usually feel a lack of energy. Looking closer, I identified three key aspects I would like to share.

All three have one thing in common: they are deliberate time-outs during which I switch off.

Let me explain:

First, I remind myself that the problems I support are not my own. I don’t “own” them. I do everything within my power to help, but in the end, they belong to someone else. I empathize without suffering along, which allows me to leave work where it belongs.

Another way I relax is through acting—both traditional and improvisational theater. On stage and in rehearsals, I immerse myself completely in my role. Improvisation adds humor and lightness, pulling me entirely out of everyday life.

Finally, one of my favorite time-outs: traveling alone for a week. I follow my flow, do only what I want to do, and make decisions intuitively—without considering anyone else’s expectations.

Being alone makes it easier to connect with locals, experience other cultures, and connect with myself. I gain access to hidden desires, process experiences, clarify goals, and feel freer beyond obligations and commitments.

This feeling of lightness is powerful—and it lasts.

Last year, I spent a week traveling alone in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. This year, I will take a winter break in West Greenland: snow and ice as far as the eye can see, few people, vast scenery, and the fulfillment of personal bucket list dreams like dog sledding, snowmobiling, seeing the northern lights, and sleeping in an igloo. No group. Just me.

All three approaches are about taking time out—away from mental noise, obligations, and constant time pressure. For me, this is pure freedom and allows me to recharge.

The effect is clear: my brain gets a real break because it no longer has to think in terms of tasks, deadlines, or commitments.

Vacations have an even deeper impact. My subconscious mind gets space to speak, guide, and process experiences effortlessly. That’s why I choose destinations immersed in nature—no city trips—and accommodations that don’t feel like business travel.

How do you recharge your batteries? What strategy works for you?

I’d love to hear your feedback.

Go for it,
your crisis manager