Need a Break? Take some time off Vacation or Other
Having just returned from a week long vacation in the Rocky Mountains, I can write firsthand about the benefits to taking time off. Most people have a misconception that when you own your own business you automatically have the flexibility to come and go as you please or take as much vacation as you want. Reality is quite different, however. Business owners are often the last to take a personal vacation. It is much easier to leave when you know you have two allotted weeks and if you don’t use ‘em you lose ‘em.
One thing to remember, however, is that everybody needs a break. Even the most dedicated business owner with no personnel needs to find a way to take time off. The obvious reasons are to avoid burnout and alleviate stress. What is harder to remember is that taking a break can often increase your productivity because you return to work with a clear mind and renewed interest.
If you cannot afford to leave your business for a week, here are some ways to get away without really going too far:
Schedule yourself for a Friday afternoon massage
Take Friday off and spend two nights at a nearby vacation spot
Join an exercise class that meets regularly.
Load up your ipod and take a morning walk before work or after dinner.
Schedule a golf game during the week.
Spend a weekend with no laptop, cellphone or Blackberry.
Read a little bit of a totally-for-pleasure novel every day.
I am sure you can come up with more ideas too. The point is just taking time for your self. It is so easy to fall into the trap of equating time off with money lost. And that is just a shame!
Some good ideas there. A three day long “weekend” is also a good alternative to a longer break for the time pressed small business owner
Nice article Tara. I definitely agree about taking breaks, even small ones. I have a nice 4 day camping trip to the Maine coastline coming up near the end of July.
It’s also a good thing to work towards. Knowing you should work hard now and then enjoy the time off that you know you have coming.
I don’t know about going more than 24 hours with out a laptop, cellphone or blackberry, but reading a just for fun novel/book has helped me recently. Reading soo many business and success books can sometimes limit my hang loose, creative side to my personality.
Not sure I agree!
I think a change is as good as a rest, if work is stressing you out and you feel out of balance, you don’t need a break, just do different things. I guess if you are constrained by a 9-5 then you don’t have much choice. I haven’t taken a day of in 4 years, and feel fantastic!
If your way of generating income only involves you, and is repeating the same thing day in day out, driving you crazy, then you need a NM career not a 3 day break!
I’m so glad I found your blog today! Great information and although I’m working mostly full-time on my baby blog - I still find time to read books (and not just other blogs) for fun every day - it keeps me sane! Thanks for the great tips!
I think the only way to take a break is like you said is to stay away from all the gadgets.
As long as we are connected to that there is not hope. I think there are so many people out there who takes a vacation but still gets tangled with all the official mess.