So you think you’re not justified in taking time away from your business because you’re self-employed, have a big project underway, or are [for whatever reason insert here] indispensable to the team or organization?
Guess what – you are not. By not taking the time to look after yourself and those who are closest to you there is actually more harm than good happening.
Here are five great reasons why you should definitely take a vacation:
1. Physical down time
You work hard to grow and maintain your organization and client base. Trying to be superhuman will certainly take its toll if you allow it to. No one can give 100% at 100% of the time. Give your body a break by taking in some well-deserved “R&R”.
2. Mental down time
Your days are filled with busy, sometimes even hectic, day-to-day activities related to your business. If you don’t allow yourself to get away from it once in a while, your peace of mind and general well-being will most definitely suffer. Get out and play. Your mind will thank you!
3. Spend time with loved ones
Your family and friends see you working, working, working, sometimes rarely coming up for air. Both you and they will appreciate spending some quality time together.
4. See the world (or your own back yard)
The important thing is to do something you enjoy, whether it’s traveling or, if that’s not your cup of tea or you don’t have the budget for it, spend time closer to home such as camping and fishing. If you also work out of your home, or regularly VPN [Virtual Private Network] into the office this could be challenging. The key is to stay out of your office during your vacation time. Try getting creative with this. Make your office – or laptop! – “off limits” by closing the door [or laptop lid] and placing a sign on it saying just that. Do whatever it takes to keep your mind off working. Do you have a hobby, want to take a day trip to the lake, or spend quality time with family at your favorite get-away? Think of what you can do within your budget that’s fun. Or do nothing at all!
5. You have a life
Although this one is a ‘no-brainer’ to most, I admit to being one of the many [executives, mid-management and small business owners alike] who don’t feel as if they deserve time off. There is too much to do, and not enough hours in the day to get it all done. Well, ‘SURPRISE’! – it’s always going to feel that way. Only YOU have the power to allow yourself time off. Even if you prefer only to take a day here and a day there instead of a week-long (or longer) vacation each year, that’s a whole lot better than never taking time off. Trust me, you’ll feel better about yourself and your work if you take regular vacation time. You’ll be healthier, too!
Why am I writing about this? Tomorrow I take my son back to University for his 3rd year of studies and I am reflecting on ‘where did the time go???’ We get so caught up in the day-to-day minutia that it is important to realize the time passes and will not be given back. Be careful to take the time for yourself and your loved ones to do the best you can for both.