Making time for time off

Do you ever look at the incredible amount of stuff you have to do and resign yourself to spending 100 hours a week working?

Today we’re talking about making time for time off so you don’t burn out.

One of the things I will always appreciate my Mom for introducing in my life is the concept of a “mental health holiday” – it was a single day (usually a Friday) during my school-aged years when, if I had no tests or assignments due, I could take the day off of school.

Maybe this was born from the adult desire to quit life for a day and sit on the couch watching Montel Williams and Lifetime movies, but I loved it. And even though I never won a perfect attendance badge, I was mentally stronger for the break.

What surprises me is that when you’re running your own business, the need for a mental break is much more necessary and yet, infrequently taken.

I’ve seen entrepreneurs who spiral into a massive breakdown or who simply close their virtual doors with no explanation to clients or colleagues. I’m not only sad when that happens, but I also wonder if their business took over their whole life.

The ironic thing is that most of us started our own companies because wanted more freedom, income and flexibility and instead found ourselves trapped.

I believe you need time off for 4 important reasons:

1. It gives your mind space to breath. You can’t think at 100 mph all the time or your engine – the brain – will burn out.
2. Time off gives your body time to rest. Even premier athletes have an off-season and vacation time between the Olympics.
3. Vacation gives your creative spirit time to recharge. Have you ever gone for a walk and all of a sudden gotten a fantastic idea? Extended breaks usually result in even more creativity.
4. Time off allows you to reconnect to your purpose. You probably didn’t create this business so you can have the life you want eventually, so take the time to learn a new language, enjoy your family, travel the world, or lie in a hammock doing nothing now.

Even if you believe that time off is important, and even necessary, the problem of making time still exists. Here’s my 5-step process for getting out of your business, even if it’s just for a mental health holiday:

1. Schedule some time off & make the commitment to going
2. Automate simple tasks to software
3. Outsource to your capable team
4. Go, unplug and relax
5. Evaluate what you can do better next time

These steps should be pretty self-explanatory but if you need more support on outsourcing or how to evaluate after a vacation check out the links below for more info.

How to take time off at Comstock’s

3 Ways to Outsource Tasks to Your Team

Get started with a Virtual Assistant for $20!

It’s time to stop feeling guilty for outsourcing