Volume 5 Issue 2
Give Me a Break
Don’t we all feel this way sometimes? It’s perfectly acceptable as an entrepreneur to have a “Calgon take me away” moment. So on the eve of my first non-Disney vacation in 6 years, I thought of no better topic to write about than the benefits of taking a break.
Here are my top 4 reasons to take time away from the daily grind!
Refresh and Recharge
I’m sure most of you are just like me – my mind is always going and thinking of what’s next. There are many late nights where I can’t sleep, thinking of new ideas, new opportunities and ways to overcome challenges. While coffee helps many of us get through the day, you never truly operate at full capacity without a good night’s sleep. By taking a vacation or a stay-cation, we get to recharge our mind and body.
Take Time for Yourself
Always being in work-mode doesn’t create a healthy work-life balance. You need to spend time on activities you enjoy outside of work. For all of us, those activities are different. From art and music to yoga, sports and spending time outdoors, we all have activities that help to motivate and recharge us. It also gives us a change to step away from challenges we face and come back with new ideas.
Disconnect from Technology
Admit it, you’re addicted! And if you’re not, please share your secrets with me. As a culture, we’re addicted to our phones, our tablets and our laptops. Even when we’re not at work, we’re constantly checking email, Facebook, text messages, etc. Taking time off not only relates to work, but it also means taking time off from technology. Being able to think and function without our electronic devices helps us become better communicators, leaders, friends, husbands and wives.
Strengthen Personal Relationships
I strive to be a great husband, father, son and friend and I admittedly struggle with that during the week. I get progressively better on the weekends, but 2 days each week just isn’t enough. We all need to take time to reconnect with our family and friends and those we care most about. Our relationships are far more important than our entrepreneurial endeavors, but often take a back seat to the challenge of running a business. Maintaining a work-life balance can be a challenge, but it’s attainable if we make it a priority.
So remember, a preemptive strike against burn-out is always a good thing, and if you’re already burnt out, then it’s definitely time to get away. I look forward to hearing from you (in 10 days)!
Gil Lantini
