You Deserve a Break Today

Stepping away from work and going on vacation can be a struggle. With the weight of business on your shoulders, it is so easy to convince yourself that there just isn’t time for a break. After all, there are always more numbers to hit, business to obtain, and goals to achieve.

These reasons may even seem more important this year due to the impact of the global pandemic on your business. And — truthfully — there probably is not a perfect time to go on vacation. However, stepping away from work is not only beneficial for your mental and physical health, it is also important for the health of your business.

Consider the following reasons:

1. It allows you to rest your body. Entrepreneurs often burn the candle at both ends, working early mornings and late nights. Without breaks, this can lead to physical exhaustion, burnout, or even more serious health complications down the road. Taking time off allows you to recharge your physical batteries. When you return, you will likely have less stress and increased motivation and productivity. 
2. You can refocus your mind. Entrepreneurs are always thinking of ways to grow their business, which can be mentally draining. Taking a break gives you a chance to refresh your mind and return to the business with renewed energy and focus. 
3. It may inspire creativity. Doing the same thing day-to-day can block creativity. Doing something different can allow you to clear your head and gain new inspiration and creativity.
4.  It empowers your team. When you take a break, you are demonstrating to your team that you trust them to operate the business in your absence, encouraging and empowering them to step up to the plate. As an added bonus, it allows you to identify – and take steps to improve – any issues discovered with your absence.  

Despite the above benefits, taking a step away from your responsibilities is hard and can end up causing additional stress. The following are some tips on how you can reduce the stress and increase the enjoyment of a vacation.

1. Plan your time off far in advance so you can complete any necessary tasks before you leave. 
2.  If possible, schedule your time off around slower periods for the business.
3. Delegate your responsibilities and provide any necessary training. 
4. Determine your email and phone policy and communicate that policy to your team to manage their expectations.
5. Tell your customers about your time off, give them a point of contact while you are gone and make sure they know they will still be taken care of.
6. Commit to, and follow through with, actually disconnecting.

Running a business is hard work and can be physically and mentally draining. Of course, taking a break can also be difficult. But a break can improve your physical and mental health, ultimately allowing you to come back to work refreshed, refocused, and ready to take on any challenges with renewed energy and enthusiasm.