We all know that one of the major perks of running your own business is being your own boss.
That means you get to choose your salary, decide how much work and what types of projects to take on, and set your own schedule.
It. Is. Awesome.
But one aspect of being the boss that almost all entrepreneurs forget is to plan for their own down time — and plenty of it!
Today, I want to share with you my thoughts on taking time away from your businesses so that you can avoid burnout, find balance, refuel your creativity, and boost your productivity.
Plus I have a big announcement to share, so keep reading!
The Benefits of a Brain Break
It’s pretty much universally accepted that having some time here and there away from work is absolutely necessary for avoiding burnout.
But resting your brain is also totally essential for maintaining emotional and physical health and boosting creativity, problem-solving ability and productivity.
In the corporate world, employees are given paid time off as part of their total compensation. When they don’t take advantage of it, they are cheating themselves and actually costing their companies money in terms of health problems later and lost productivity!
As business owners, it’s up to us to look after all aspects of our business, and this includes our own health, well-being, and efficiency.
Down Time Comes in All Shapes and Sizes
There are lots of ways to ensure you have enough down time while you build your business. For example, I’ve talked before about setting up a weekly calendar that allows you to be wildly productive and have a life.
I know it’s not always easy to make sure your schedule has down time — I even forgot once to schedule time to eat! — but it’s so important to make the effort.
Try setting aside 20 minutes to take a walk, meditate, doze off on the sofa, or do any number of other things to help you avoid mental fatigue.
When it comes to scheduling in vacation time, be generous with yourself — you’ve earned it and it’s great for your business!
And when you take that vacation, unplug to whatever extent possible and really rest. Your clients will understand that you need a real break!
The most revitalizing form of time off, though, is definitely the sabbatical — that mythical, magical perk once reserved only for tenured professors and high-flying executives.
Somehow, way back in my corporate days in 2007, I was luckily permitted by my boss to take a six-week sabbatical from managing the team of engineers I had been practically living with at the office for years. I still can’t believe she let me do this!
During that time I was able to completely unplug. My husband and I took that time to work at a summer camp in the mountains of West Virginia where we had no cell reception, no Internet access, and no thoughts of our real-world work whatsoever.
I came back feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready for the next challenge. I even got moved to a more challenging and rewarding position shortly after this time off. (Talk about win-win!)
Now, your own business may or may not be in a place where you can take this kind of time off. That’s something you have to think carefully about — only you can decide.
But if you’ve been going strong for years and feel like you’ve hit a wall, or like you’re drained of all your creative juices and good ideas, or like you just need to really rest and regroup so that you can tackle an upcoming challenge, then I encourage you to at least consider a sabbatical as a possibility.
We all need a break sometimes, and it’s okay. Take a walk … an afternoon off … a vacation … or even a multi-week sabbatical, if it’s what you really need.
Click to TweetNo matter where your business is currently at, it can survive your down time. In fact, it may not survive long (and certainly won’t thrive) without it!Buh-bye; See You in August!
As you all know, I’m a big, big fan of practicing what I preach. This whole time-off thing is no exception!
I realized earlier this year that, after six years of working steadily and creating amazing growth in my business, I’m in dire need of a prolonged and meaningful rest. That’s why I’m taking six weeks off, starting at the end of this week.
I’m planning on unplugging completely, which means I won’t be blogging, available on social media, working with any clients, or responding to emails.
I’ll be back here on August 17th, rejuvenated and ready to continue the important work of helping women build their businesses and achieve their dreams (plus some BIG projects I have underway and can’t wait to share with you later this year and early next year).
Tell me…
It’s your turn to fill me in!
Do you take regular time off? Or do you need to?
What do you do to prepare for time off and do during your time off?
Or if you aren’t taking time off, why not?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Then I’ll see you back here in mid-August for more great business-building tips. Until then, be well! I’ll miss all of you!
Jenny, this is such a timely article! Both my hubby and I, in our business we run together, have neglected to take time off for so long (In 15 years, we’ve had two 2-4 day breaks). I’m sure you can guess where we both are now – tired, frustrated and oh-so-close to being completely burned out. Reading this article affirmed my decision to make changes and schedule down time. After all, the business will survive with us having a break from time to time 🙂 Many thanks to you – have a wonderful, invigorating break!
OH MY GOODNESS, Marsha! 2-4 days only for 15 years. Yes, you both need a BIG break! I promise you that you’ll come back stronger and more creative and more ready to make things happen in your biz. I might even venture to say that your business will do BETTER after you take time off — crazy, but I think it might be true!! (It’s always been true for me.) Enjoy your break!!
Jenny- Enjoy your time off! I can’t wait to see what kind of fruit the rest will bring you throughout the rest of the year.
I don’t take time off regularly, but after a recent burnout (and listening to your advice from a past question you answered) I decided I am going to start scheduling time off. Thank you so much for the simplicity and beauty in everything you do.
Yes — schedule time off! Even little bits here and there. Entrepreneurs and business owners work too hard and to their own detriment! You can’t help others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. You deserve a rest, too!
You’re totally talking to me in this post! 🙂 I try to take mini-time off during the weekdays. I have a dog, so he gets me up and moving a few times a day. I also make room for exercise and reading.
However, I have trouble with stepping away for longer periods of time. This weekend I did go camping, and it reminded me of the power of unplugging and taking care of oneself. So, I’ve actually decided to schedule several solo trips throughout the year. I’m thinking either a month long in the summer, or several mini-trips throughout the year. I definitely need this to reset my mind and creativity. Thanks for the reminder!
Enjoy your time off! You deserve it.
I love the excuse our furry friends give us for taking breaks, too. When my dog was a puppy, I got even more breaks because of her!
I love your idea of scheduling time off. It’s so important. Staying plugged in (literally and metaphorically) can really hurt our creativity and productivity — and our businesses. I’m excited for you that you’re committing to taking a break. I know you’ll be glad you did!
Jenny! You are . . . so . . . right . . . on!
I knew you were smart. This proves how WISE you are, too.
Burnout is real, and it is serious. I am celebrating you for taking 6 full weeks off and doing it whole-heartedly (unplugging).
I coach teachers who are burning out, but it’s the same dynamic for nurses, coaches, moms, and other helping professionals.
Good for you, Jenny!
Thank you, Tanya!
Wishing you a peaceful and rejuvenating sabbatical, Jenny. Grateful for your encouragement to unplug and take time off. After my book came out last spring, I took a 6-week semi-sabbatical: continued my coaching, which nourishes and inspires me, but rested from medical appointments and social media. My physical and emotional energy were so much better when I returned. I’m beginning to plan a similar time-out for next spring…once my business is revved up by MIWO!
All the best,
Shani
I love that you took that time off to care for yourself. Such a smart move to mark accomplishments or milestones with extra self-care like you did. Thanks for sharing that here!
Good for you!
Oh yes, I’m a big proponent of taking off whenever I can get away. That was one of my reasons for creating my business online.
And I love to go where you almost have to be unplugged. Like next week I’m leaving for Panama for 2 weeks. While I can have limited Internet, I won’t set up International calling.
Next stop is walking the Camino de Santiago which takes 4-5 weeks.
Have a blast Jenny! ~darlene 🙂
Enjoy your travels!
I love that you practice what you preach Jenny. Thank you for modeling how important this is! I hope to follow suit after my little seminar marathon is over in 2 weeks. I know I need it. My mind and my body are screaming that it’s time! Have an absolutely wonderful summer!
Time to listen to that body! Your business (and your body!) will thank you for it. Enjoy your down time!
so excited for you! Way to be, have so much-whatever you crave. I feel like my maternity leave has done this for me in some ways… But I’m going to schedule some more breaks, now!
Breaks are so good for us. Glad you saw that for yourself and that you’re planning for more. Smart idea!
Way to lead by example, Jenny. Enjoy your well-earned break.
I’ll be looking forward to all the results of your well-rested brain and body come the end of August.
I’m looking forward to see what happens, too, Deb!
You always share such good stuff! I am a fan of the schedule, for sure. I think we talked about this before, but I am a fan of getting up and moving about every 1.5-2 hours. Since that came up on one of your previous blogs, we got a workstation with a treadmill so I alternate between standing to work and sitting.
Since I am still in the build/grind phase, I have been guilty of putting off vacation, but I have downtime everyday and date night is sacred, along with long bike rides on the weekend. Does that count?
Your daily downtime and date nights and bike rides count… if you truly are resting and you feel rested and creatively recharged afterward. AND it helps to take at least a few days off in a row to really give your brain a break. I bet your business will survive better than you realize 😉
Thanks for validating my plans. I am taking a month off in August with minimal check in (2 times per week). I am leaping on faith that nothing major will happen!
I need a brain break in order to continue.
So happy for you, Lavonzell! I know you’ve done a lot to get your business to the point where you have a great team that can run things. And now you deserve to reap those rewards!
Rest well, my dear! I plan on doing the same thing for most of August.
Enjoy your break!!
Love this reminder!
One small change I have started making recently is to mark an official end to my working day. Some days I make time to sit out in the garden and soak up some evening sunlight, but other days just the simple act of closing all my browser windows and putting my laptop to sleep is a powerful cue that the work day is over.
I find this simple demarcation is helping me enjoy my evenings more! When my partner comes home from work, I am already in down-time mode. We can relax together as we eat dinner and chat about our days. I don’t find myself coming back to my computer and mindlessly staring at emails, thinking that I should be doing more work while actually not accomplishing anything.
For our household, a real vacation is not in the cards quite yet (2 entrepreneurs in one house is hard!). But sending myself the signal that the work day is over and I can unwind is making a huge difference! I highly recommend it!
Enjoy your break, Jenny! I can’t wait to see you in the fall for MIWO! I am chomping at the bit to get started on the program and looking forward to working on the supplemental stuff you sent so I can get all my ducks in a row!
Cheers!
Love that ritual, Megan. So smart!
When I was working a corporate job, I really left work at work (most of the time). I didn’t take my laptop home to work nights or weekends, so leaving the building and walking to my car then driving home was a real break point that marked the end of work and the start of my life. I think that’s such a smart idea for those of us who work from home. I should probably try it myself!
Thanks for sharing that hear. So great to have that addition to this post!
I just realized that I should have added a link to this post in today’s post! This is a checklist to help make sure you can take the time off in your biz without worry: https://jennyshih.com/2013/03/steal-this-my-work-free-stress-free-vacation-checklist/
Take a read, mark down what you need to do, then go plan for that time off!
I take “me moments” for myself all day, every day. I also treat Sunday as my Sabbath and try (try!) to unplug and relax. Soooo I don’t have as much of a need to take BIG time off like I did when it was go-go-go 24/7. I also try to take time during the week to spend with friends so I can have family time on weekends. I mix business with pleasure on most days, too, and make the most of every opportunity. Short road trips or even an afternoon away from home refresh me and that’s working well for right now. Someday I may take a longer break but for now, I’m doing OK! (I did take a “Tabbatical” a couple of years ago. One month turned into two and it was glorious!)
You’re totally right — that when we rest regularly (and really rest), that the big breaks are much less needed. So glad to hear you’re doing that for yourself. Your sanity and your business will be forever grateful!
I love the word “Tabbatical!”
Downtime is so important! And so cool that you’re unplugging. I’m new to this blog, but looking forward to what you have to say when you get back.
So happy to read about this, Jenny! Enjoy your well-deserved break. Looking forward to reading about it!