Just my opinion.......
1. First, I make the decision to take the time off. This can be tricky particularly when most of my life revolves around working. But life has a way of telling you that it's time for some down time (i.e. your 76 year old aunt has more of a social life than you do). Choosing to take some time off can be a good thing but it can also add to your stress level. Where do I go? What's in my budget for this vacation? How long will I be gone? What about all of the work that will pile up while I'm gone?
You see where I'm going with this? So my suggestion is to take a breath and then choose the path of least resistance. For example, when I’m really stressed, I stay within a 1 hour flight destination or 2 hours driving time.
2. If you're really up against it, try and take a mini vacation -say 3-4 days in a row. You'd be surprised how taking a few days to recharge can make a difference. Be sure to keep your trip to no more than 2 hours travel time.
3. Clear your desk of as much work as possible before you leave. Make sure to tell close business associates that you'll be taking some time off and available for a limited amount of networking. Re-assure them that you'll be available upon your return. This is important because although some people will try and get you to squeeze a meeting in with them, it's imperative that you begin the process of winding down from work mode. Set boundaries. It also makes sense to only meet people during the "cool down" period when absolutely necessary. Meetings take time and if you're meeting with others then you're creating more work. For example, my show will be on hiatus for 5 weeks in June returning after the July 4th holiday. And as I write this, the July issue of the magazine is being put to bed. That leaves several weeks free to focus on the smaller details before I leave.
4. Keep it simple. There is nothing worse than trying to do everything during downtime. Try to make this time about you. What do you want? Where do you want to go? My goal is to make sure all of my social obligations are taken care of upon my return. Don't be pressured into meeting with others if you're trying to clear your desk. Be firm and stick to your guns.
5. Above all have fun and relax. Even if I do nothing but sleep in every day, this goes a long way toward making my vacation more enjoyable. Happy vacation everyone!!
Small Business Forum Magazine 268 Bush # 2518 SF,Ca. 94104 415-267-4872 [email protected] TonyWilkins -Publisher/Editor in Chief
Time to recharge.
We all need it .But how often do we take the time to recharge our batteries? As a confirmed work-a-holic ,I'm guilty of not paying attention to other aspects of my life. While I stay in regular communication with friends and family, I like many entrepreneurs don't take time to recharge my own batteries. With both business and personal obligations it becomes a bit of a juggling act to satisfy everyone. So what is a self-proclaimed work horse to do to relax?