I am finishing my first week back from vacation (a short week, thank you holiday!) and I feel like a new woman!
It is true for any one of us, but even more so if you are an entrepreneur or small business owner. You need a break. A real one. One where you don’t check email every day…or at least not really well. 😉 It had been 3 years since I had unplugged for a week and I had forgotten just how wonderful - and important - it is to step away from your day-to-day and unplug.
Here are a few things you will gain from doing so:
Clarity.
Giving your mind space to “run around” allows you to see things more clearly. It’s like hitting the restart button in your brain. 🤩
Creativity.
Stepping out of your day-to-day surroundings and seeing new things - even in your own town - allows you to refresh the creative side of your brain. And we all use creativity in our days! ✏️🎨
Connection.
One of my favorite things about the vacation I just took was that it was with my family - Chris & the girls. It was time that we were together without anyone running off to work, practice, rehearsal, a friend’s house…we were together and it was wonderful. ❤️
How often do you need a break? I do believe that varies from person to person, but it is definitely important to do. It’s not always possible to physically leave your town, but even a day off can be restorative to your mind, body and spirit.
I’ve decided that while a week to 10 days of a vacation is lovely, the benefits of unplugging should really be happening more than once a year. Here are some ways I’ve been brainstorming to spend just a day “off” - now that I’m going to be better about doing so! 😉
Beach/Pool Day.
Spend the day going to a nearby beach or pool. Pack a lunch or grab one on the way. It gets you outside, filling you with some vitamin D and relaxation all at the same time. This can even be an afternoon off!
Self-Care Day.
Grab a friend or go by yourself to have a massage, facial, or get your nails done. Whatever it is that appeals to you! Go for a walk, get in some exercise, eat healthy meals, plan some healthy meals (for days ahead) & go to bed early. Your body will thank you and you will feel great!
Go take a hike!
We have some great hiking areas here in Wisconsin. For those of you elsewhere - I bet you do as well! Scout out a trail and get out for a walk. Maybe even spend the night if you go somewhere farther from your home. Going somewhere even for a night can be just the break you need!
Learn something new.
This could even be related to your job - something you’ve been meaning to learn but keep putting off. Take the time to change gears and get it done! Maybe you’ve wanted to take a cooking class or learn how to crochet. There are so many things you can learn online if you can’t find a class in person.
Catch-Up Day.
What if you took a day to catch up with both your to-do list around the house and with a friend (or friends) you haven’t seen in a while? Wouldn’t that feel great?! Instead of trying to squeeze a project into an already busy weekend - give yourself a day to get it done and cross it off your list!
I will stop here for now - but there are so many more ideas I could share! And I would love to know yours - please share in the comments below!
Cheers to staying healthy & happy! ❤️ Theresa