As a business owner like so many I am tired, really tired. I am incredibly lucky to have the most amazing team around me who work so so hard, but I have decided that I am having a whole 3 weeks off this Christmas. Battling with my conscious I did some research to (mainly justify it to myself) to see what studies are out there to explain why exhaustion is no good for the business and as a result, my team and my clients.
Thrive Global wrote an article which resonated with me enormously. The most obvious one to me is my mental health. I am incredibly lucky that whilst I often get overwhelmed with the enormity of having a business and 2 daughters I (so far) don’t suffer with mental health problems and for this I am incredibly grateful
Thrive Global state that to take time out of work is important for the following reasons
1. Mental Clarity
When you push yourself to work too many days in a row, eventually your brain will start to push back. Your thoughts will get cloudy, your creativity will diminish, and you’ll have a harder time dealing with stress. If you don’t rest your brain, the side effects will continue to multiply. Luckily, even a single day off can bring you back into a state of mental clarity.
2. Improved Productivity
When we start to feel burned out at work, even the simplest of tasks becomes a challenge. Our passion starts to dull, and we lose some of our drive.
If you’ve ever felt refreshed after stepping away from your desk and taking a walk, you understand how a break can improve your productivity. Take off a few days or a week and you’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.
3. Better Balance
It’s hard to maintain a positive work-life balance in even the best of circumstances. When you’re chronically overworked, you can start to lose your sense of self. Your hobbies and interests fall to the wayside as you focus all of your energy on your career. Taking time away from work gives you a chance to rekindle your joy and remember what life was like before you became relentlessly busy.
4. Improved Focus
No matter how much you love your job, doing the same thing day in and day out can wear on you. Taking time away gives you the chance to refocus on your goals and look at things from a fresh perspective. You’ll be surprised how many great ideas come up when you step away from the monotony for a day or two.
5. Better Relationships
While it’s important to focus on your career, you also need to work on your relationships. If you’re constantly logging in long hours at the office or checking your phone and email all evening, the important people in your life will start feeling neglected. Even a short vacation allows you to unplug from your job and spend quality time with your loved ones.
So although I will be still being reactive with candidates, clients and very much there for the team, I am going to listen to those that care for me and finish early. Good riddance 2020 here’s to 2021, Merry Christmas, thank you, and now I am off to sleep until the New Year.