We’re
not being nasty here; we just want make you realize how important it is
for you to take a break. Whether it’s literally taking a hike, going for
a drive, flying around the world, whatever. Taking regular breaks, small
and/or large, is an important way to prevent burnout. It’s not a luxury;
it’s vital to the continued success of our professional and private
lives.
The
most amazing thing is that a break doesn’t have to be long, expensive,
or elaborate to be effective. It just needs to be “not work” or at
least what you normally perceive to be work. Just have some good 'ole
fashioned fun.' Generally, you will recognize when you need some time away.
If you don’t, consider yourself lucky if someone else tells you “to
take a hike.” It could be just what you need to “re-new” yourself.
Here
are some of the most common symptoms of burnout:
Making
small mistakes on tasks you usually do without even thinking about them.
Easily
becoming irritable or abrupt.
Having
trouble concentrating and thinking ideas through.
Having trouble making
decisions of any magnitude.
The
most practical way to deal with these problems is to get away for a while.
Even a short walk or moving to another room to get a drink of refreshing
cold water can be a short-term fix. However, if you’re really in need of
a longer-term break, here are a few ideas:
Analyze
what areas of your state you haven’t explored and visit one, or more.
Take
a romantic (but relatively inexpensive) long weekend to Catalina Island
via the hydrofoil.
Rent
a cabin for a few days and veg out.
Simply
take a few days to be at home and delve into some activities you don’t
normally have time for, such as: trying new recipes, going fishing,
reading, taking in a sport event, cleaning (yeah, I know – ugh, but it
can be very cathartic).
After
you have “taken a hike,” if you still don’t feel refreshed, it may
be time to seriously consider a new job or business. That time off may
give you the perspective to truly see what you need/want to do at this
time in your life.
R
E M E M B E R
When
you’re taking your break, be sure to call us to do your work. That way,
you can make money and play at the same time. Enjoy!
