One of my good industry friends takes off for two months to spend time with his family. What...that's crazy you might think! He is the principal of a Top 50 promotional products company. As we were discussing some things this week, he noted that he leaves Friday for his two month time away. He'll be in a beautiful location fishing with his sons. I so respect his decision to do this. This does come with price, but it also is a clear indication of his values and underscores what is really important in life.
While I would love to take this kind of time off, at this point, it's not possible, but I am taking our traditional week vacation to Hawaii and we love that. The point here again...is take a break! In the end you will actually be more productive. Here is a great article on how to not burn out. As a confessed workaholic, I found the Tips below to be good practical things that we all can benefit from. (Even if we can't take an extended vacation.)
"5 Ways to Beat Burnout"
By Alexandria Brown
Juggling a million projects at once, burning the midnight oil, and traveling nonstop may sound like roads to success. But they’re also a recipe for burnout. Once you reach that point, it can be difficult to pull yourself out of a funk. Your health and productivity will suffer, and you’ll find it tougher to get jazzed about going to work or coming up with creative ways to market your business. Here are five ways to beat burnout – before it beats you down.
1. Just say no. Make a list of your top five business and personal goals, then turn down any requests that won’t help you achieve those goals. Staying focused on a few important goals, rather than trying to be all things to all people, is the best way to be effective.
2. Schedule “me” time. Mark it on your calendar and commit to that appointment the same way you would commit to a meeting with a client. Whatever your pleasure, taking time for yourself will allow you to return to work refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
3. Get a change of scenery. There are times when you don’t necessarily need a break from work, but you might benefit from a different environment. Try taking your laptop or other materials to a different location: a coffee shop, coworking space, even a beach if you’re lucky!
4. Prioritize your well-being. Give yourself time for seven to eight hours of sleep each night and make time for exercise and meals. Hire a personal trainer or have healthfully prepared meals delivered to your office if that’s what it takes. The extra time and money is a worthwhile investment in your health and future success.
5. Practice delegating. Find competent people and delegate some of your work to them (particularly work that you don’t enjoy or that detracts from your main business function). Consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle your schedule, a copywriter to handle your blog and newsletter, and a bookkeeper to run numbers for you. Your business will run more efficiently, and you’ll be a lot less frazzled.
Ultimately, the key to beating burnout is listening to your body and its needs. Take breaks when you need to, say no when you need to, and always make your physical and mental health a high priority.
For more on Ali Brown go to http://www.alibrown.com
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Comments
Maybe I will take a vacation this year, or at least a staycation and not check my emails... as much!
Taking that much time off would be nice. Someday maybe.
The Mini Marty thing is interesting. I'm not sure I fully get it, but I guess people take pictures with a cut out of your preacher. I've never seen that, but it seems fun.
The 5 suggestion you offer for burnout are awesome. Thanks for sharing those!
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