Are you having a stressful day? If so, take a moment and think about a place you enjoy… perhaps it’s at the beach with your toes in the sand and the rhythmic sound of the rolling waves. Perhaps, it’s at a cabin deep in the woods with just the sound of mother nature. Ahhhh, sounds great doesn’t it? Now back to reality. Let’s talk about why vacations are so important.
According to this Inc. article by Ted Callahan, “small business owners work at least 50 hours per week, according to a recent poll — far more than the national average of 33.8 hours per week reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”
Working those kinds of hours will take its toll on your health, your relationships and your business. And this is why it is truly important that you take the time to take a vacation. Don’t hold off on scheduling your next vacation. Go ahead and schedule it today.
Here are 3 steps to focus on while away:
1. Focus on Your Well-Being
Well-being encompasses so many things, so let’s focus on your body first. Working excessively puts an enormous amount of stress on your body which could cause health problems over time. Your body needs to relax, unwind, and unstress, so it can recover and feel energized again. Let your body do just that. Relax and unwind.
2. Spend Time With Your Family, Friends, or Loved Ones
How often, when you get home after a long day of work, sit down with your family or loved ones to eat, you receive a phone call, text or email? This is much too common in the business world today and is a distraction to your personal life. When you take a vacation, turn your cell phone off or only check it during certain hours that you and your loved ones agree upon. Remember, this is personal time. It is a time to reconnect, rebond, and just be you. Have fun and enjoy this uninterrupted time. Perhaps this time will even make you appreciate why you have been working so hard.
3. New Perspectives, New Directions
Let’s face it, most business owners are afraid to leave their business unattended. If you are fortunate enough to have someone stepping in to fill your role, this affords you the opportunity to see them shine. If you don’t have someone to step in, consider hiring a virtual assistant or temporary employee to attend to the urgent daily needs in your absence, only reaching out to you for true emergencies. Knowing that your business communications are covered will help take the day-to-day operating decisions off of your mind so you can be open to new ideas, new perspectives and perhaps even a new direction for your business. How excited would you be to just let your mind be open to any and/or all possibilities?
Taking a vacation isn’t meant to be stressful. It is a chance for you to refresh your mind and body, regroup with your family or loved ones, and energize your business with fresh thoughts and ideas. The less you think about work, the more benefits your vacation will bring!
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.