Taking Time Off – Vacation or Staycation by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
Vacations are an important part of work-life balance. Too often, business owners and leaders fail to take their allotted time off each year. It often appears that they feel they never have time, or that the business just can’t run without them.
But, taking time off is one of the most important things you can do for your productivity. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries. Time off allows you to rest, relax and let your mind wander. You might be surprised at the problems you can solve sitting on the beach that has stumped you for months in the office.
Taking a great vacation is the perfect way to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in. It helps you to realize why you work so hard in the first place and allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout your life.
If traveling isn’t your thing, a staycation can be just as rewarding as a vacation away from home. Whether you clean out the garage or just read a book, you’ll enjoy both the physical and mental break from the office. Take the time to visit the sites in your own hometown, taking little day trips to break up the week.
Vacation is also a great time to reconnect with your family. They often give up a lot of personal time with you in order for you to succeed in business. Taking time away to enjoy their company helps to strengthen those all-important relationships.
In order to really relax on vacation, you’ll need to make preparations for your absence. Be certain to leave someone in charge, and leave instructions as necessary. Give the person in charge the authority they need to take care of the business while you’re gone. The best business leaders have structured their business to run like a well-oiled machine, with or without them. You should be prepared to take time off without creating a problem at work.
When you come back after a vacation, you’ll find your motivation renewed, and your body and mind ready to take on every challenge once again. Never forget that the time you spend away from work is every bit as important as the time you spend at work.