Work Better by Taking a Break

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Kylie 3 Nov 2012For the first time since I started writing my blog years ago, I did not post an entry last week.

My mind just completely shut down. I mean it completely turned off, 100%.

I could not think at all, much less write anything. Actually, I did have one thing on my heart to write, but it was not on topic for a career blog.

It was an obituary for our precious pooch, Kylie. Our beloved four-legged daughter has been my office-mate, constant companion, editor-in-chief and security detail while I work from home. The house is beyond quiet without her.

Even if you are not a pet lover, you can appreciate the myriad feelings one endures with the loss of a loved one.

We are heart-broken even though we had a feeling her time with us was coming to an end. It just happened much sooner that we expected.

After several days and nights nursing her, taking her to the vet, holding her paws, stroking her head and anticipating what we knew we had to do, I was exhausted. Writing and working were just not in the cards.

So I took a break, only working on projects with a deadline or those that required little creative energy.

Sometimes we all need – and deserve – a break from work and our routine. It could be that we’ve experienced something as serious as a death in the family, or maybe we’ve had a stressful few months at the office without a vacation day.

Either way, it’s good to recognize when you need time away.

Usually I’m one to put my head down and keep on going. I’ve always thought it was better to “be strong”.

But I’ve come to the conclusion that breaks are a good idea. They can be short, such as a long weekend. Or if you’re like me and work spills over, take a weekend and simply don’t work. Plan something fun, maybe take a day trip or sit at the park and watch the world go by.

The point is to do something different; something to clear your mind.

Especially if you’ve lost a loved one, I find that it’s best to get out of the house to process things, then come back and start moving forward. You will actually work better if you take a break. It allows you to regain your focus much quicker than without taking a break.

Word of caution: Eventually, and I mean sooner rather than later, you must get back to work. This is for your own good.

It’s difficult to sit at my computer without my loveable four-legged editor looking at me, begging for a treat.

Yet I go on, knowing she’s with me in spirit. And I know that’s what she would want me to do.

Weekend Getaway

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Tahoe mountain pic

We always talk about “getting away for a weekend”.  Talk, talk, talk – we talk A LOT about it.  Yet it’s something Hubby and I seldom do.

There’s always a million little reasons why we can’t or shouldn’t or don’t take a weekend.  Work. Money. Family. Work.  I could just type “work” over and over again as the real reason behind our inability to get away.  It’s just too difficult to power down for even a few days.  And even more difficult to face the hundreds of emails when we return.

Fed up, I finally decided to do something other than talking about a long weekend.  Hubby had a birthday coming up and I planned a weekend out-of-town as an early present.

It was hard to lock in a date, agree to power down for the weekend and just relax.  Fear crept in as the date approached with both of us wondering how we would ever get our work done.

What if someone needs us? How long would it take us to bounce back? Would we actually turn-off and relax? COULD we actually do it? Or had we forgotten how to enjoy a few days of R&R?

I had the added stress of leaving mom, who had taken a nasty tumble and was not yet 100%.   Even the doctor reassured me she would be fine.

Well, let me tell you something. It was just like riding a bike. We remembered how to relax.  And it was awesome!

Aside from taking tons of photos and sharing on social media, that was it.  No work emails.

Going into this, we had a few goals.  Play golf.  Hike.  Sit on the side of a mountain and watch the world go by.

Check, check and check.

The best part?  We were able to clear out minds for a few days and let other thoughts enter. 

Sitting on a rock on the side of a mountain, we talked and listened to birds and just enjoyed the breathtaking view.  With undivided attention we shared thoughts and ideas with each other in the calm of the day and both came away inspired, actually ready to get back to work.

Weekend getaways should be required for everyone, whether you’re working or looking for work.  They can bring out the best in a person; mainly a fresh perspective.

Look at me; I got this blog post out of it.