Did you know that the United States is the only country (in a group of 37) that does not mandate paid vacation? What is going on in our culture that prevents workers from taking time off – time they have earned and that they desperately need – to recharge and rest? As an entrepreneur who works with other entrepreneurs & business owners, this statistic frustrates me, but certainly does not surprise me.
The frustration comes from knowing how important time away from work is; for the mind, body, and soul. As a productivity coach, I have first-hand experience with the fact that to reach PEAK productivity, individuals must take time away from the daily hustle and grind.
Think about the famous athletes of our time: Tom Brady, Lebron James, Serena Williams, Christian Pulisic. Every successful, professional athlete knows that he/she must strategically plan out and balance competition days with training days and rest days. Athletes know each of these three types of days are critical to optimal performance and to becoming stronger and more skilled. Professionals, however, tend to de-prioritize the importance &/or need for rest days. COVID, along with today’s technology , has made working from home not simply a convenience but an expectation for most, resulting in very blurry lines between work time, family time and downtime.
AMERICA’S OBSESSION WITH BUSY
In the 1800s, leisure was the true indicator of wealth and status. Over the years, however, Americans have become so impressed with “busyness” that it is now often equated to self-worth. By telling others we are “so busy” and working long hours, we are implicitly suggesting that we are sought after, making an effort to enhance our perceived status in the world.
Additionally, a lot of entrepreneurs also grapple with the fear that no one else can do the work the way they do it, and also worry that being OOO (out of office) may result in missing an important opportunity. Business owners also admit to feeling guilty about leaving work behind that their team then has to tackle on their own.
The real issue, in my opinion, is the mindset about taking time off versus any actual loss of productivity, opportunity, or sales.
The benefits to taking time off are endless. Research confirms that chronic stress can alter the brain’s structure and bring on anxiety and depression. Research also shows that taking time away from work increases feelings of calm and relieves stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn’t if it were under constant pressure.
Every 90 days, human beings begin to lose focus and interest & excitement levels wane. This is the ideal interval to pause and push the reset button, for both mental and physical well being. When things start to become monotonous, it’s easy for leaders & employees to become uninterested and unmotivated. Time off will lead to more satisfied, productive individuals. I can confirm that through my own experiences as well as those of many of my coaching clients.
WHEN THE BEST IDEAS COME THROUGH
The best and most creative ideas are birthed when professionals and entrepreneurs are NOT engaged in work tasks. Read that again! The brain literally needs “space” to formulate ideas & think outside the box. We have all experienced this; in the shower, in the car, on a hike, during a run – this is when those moments of brilliance strike! Just as a watched pot never boils, a stressed, taxed brain never ideates well.
Do you have your next day off, week’s vacation, or weekend get-away planned? For the sake of productivity, make it happen!
* Feeling overwhelmed by your long list of to dos & your over-booked calendar ? Let’s talk. My clients make the dream of time off a reality for themselves & their team.
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