Taking Vacation Is Good For Business

We all know vacations support us personally but the good news is they can do wonders for our work as well.

To understand why, think about what happens in your job or business when you really need time off.

You lose focus and start missing details or deadlines. You get frustrated with colleagues at the slightest challenge. Projects that inspire you end up feeling like busy work.

While you might just need a break, sometimes the only way to reset is to unplug.

Here are some things to think about whether you’re taking time off or considering it.

Bring your feelings with you

Many women have trouble with vacations because being unproductive makes them anxious.

When you’re used to being in GO mode, stepping off the treadmill can feel harder than staying on it. Plus, the guilt that shows up when you relax can have you question whether time off is even worth it.

So here’s a suggestion…let yourself feel guilty.

Plan your vacation, bring your guilt along and do your best to breathe and get settled. Give yourself the chance to experience how good the time and space can be for your spirit.

If you’re having trouble, remind your guilt that the better YOU are, the better your work will be - and that the break can even help you to be more productive when you return.

Think outside the box

When I take time to relax and enjoy, I often get a surge of ideas and inspiration…and many of my clients do too.

New energy, new environments and the opportunity to disconnect help our visions expand. Stepping out of our routine shifts our perspective, gives our brain a rest and opens up our creativity.

If you’re excited about ideas that show up while you’re away, do your best to take action on them quickly so you don't fall back into the status quo.

Dive into that project, reach out to that connection, join that group or take whatever steps you need to create something better for your work life.

When you feel good and your motivation is high, you’re more likely to make better decisions and get better results.

Embrace the chance to change

Sometimes, when we give ourselves a taste of freedom from work, it can be hard to reengage.

Most of us get post-vacation blues but soon we’re back in the swing. Some experience returning to work like it’s a prison sentence.

If you’re in the second group, you have choices - you can change the way you work or you can  change your work entirely.

Meet with your boss and share how you can boost the bottom line by focusing on what you enjoy and do best. Systematize, delegate or hire out tasks that annoy you or waste your time. Revamp your schedule so it finally supports your work and your life.

If it’s really bad, focus on your next move and start planning your exit strategy.

While vacations are essential to your well-being, they can also help you see your work with fresh eyes and be a catalyst for powerful, professional change.

So the next time you’re worried about taking time off, know that you’re giving yourself and your work a much needed gift.

Business Tools & Career Resources

Did you know my Resources page has a curated list of job search sites, business tools and more to support you professionally?

In addition to my two free Success Guides, you'll find:

• Job search websites tailored to women, executives, creatives and remote workers

• Articles and career assistance including the best employers for women

• Tools and systems I personally use to run my business and my marketing

• Business support sites including virtual assistants and freelance marketing

I hope these resources help you improve your work :).