People work too much. Seriously. Study after study shows that most Americans don’t even take all their vacation time. Only about half use all their time off while the rest don’t. That’s pathetic!
Even worse, 61% of American’s work while on vacation.
People are afraid to take time off and relax. Some because they work for a boss who can’t take time off him or herself or because they are afraid that by being gone they will come back to too much work (making going on vacation a dread) or even come back to no job at all.
That kind of fear is far too common. Unfortunately. Everyone knows that if you can take some time off, real time off, you feel rested and rejuvenated.
Now as a business owner it’s hard to take time off and not be on all the time. I definitely don’t have anyone covering, I’m a one-woman show!
That said, it’s still important to take down-time and get away. Last week I decided that I needed a road trip to some remote places where “No Service” shows on your phone most of the time. I headed to Colorado to enjoy the mountains there.
I take a ton of pictures while traveling so if I have any kind of connection I usually load those to Facebook but other than that and quick checks on client emails I worked maybe two hours max the entire week. I can work from anywhere but what good is it to constantly work if the goal is to get some downtime?
As I’m writing this it’s been four days since I did any kind of work. I’ve seen bears, elk, moose, and all kind of wildlife. I’ve seen incredible wilderness vistas and have had wonderful conversations with fellow travelers. I’ve decompressed by being away from the busyness and guess what? I feel rejuvenated.
I think many don’t know how hyped up they are until they force themselves to take a little downtime. Maybe that’s why so many don’t take all their vacation time. People don’t know how to relax. They don’t know how to stay away from emails, social media and the news. The thought of not being connected for even a few days can freak people out.
As I’m writing this I’m watching the rain fall outside. I’m at a cafe in Colorado. With rain in the forecast all day I decided it was time to get a little work done. Check in with the world. Somehow it’s still standing. Gasp!
I’m challenging all of you to truly take time off. No work, no emails, no social media for at least a few days. Go out in nature and listen to the birds. Give your brain and yourself some quiet time. Time away from work. Away from the busyness. Decompress. Turn off your cellphone. It will also boost your productivity and creativity. Even if you only take a day off go outside in nature, spend it at the park or go for a hike. Disconnect with the busy world.
When was the last time you took a real vacation?