Is It Time for a Break?
We all know how important it is to take time for ourselves.
We’re all encouraged to meditate, do yoga, create something just because we want to, take a walk—you know the list. (I know I’ve encouraged you pause before writing!)
But I’m here to say that I know just how hard it is to take a break. It’s so much easier to drive forward, to not stop, to just keep working instead of working out or resting. When you work for yourself, or even just by yourself, there’s no one there saying, “Hey, it’s time to quit!” “Hey, wanna go for a drink after work?” “Hey, did you hear about Jean in marketing? Well, let me tell you…”
It’s just us, head down, music on, doing our thing.
And that’s great. I mean, I wanna hear what Jean in marketing did (that girl, always getting herself into scrapes), but not while I’m in my creative working zone. I love having my own time and space.
But at the same time, I don’t always take enough breaks. And when that happens, my work can suffer for it. Not client work—that always comes first (clients, or future clients, you can breathe)—but everything else goes out the window. The weekly catch-up date that I have with myself? Skipped (or done halfheartedly). Writing in layers? Toast (and not the good kind). Excitement for new ideas and personal projects? History.
I realized last week that I was in just such a place. I’ve been pushing and pushing, working on some super fun things, both client-related and personal, and I’m in a place where I just love what I’m doing and who I’m helping.
But I’m not at my best because I need a break.
So I’m taking one. Luckily, we had already planned a skiing trip this week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
So while I can’t wait to go, I also can’t wait to come back. Because I know what I’ll bring back with me: a rested, excited mind. New energy for the fantastic things I’m working on (clients, that does include you!). Fresh, better ideas for things I’ve been over-thinking.
But I didn’t want to leave without encouraging you to take a break as well. Don’t let things get so bad that you feel burned out. When you start to feel like something might need to shift, pay attention to that voice. Take a break from all the exciting, super-fun, life-changing things you’re doing, even when it’s hard to walk away—because you’ll bring back an even better you when you do.
P.S. Are you feeling like that little voice might be telling you it’s time to do something about your content? Don’t ignore it. Check out content coaching—we’ll explore all your ideas, get a clear view of the big picture, and then shape those wrangled ideas into something that feels good to share. And if content coaching isn’t your thing, get in touch anyway—I might be able to recommend someone who can help you!