Gone Camping…Taking a Break

A couple of weeks ago or so (time seems relative these days), I wrote about leader burnout. What I put in that article applies to anyone, not just those in obvious leadership positions. One thing I didn’t put in that article is knowing when you really need a break and then taking it.

Recognizing the Need

There is plenty of stress going around right now. In addition to the health aspects related to the pandemic, there are so many other pressures. Millions are dealing with the loss of income and are concerned about how they provide the basic necessities for their families. Others are still working but doing so in unfamiliar ways or they have transitioned to something that is completely different from what they were doing two months ago. Introverts have a bunch of extroverts around them at all times and the extroverts have no where to go to recharge. These are just some of the potential stressors.

No matter your situation, it makes sense to take a step back and figure out just how you are doing. Everyone has their own way of doing this and it ties into knowing yourself. Periodically you need to assess where you are. Are you heading towards burnout? Do you find yourself struggling to produce the quality of work you have been known for? Or just feel the need to take a deep breath? Some or all of these may be indicators that you need to take a break.

Figure Out What Kind of Break You Need

Just as everyone has different stressors, we also all have different ways of recharging. So if you recognize that it is time for a break, take a few minutes to identify what kind of a break you need. This could be anything from a 15 minute walk to a day off or even a long weekend. So figure that part out first.

Then figure out what you could do during that break do make it effective. The type or length of break will provide some guidelines or limits to what you can do during that break. We also have to keep in mind current guidelines on the pandemic. Even with everything going on, you should be able to identify some way to recharge. Read a book, watch a movie, spend time with family, go for a walk, hike or bike ride, or whatever.

Plan It Out

So you have identified the need for a break, the type/length of your break and then what you are going to do to recharge. Now plan it out (unless it is a 15 minute break). Questions like, when (date and time), where, with whom, what, etc. should all be part of your plan.

Prepare for It

If you are still working, figure out what you need to do in advance so that you can take the break. What projects or assignments need to be completed in advance? Who needs to cover for you while gone?

If you are not working but instead are looking for work (which can be a job in and of itself), then figure out how to meet your job search requirements in advance.

The important thing is to do what you have to do in advance so that when the time comes, you can take the break without feeling guilty or thinking you are leaving things undone.

Take the Break

You have identified the need for a break, planned it out and prepared for it. So take it. This is great advice and something I need to learn to do more often.

Even when I have done all of the above, it is so easy to get sucked back in for things that you think you are the only one that can handle and that can only be taken care of during the time you identified for your break. If you have a three day weekend planned, you have to manage things on Thursday so that you can actually take the weekend.

Don’t Feel Guilty About It

Right now there is a lot of guilt going around. I’m not going to go into all of that. But there is no reason to feel guilty for recognizing the need for and taking a break. If you need a day off and can do the things above (and anything else your specific circumstances dictate), take the day. Unplug from normal. Turn off the news and do something that energizes you.

Summary

All of us have a huge amount of responsibility on our shoulders. For the most part we are equal to the challenge. That does not mean we can or should try and run faster than we have strength. And sometimes that means an escape from those burdens, or at least the feeling of those burdens. So figure out what you can do to recharge your batteries and then do it. You will be better for it and so will those around you.