It's Time To Take Time Off

If you are anything like me, you have been burning that midnight oil. Or at least the early morning and late night oil. Seems when we want things to slow down, during the summer, they tend to speed up. Maybe it's the good weather giving us all energy to be efficient. Whatever is causing it, it's definitely time for a break. Have you taken one? If not, now is the time. And here is why.

Stress Reduction

Stress is a disease that can be treated. Maybe we can't get rid of all of our stress, but we can at minimum reduce it. Stepping away from work for some period of time is one way to do just that. In our ever-connected world, truly stepping away is difficult at best. We no longer 'leave it at the office'. Our work is on our laptops, our phones, and always on. 

The devil is in the details here. If you can unplug, walk away, and literally take the time off, 100%, that's best. Some of us have an easier time with that than others. A lot of that ability has to do with your role in the firm. If you are a solo attorney, well, you really need to plan ahead. And maybe you do need to check your email once a day. But the benefit of reducing your stress largely depends on your ability to truly take time off.

If you can't take the time off 100%, budget how much time you will spend. Try to keep it as low as possible, say up to 30 minutes a day. Prioritize what you will address and what can wait before you leave. Naturally, things come up that need an urgent response. But without these exceptions, budget your time, and your topics, and stick to it. 

Decrease Burnout

All work and no play drives burnout. Taking a break, and doing the things you enjoy, reduces that burnout. Take some time to consider what it is you enjoy doing. If a hobby or activity doesn't easily come to mind, consider trying something new. Look into pre-planned outings to help get you started. Not only is it a great way to try something new, but it uses your mind in a different way, again reducing burnout. If your jam is to lay on the beach, read a book, and just listen to the ocean, that's great too. 

If you do find something you enjoy that can be incorporated when you return from vacation, schedule some time to continue that hobby at least every other week. It doesn't need to be on vacation only unless of course, it's laying on the beach. But do look for hobbies that take your mind off of work, give your brain some other way to work, and are enjoyable.

Improved Relationships

Let's face it. We may not be all that fun to be around when we work so much. I know I am guilty of grabbing my laptop to get a jump on the next day in the evenings. And then my brain is in work mode, which can make it tough to have a relaxed or enjoyable conversation. 

Truly walking away from work for a while, enjoying some downtime, helps relax you. And let's face it. A more relaxed version of you is probably a lot of fun to hang out with! Spending time with those you care about, in a more relaxed state, is good for you and your relationships. Even after the vacation, reconnecting in a way without distraction strengthens and renews those relationships, too. Look for ways to make time every week if not every day, to connect to keep it going.

Increase in Motivation

Coming back after a vacation, you may not think you will be very motivated. After all, vacation takes a day or two to kind of get the hang of it. The first day or two back can feel pretty transitional, too. But once you are back, after a real break, you will be surprised at your motivation level. Tasks that you once put off don't seem so daunting anymore. The trick is to maintain a level of motivation by not returning to an excessive work schedule.

Vacations don't need to be a week long. Consider a minimum of 5 days, including the weekend though. A three-day weekend, especially if you are still at home, just becomes another work day or at least half of the day. The rest we fill up with things around the house that need attention. To really take a vacation, be sure you take time away from home, if possible. With ongoing travel issues, a road trip may be in order. The key isn't how far you go from home, but that you leave, change your surroundings, and leave work behind as much as possible. Take a break. Work will be there when you return.