Why It’s Important to Take Time off Work and How You Can Do It Effectively
“Why is it important to take time off work?”
Your overall performance is better when you are there. You are more productive, more creative, and your decisions are higher quality. You’re also setting yourself up for success for the long run – you will be less likely to burn out if you take time off.
I like to push myself hard at the gym. I once had a personal trainer tell me, “Emily, your job is to stay in the game.” I asked what he meant. He said, “If you push too hard and get injured, you’ll be laid up and have to spend time recovering. That is a whole bunch of time you’ll miss with regular workouts and quality training.” I got it. His statement shifted my thinking.
My job was to make as much progress towards my fitness goals as I could without tipping over into the high-risk zone. I didn’t want to be out missing weeks or months that I couldn’t make up. I had to find the sweet spot of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone – exerting effort – without being reckless or careless with my health. Strategically pulling back and building in “maintenance” or “deload” periods keeps me in the gym.
In fitness, “deloads” are when you intentionally take the intensity down and let your body restore itself. You can auto-regulate deloads or build them into your training program. The former tends to work better for intermediate to advanced athletes who know their bodies well and have been training for several years. The latter tends to work better for beginners or competitive athletes who are training for a date-specific event - they will build in a deload in order to peak at the right time (i.e. being at their best or peak performance for their event or competition).
This deload principle and corresponding applications can be carried over into business (and life in general). Become self-aware – notice how you’re feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are already self-aware, you may take an auto-regulating approach. When you feel yourself getting close to or crossing over into the high-risk zone for “injury” or incapacitating burnout, cycle into a deload. Intentionally pull back and take it easy for long-term sustainability. If you’re newer to keeping tabs on how you’re doing and tend to plow through until you hit your head against a brick wall, schedule a set time in your calendar to deload.
I recommend building in a proactive recharge period about every 90 days. What you do is up to you – a staycation and Netflix binge, a long weekend road trip to somewhere nearby, a whole week or two at a dream destination – the most important thing is to make sure it allows you to fill your tanks back up. Don’t go someplace or do an activity that drains you further.
Remember: Resting and recharging is not selfish. It’s not being lazy or weak. It’s smart, strategic, proactive leadership.
Keep yourself in the game.
Here’s a picture of a recent deload and recharge trip. I took my nephew to Hawaii. We’re about to take our first helicopter ride - a change of scenery, a different perspective, and a fun memory!
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.