I’ll admit that this is something I struggle with. Last year, the only day I had off was Christmas Day – I didn’t even check my emails until after 10pm. And I felt kind of guilty at having the day off. Officially, I pencilled in a two week break, but I was still working through it all, just unofficially which meant, for the most part, I did exactly the same as any other day, just with chocolate. 
I even took my laptop on holiday and worked while I was there.
Why? Because I love what I do. I love writing, blogging and everything that comes with it. And truthfully, because I’ve worked too hard to let it slip away because I couldn’t be bothered to work on it.
And that right there was the aha moment for me. I have worked hard and for long enough that taking a week off won’t mean everything is gone. Sure post views will be down that month and social engagement will slip, but is that the end of the world?
Of course it isn’t.
I mean isn’t part of the appeal of working for yourself that you can be flexible and take time off when you need it?
My problem is when I take time off, I tend to sit their doing whatever I’m doing and thinking “why am I wasting my time on this when I could be making money?”
And to an extent, that’s true. The odd Netflix binge is fine, but when you’re doing it for the third day in a row, you have to question if that time could be better spent.
But if taking a break means you’re getting to spend quality time with family and friends, then surely that’s a good thing. It raises your mood, makes you feel good and who knows, you might even stumble across something that inspires you.
So this year, I’m not taking my laptop on holiday with me (shock horror). I’m going to have an actual break. I’ll be taking a pen or two and a writing pad because I do find writing by hand quite therapeutic, but it’s something I never have time to do at home.
And I won’t be chastising myself the whole time. I’m going to actually enjoy taking a break. And when I return, everything will still be there.
Do you struggle to take a break from work if you work for yourself? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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Love it!!!! Enjoy your break!
Yep totally understand – it’s 7am Saturday morning and I’m already working. I do feel guilty when I’m not working, but like you, I’ve started to be nice to myself. Nice post – cheers.
My husband is always telling me to stop and smell the flowers. I am a type A personality and find it difficult to slow down, but I have slowly begun to slip in breaks and feel a sense of calm.
I think for me, I feel calmer just over working than watching my to do list grow lol
The way I look at it is we don’t work a day job 7 days a week, so why should jobs like these be the same? We all need downtime to unwind and recharge as well as to go out and experience the world.
That’s true – there’s no way I’d work for someone else seven days a week, but it can be hard to not do it when it’s for yourself
Good for you! A few years back I did a post called “Epiphany”, in which I discussed having come to the realization that “It’s only a [censored] blog”. And “it” referred to my blog, and other people’s blogs that I follow. My so-called deadlines were all in my head. My real life came first, and still does. I’m a lot more relaxed now.
It’s very freeing when you realise this!
Breaks are so important for our mental health. Glad to hear you’ll have a laptop-free holiday this year.
I struggle more with keeping to a work schedule than taking time off. I LOVE time off. Too much, perhaps.
They really are and I’m looking forward to an actual holiday this year with no working.