Taking a break should be easy. As kids we all did it effortlessly. Play, explore, learn, then rest.
Somewhere along the way as we got older, we got stuck on a hamster wheel. It’s simple to jump off and take some time out but most of us still don’t do it.
This week I want to share my thoughts on taking a break and still doing things you love (even if they involve screen time).
Going somewhere new
It’s great to see people travel to other places when they take time off, but we don’t always need to board a plane or go on a road trip to get that change of scenery we need to unwind.
A simple thing like visiting a different part of your town or city, or doing your morning walk in the opposite direction, can help you discover things you never noticed before.
If you want to get better at taking breaks, you need to make it easy for yourself.
To get away from the ‘always on’ mindset and truly switch off, find the smallest possible steps that help you disconnect from work and other commitments and allow you to slow down.
Doing the things you love
A digital detox is great but don’t let screen time guilt-trip you.
I feel a lot better when I spend less time on my phone, but even during my holidays I use screens a lot, because I need them to do (some) of the things I enjoy.
One of those things is writing and creating content I want to share. Writing to me is a form of self expression and a creative process, it doesn’t feel like work.
I do recommend spending time ‘offline’ to switch off and relax, but if the things you enjoy doing make it necessary for you to use your devices, then that’s fine too. Just keep checking in with yourself to make sure you’re really able to disconnect from what typically stresses you or wears you out.
No email (or slack)
There is one rule I live by when I’m out of the office and on holiday: Absolutely no email checking and no logging into slack.
My notifications for those apps are switched off by default anyway, but I don’t open them at all while I’m on leave. I recommend you do the same.
Unless it’s a matter of life or death (or national security), those emails can wait. Switch off the notifications, hide the apps, or even delete them off your phone.
My summer holiday book recommendation
Finally, I want to share my recommendation for a great book to read this summer:
‘Do What You Love, Love What You Do’ Book – Holly & Co
I devoured this book in a couple of days and am now working through it again while completing all the exercises. It’s been good for my soul.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy your summer.