We all know we need to take a break occasionally – to unplug and recharge. (Those two don’t usually go together.) Life and work just get in the way. And before we know it, another month is gone. Another year is gone. Time gets away from us. And we continue pushing ourselves and our teams to the point of burn out.
Several weeks ago, I was leaving town for a week-long vacation with my wife, Sarah, and our 7-year-old daughter, Madison.
On the way out of town, I stopped briefly to meet a client. We spoke for a few minutes, and as I turned to leave, I promised to email some information later that day.
Sitting in the car, Madison overheard my promise and said to her mom as I opened the car door, “Mom, Dad is NOT allowed to send any emails this week!”
It’s interesting that a 7-year-old understands the importance of taking a break when so many leaders struggle with maintaining energy and focus.
It’s time we admit it – this is poor behavior. And this behavior is not sustainable. It’s time to take a break!
No phone. No email. And no social network.
Here are 3 ideas I’ve experimented with when I needed to take a break!
1. Get plenty of rest
There are times when I’m in a funk. I’ve previously written about how to deal with your funk – you can read about it here.
Something I’ve realized is that, there are times when I am just tired rather than discouraged or frustrated. I simply need more rest!
It’s easy to confuse the two because the symptoms are similar. You might be able to get away with short nights occasionally, but if you continue to cheat your sleep you will eventually burn out.
Of all the things that affect my energy, focus, and productivity, nothing is more important than getting a good night’s sleep. Exercise and diet are important, but they can’t make up for a lack of rest.
I am significantly more productive when I’ve had a full night’s sleep. Problems that previously seemed insurmountable become manageable when I’m on my game.
2. Take a day off
Maybe you’ve never considered this before – how about planning an entire day off just for YOU! It seems simple enough – but when’s the last time you tried it?
Let’s be honest – who would stop you? Many vacation days get sucked up with trips here or there and with household chores or errands. Instead, plan a day for YOU!
What do you enjoy doing? Where do you enjoy going? How do you unwind best? Indulge in your recreational hobby or try something new that you’ve always wanted to do.
You’ll be surprised how therapeutic the experience is. And you’ll return to your family and work refreshed and renewed.
3. Get Away
Unplug. Take a sabbatical. Go on vacation.
Resist the temptation to pack the vacation full of activities, theme parks, and sight-seeing. Take a break – for real!
Even though our time away a few weeks ago was brief, I returned home more rested than I had felt in months – maybe years!
This may seem a little counterintuitive – to really relax, I had to be purposeful in a few areas while we were away:
1. Be all there. This is what Madison was trying to communicate to me and her mom – there’s no way dad will be able to relax if he’s thinking about email.
As it turned out, getting away and disconnecting was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to be fully engaged in the experience with them without the temptation to be somewhere else mentally.
2. Engage in deep conversation. Getting away from the busyness of home, school, ministry, and work offers an opportune time to catch up with family and friends. It’s too easy to pass time in shallow conversation and activities.
While we were away, I spent hours just listening to my girls. Walking with them – for miles. Laughing. And we were all refreshed and energized by our time together.
3. Spend time alone. Although I am naturally outgoing in my work – I am more reclusive at home and with friends. When I’m not working, I generally like being alone or working on projects in seclusion. And that’s ok! Sometimes the best way to recharge is by getting away – alone.
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I’m in Thailand for a month alone (last year it was Bali). While I am on Twitter, it’s because I choose to be. In fact, in travelling alone, I get to decide beach days, down time, museum/cultural time and I love it. I felt soo good last year, and ready for the hectic time that is September. Truly, it helped me understand the necessity of down time and it’s why I’m back this year.
What a great opportunity! It’s great to hear how this experience has helped you.
We don’t seem to get any time away from it, do we? Thank you for the reminder!
No, we don’t. I have to prioritize it.
thanks for the reminder. hope you repost a few times per year.
Thanks so much – I appreciate your encouragement.
This message is so important and applies to everyone, even stay at home moms!
I agree – Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tereasa!
I so appreciate your blog, Mike. Very insighful. Each article touches me right where I am that day! “Take a break” is a wonderful reminder that a regular Sabbath is huge. Our bodies (and minds!) need the downtime…our families too, as you so wisely put in this article. Thanks for taking time to add these words to blogsphere!
Thanks you for your kinds words Sharon. We definitely need to be purposeful in our downtime.
Hi Mike,
Great post. Paula and I have always tried to at least take some time once a week to go out and eat in a diferent town. You need to go somewhere where you are not still in “pastor” or “personality” mode. She is a Realtor and of course, there are always things working there. We make an agreement now to discuss work or minstry while we are gone. That’s a difficult task sometimes. The more difficult it is to do it, the more we realize we need it.
Thanks Rodney. This is a good practice. Sarah and I need to be more intentional about leaving work behind also. We’re much better today than we were in the past.
I’ve found that I have to be very specific in my planning for rest and relaxation. Along with planning the major events for the new year in advance, I have established deadlines for planning time away. This has helped immensely.
Every Sunday night my wife and myself spend time together to relax and watch the Amazing Race. Sunday nights are set aside for us to relax, refresh, and connect with each other. It really refreshes us and prepares us for the week.
Great post!!!
That’s great – my wife and I have something similar setup on Sunday nights. We also go to lunch together every Friday. We’ve been doing this for almost a year – we never miss it!
Thanks for sharing!
I have a hard time unplugging, especially with all of the technology around. The smartphone, a laptop, or even an internet cafe. It all makes it difficult for someone who likes to be connected.
So I am learning to turn the phone off, leave the gadgets at home, and just be present when I need to be.
Same here, Joe. I’ve found that the only way for me to upnplug is to leave the device in the car or at home. It’s still tough!
Great post, Michael! I have a similar disease. I am getting better at it, but the symptoms still creep up on me at times. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks Chris. I work on this every week – I’m making progress (with Madison’s help). 😉