The Big Question ~ Are we able, or willing, to “unplug” from our jobs or even Social Media?
With the Holiday season fast approaching, we all need to find ways to handle the added demands on our time. This is especially true of Small Business Owners!
All through the year, we often find ourselves pulled in many different directions, and that has been especially true in the past couple years. Pandemic restrictions, workforce challenges, and having to be creative to keep our businesses afloat, have all taken their toll. And the fact that we are solely responsible for the ultimate success of our company is never far from our minds.
But, during the holidays, it is especially important that we find a way to simply enjoy!
Much has been written and discussed about the need to “unplug” from technology. There have been movements to shut off our televisions for a week, turn off our smart phones, or shut down our computers and tablets. Each is touted as a way to decompress and de-stress from our everyday demands.
But that is only a small part of what keeps us busy and driven. Many of us are absorbed by our work. We don’t recognize the concept of “9 to 5” or even a 5 day work week, and the move to working from home has only exacerbated this for many. That is wht we need to expand the “unplug” movement to our jobs.
Why Small Business Owners Need to Unplug! "Tweet This"!
Are You able to take a break from your work? Is this something you can or want to do for a week, or even a weekend? Have you ever taken a “real vacation” from your job?
Many of us would answer “No”. We either don’t want to or don’t think we can really disconnect from our work. We will pay lip service to the notions that we need “downtime” but, in reality, we don’t think it is possible.
That is misguided and, potentially, unhealthy. Let me state for the record, I am a small business owner. It is me, and only me, that deals with my clients, does the billing, and runs every other aspect of my business. When I am “off”, my company is in virtual “shutdown”.
Despite that, I have come to realize that I am no good to myself or others if I never get the chance to “unplug”. One look at the infographic in this post by Geoffrey James in “Inc.”, and you can see the number of Business Owners who feel the same. Many fear that if they take time to themselves their business will suffer.
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The bottom line is, You need to Take Back Your Life.
You are more than your business. You have family, friends, and interests that need to be nurtured and appreciated. In order to be your best self, you have to recognize that taking a break will allow you the time you need to regenerate and refresh.
Even if it is only for a weekend, try these tips:
- Take No Business Calls
- Don’t Check Your Business Email or Business Social Media Accounts
- Do Something You Enjoy - read a book, take a walk, etc.
For the past few weeks, I have made the concerted effort to follow this advice. I have Taken Back my Weekends.
To accomplish this, I have found a few ways that make it easier for me.
I pre-schedule my weekend social media posts. This way I can still keep up my social media presence without logging on. I also use Friday afternoon to update my calendar for the following week so I can jump right in on Monday morning.
I have found that with those things out of the way, I am able to really enjoy my weekends. I can reconnect with my family and I have time to do some of the things that I love.
Taking a break has also given me more energy and focus, in both my personal life and my business. (Read more about this in, "Productivity ~ Sometimes the Best Way to Achieve this is to Scale Back"!)
Give it a try for yourself. You may find that, when the “unplug” is over, you come back with a fresh perspective and new energy for your work.....and you can really look forward to your weekends again! Do you have any tips to share? Please comment below!
Please Pay it Forward and Share this article with others you know that Need to Step Back! Thanks!
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