Time Off

By Shara Koplowitz

Time Off

I just took my first vacation in about 4 years.  I had a great time visiting friends and family in Boston and Cape Cod.

In the past, I never “planned” time off.  I was usually spontaneous and ended up doing whatever came my way or stayed home.

I have come to realize how important planning and looking forward to vacation is and how much it is needed to maintain energy  to be productive.

About two weeks before I was scheduled to leave, I noticed I could not get through my expenses and I completely neglected my blog.  I would tell myself every morning that I had to get it done but I could not sit down and hammer it out.

Below are a few telltale signs that you might be burned out and overdue for a little time off yourself:

  • You Are Always Late
  • Your Desk Is a Mess
  • Your Head Feels Foggy
  • You’re Struggling to Complete Assignments
  • When you’re home you think about work — but not in a good way
  • The phone is no longer your friend
  • You’ve stopped thinking about how to grow, advance and/or succeed
  • You always have too much to do
  • You think everyone else has it easy
  • You feel guilty
  • You’re physically and emotionally exhausted all the time
  • Your mood changes often
  • You’re detached
  • You’re cynical
  • You get sick a lot

Now that I’m back and recharged, expense reports are less annoying and I am back to loving my blog.  I believe planning and looking forward to a vacation that is fun, adventurous and stimulating provides benefits before and long after a great getaway.

I’m happy to be back and look forward to the next one.  Any suggestions?

xxS

Author: Shara Koplowitz

Date Published: August 28, 2013