Taking a break from work is important for your mental well-being and physical health more so in 2024 and beyond. Not only from your business but taking a break from social media is imperative today for your health.
It’s also essential to take time off when you’re under pressure in order not to burn out or let negative emotions get the best of you – after all, there are only 24 hours every day.
Do you work all day and night without taking a break to walk outside, and smell the fresh air around your home or business?
Have you missed breakfast, lunch, or dinner as you worked right through?
Or, have you had a difficult client that was driving you nuts and taking a lot of your time? Like the ones that spend less for your services or products but demand more?
If so, this post is for you!
Stopping to take a break from your small business is the key to keeping you and your business healthy and happy. If you are not healthy and happy, you cannot successfully run your small business.
Many small business owners do not realize how important their health and well-being are to work their business and dealing with clients in a more positive and productive way.
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What Does A Break Mean?
Taking a break means that you walk away from your area of work. Whether it’s at your desk, in an office, or at a retail location you just walk away. Get away from the environment you work in.
Taking a break means different things to everyone. For some, they might take time to walk outside and smell the fresh air or head out in their car to drive around while others prefer just sitting on their couch with Netflix streaming through their screens.
Whatever your preference maybe it is important that you don’t forget about yourself during the day – which can lead many small business owners to overwork themselves into burnout mode before February even arrives (and then what happens when school starts again?)
If you work outdoors you may want to go indoors and get away from the elements. Anything to change up your scenery to make your mind go in another direction.
Learn to get away from it all to refresh yourself and your thinking. Oftentimes, I have come up with solutions on a walk or a short drive.
If I were still at my office desk and computer I would not have found the answer I needed. That is what a real “getting away from it all” is on a break.
Make Breaks A Habit
To take a break doesn’t mean once a week or once a month. It means you need to do it daily and have it become a habit. Something you look forward to each and every day.
For me, that means taking a walk outside in nature. In the wintertime, it means snowshoeing or riding on a snowmobile. Find something you love to do outside of your work.
Maybe you like to cook or work on a puzzle. Anything that takes your mind off your business for a short period of time.
You don’t want it to take more than an hour or so as you will lose some productivity. So, set a timer and stick to it.
Taking A Break From Social Media
As business owners, taking a break from social media is a necessary part of maintaining their mental health and business growth. Social media can be an exhausting environment, full of stress and demands that can often feel overwhelming.
By taking a break from social media, business owners are able to clear their minds to focus on other aspects of their business, such as finding new customers or creating better marketing strategies.
A break from social media also allows business owners to cultivate better relationships with potential clients and colleagues, creating stronger connections in the long run to scale their business.
Taking consistent breaks also allows business owners to consider each post before sharing it, leading to more thoughtful content that represents the business in a positive light.
How To Tell Customers You Are Having A Break
Don’t be afraid to tell your customers you are taking a break. Most of them will understand you need to get some rest to perform better for them as well.
You can always mention you will get back to their project after your much-needed break.
However, sometimes, you just have to say no to your demanding clients to grow your business.
There may come a time you may have to cut them loose and move on. No break in the world will offset their demands.
Why Taking A Break From Work Is Good For You
According to Shift Base taking breaks can lead to breakthroughs for you. If you are having a complex problem or issue that you can’t seem to find the answer to, walk away!
Did you know taking a break improves focus and concentration? Not only that but it can elevate the burnout that many people are experiencing today.
Burnout is real for small business owners and it happens when people work and have no time off to play. You need to have experiences outside of work to avoid burnout.
So by taking a break from work you can reset the rest of your day. You will feel more energized and ready to tackle new challenges and even revisit old challenges.
How Breaks Lower Your Blood Pressure
Did you know that taking breaks from sitting at your computer can lower your blood pressure? It is true.
Prolonged, uninterrupted sitting has been linked to many health risks—including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease—independent of physical activity level.
Taking regular breaks from sitting for non-exercise physical activity, such as standing or light walking, might help to reduce these risks.
So not only is it good for your mental health but your physical health and well-being as well!
Hiring Help So You Can Take A Break
Now, if you find it impossible to take breaks due to your workload you may want to hire a virtual assistant or a freelancer to offset some of your daily tasks.
However, just because you have to hire out doesn’t mean you can’t handle it all. It just means you are working “smarter.”
Having someone else do the work for you will lighten your load so you can focus on your small business. This will help you to “grow” your business.
But, let them do the work and do not micromanage them as it will defeat your purpose. You have to have trust in their abilities and capabilities to help your business with the assigned tasks.
And lastly, be sure they take breaks as well so they don’t start the quiet quitting in your business.
Your Turn: Benefits of Taking a Break
I love taking breaks from my small business.I spend some of the downtime working on a puzzle or catching up on Netflix. What do you like to do during your own daily break?
I am always interested in other people’s ideas for how they use their free moments, so please leave me a comment below if there’s anything specific that interests or puzzles you – I would be happy to help where possible.
FAQs: Understanding Breaks for Your Small Business
What does taking a break mean for a small business?
Taking a break means temporarily stepping away from daily operations to recharge and gain perspective. It can involve delegating tasks or pausing non-essential activities. It’s about maintaining the business without your constant involvement.
How can taking a break benefit my business?
A break can prevent burnout and increase productivity when you return. It allows for refreshed thinking, potentially leading to innovative ideas and improved problem-solving.
Will my business suffer if I take a break?
Not necessarily. With proper planning and delegation, your business can continue running smoothly. Establish clear processes and communication to ensure continuity in your absence.
What steps should I take before going on break?
Plan ahead. Delegate responsibilities, inform your team and clients, set up automated systems for essential tasks, and ensure you have a reliable contact person to handle emergencies.
How long should a break be?
It varies. A few days can be enough to recharge, but longer breaks might be necessary for more profound thinking and rest. Assess your business needs and personal condition to decide what’s appropriate.
Can taking breaks improve my leadership?
Yes, stepping back gives you a chance to reflect on your leadership style and business strategies. It can lead to enhanced decision-making and a more balanced approach when you return.
How do I communicate my break to clients and customers?
Be transparent. Inform them well in advance, share how their needs will be managed during your absence, and provide alternative points of contact.
Should I completely disconnect during my time taking a break?
Ideally, yes. Fully disconnect to maximize the benefits of your break. If total disconnection isn’t possible, set specific times to check in without disrupting your rest.
What if I feel guilty about taking a break at work?
Remember, taking care of yourself is essential to running a healthy business. Breaks can enhance your performance and benefit your business in the long term. Prioritize your well-being to maintain effectiveness.
Can breaks inspire business growth?
Absolutely. Breaks can lead to new insights and ideas that inspire growth and innovation. They provide space to reassess goals and strategies without daily distractions.
What’s the best way to manage business tasks while on a break?
Use technology for automation and keep a trusted team member or manager in charge. Ensure they’re equipped with the necessary authority and resources to handle any issues that arise.
