Is "rest" productive? Part 2

What I discovered or re-discovered was that I need to re-define what a vacation is to me. One of the benefits of being a business owner is that you get to make your own schedule, right? So, my goal for the rest of this year is to be a better leader of myself and my schedule. I am going to plan for intentional rest and vacation, even if it is only taking half a day off. Maybe it’s a long weekend. Maybe I do go on a week-long traditional vacation, but I will limit my e-mail/cell phone/Internet usage to one hour per day. That is primarily to stay on top of e-mails so that I don’t come back to 200+ in my Inbox and can’t see above sea level.

Why do YOU believe rest is productive? That’s an easy one to answer. I hope you agree. Our bodies and more importantly, our minds need some down time. I do not pretend to understand the complexities of our brain, but what I DO know is that when we give it a break – a rest if you will – it works better. We are refreshed; we are more creative; we are easier with which to get along; handle stress better; are healthier; and handle emotions safer. These are just a mere few productive outcomes of rest. I do not believe you can be as effective of a leader without rest and vacations. You owe it to those you lead as well as yourself!

Vacations don’t have to be an extravagant trip to some exotic part of the world; however nice that may be. A vacation may be a drive to the country; a walk in the park; a movie; a theater show; laying in the hammock; a stay at a beach; or a bottle of wine and good book in front of a fireplace. I found a great article on Google called “Brain, heal thyself,” [Monitor on Psychology by Lea Winerman] which states, “Recent studies have suggested that the brain, so active during the day, may use the downtime of sleep to repair damage caused by our busy metabolism, replenish dwindling energy stores and even grow new neurons.” Wow…repair damage to my brain cells?

OK, I got it! I WILL learn to rest. How about you? Do you want to offer some much-needed repair to your brain and your self? Join me on my vacation scheduling. Here’s my plan:

1. Take one weekday off each month to do something I enjoy
2. Attend my nephew’s college graduation in Florida
3. See the Grand Canyon this summer
4. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends
5. Start “blogging”

Today's Opportunity:

Plan your own vacations – let’s shoot for one a quarter.