Last week, we had a few days away on the Kent coast as a family. There may seem nothing remarkable about that, it is the summer holidays after all, but when you are busy on the treadmill of life and running to stand still, it can feel like you can’t stop and step away from it, even for a few days.
But the difference that holiday made was incredible. This year, more than any other, a change of scene was very much needed. After months in lockdown at home, it was so refreshing to explore a new area and even to get a bit lost. I’m a fairweather camper, and luckily the weather was great, so even that was a brilliant experience. It revived my flagging spirit, and gave me the boost that I really needed.
Give yourself a break
Running a business is full on. It can be all-consuming, and sometimes, even suffocating. You get used to juggling so many things, that you daren’t stop for fear of dropping something with a spectacular crash. Stepping off that treadmill is so necessary every now and again.
During my break, I read voraciously and loved escaping into a gripping novel. I swam in the sea which was bracing and invigorating. I played tag, frisbee and cricket with my son. We explored rockpools and collected unusual shells and stones. We ate ice cream and sat watching the waves and the sunset. These simple pleasures worked wonders. I’ve returned with a new perspective and brimming with creative ideas and enthusiasm. Nothing crashed spectacularly and the extra time I put in before the break really paid off.
A fresh perspective
Taking a step away from the familiar can bring real benefits to your business. I find that I write blogs better in a different location to my general admin office space. It could be the kitchen table or a cafe, but differing my physical location can change my mindset and help the words to flow better. Today it’s the turn of the kitchen table, the downside of which is the proximity to the fridge!
Similarly, taking some time out to refresh your mind, body and soul is so beneficial. Research shows that if you take a break from work it can reset your body and improve your wellbeing. In turn, that can boost your performance and mental agility when you return to work.
“Evidence shows you become less productive without proper breaks. Even if people work longer hours, they’re not as creative and can’t maintain the same intensity level,” says Penny de Valk, Managing Director of Talent Management at global HR services group, Penna.
Take a break from doing it all
Giving yourself a break isn’t just about going on holiday. Sometimes you need to take a step back to discover new, better ways of working. As a small business owner, you tend to take on multiple roles yourself – business development, finance, sales, marketing, the list goes on… Reflecting on what you do best and the areas that need more attention from you, is a really worthwhile exercise. Outsourcing aspects of your business can reap huge rewards. A fresh pair of eyes on your content can breathe new life into it. An experienced content strategist will define the best content for your brand, along with the where, when and how it should be published and distributed to ensure it connects with your ideal audience. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?
Take a break from doing it all yourself and recognise when you need to reach out to others for support and help. Your wellbeing will thank you for it, and your business may get just the boost it needs.
If this idea resonates with you, let’s chat. Please get in touch and we can discuss ways in which I can take some work off your hands and breathe new life into your content.