When do you know it's time for a break?

As I’m listening to Sophie B. Hawkins on my iPod, I’m looking at an amazing sunset above the clouds on my way to a conference in Chicago. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a majestic view—baby blue sky melting into warm, bold red lines over a snow-like covered terrain. Despite my busy schedule, I take pause to appreciate these moments. It is like having a much needed energy drink after a tough work out.

I’ve been traveling non-stop since January of this year and I really, really need a vacation – it’s been about 2 years since my last one! I’m sure many entrepreneurs can relate. But between a grueling work and travel schedule and spending time with family, where do you find time for yourself? We have all heard countless times how important it is, but when do you know that you need a break?

Here’s my own energy check-in that I use to spot when I’m overdue for a break:

Emotional check:

• Am I impatient and irritable?
• Do I over-analyze situations?
• Am I “sweating the small stuff” that I normally ignore?

Mental check:

• Do my kids, husband or close friends have to repeat themselves when they are talking to me? Am I present?
• Do I have difficulty thinking of the right words to express myself?
• Am I more forgetful than usual?

Physical check:

• Am I exhausted by 6 p.m. and can’t wait to get to bed? Or do I have difficulty getting up in the morning?
• Am I finding it hard to fit in the time to stick to my normal workout routine?

Time check:

• Do I constantly feel like I’m running after things or moving too fast? I once read that as a CEO, employees expect you to have a calm gate or pace when you walk and talk.
• Is keeping up with email stressing me out?
• Is it taking me 2 weeks to get back to business contacts or even friends and family?

I’m sure many of you have your own energy test. My advice as a busy entrepreneur is to jot down your own test and check in regularly with yourself. Make sure that you are being honest; it’s the best way to know when you need a break.

Taking my own advice, I’m planning a much needed vacation next month! I’ll commit to blogging about it. Do you have advice for other fellow entrepreneurs on how to renew their energy? Or check list items of your own that you’d like to share?

Cheers,
Sheila

Comments

[Sheela]

Sheila,

Great blog. Some really valuable takeaways for me. Thank you!

Sheela Goud Zemlin