3 Ridiculous Reasons For Not Taking Time Away From Work

"What about the rest of you?" I asked. While in a virtual group coaching session one of the participants had shared that they wished they could take a few minutes to eat lunch somewhere other than at their workspace. In response to my question, one member said, "I don't even stop for lunch." Another followed with "It's hit and miss as to whether I stop for lunch. Depends on the day."

While I was not surprised, I was disappointed. Working from home should have created more opportunities to disconnect from work since there was no commute and less interruptions. With organizations filling the days with video calls and employees not seeing other people stopping work, the opposite is true. People are staying connected (at least mentally) all the time.

I don't think I have EVER heard someone say, "I wish I hadn't stood up and stretched" or "Taking that walk for five minutes really set me back." There are so many benefits to stepping away for even a short time, but too often we don't recognize the value until we have gotten way too stressed out. If you're one of those people who keeps putting off taking some time away, whether for five minutes or five days, see if you are justifying it with one or more of these ridiculous reasons:

"I have too much to do."

And when will you NOT have so much work to be done? Organizations are operating at maximum capacity almost all of the time. In fact, the heavier the workload, the more you need to take some time to rest and recover so you don't make mistakes or lose perspective.

"I can't afford it."

Trips by plane or a cruise might be out of the question at the moment, but what about an automobile trip to visit a friend a couple hours away. Hey, they might even let you spend the night in their spare room! Or what about a simple meal with someone in your community. Over the years I have found that it's not as much about the place as it is the people I am with, and the sense of connection and purpose I get when spending time with them.

"I'll do it later."

Failing to take time away for some much needed personal renewal doesn't just hurt you. You're limiting your ability to be your best at work right now, and I'll wager that your relationships are suffering as well. Don't you want to have the physical, mental, and emotional resources to be your best in all areas of your life?

If you're still resisting taking time away from your work, give me your reasons in the comments below or send me an email . I'd welcome the chance to help.