5 tips on taking a break - yes we need to hear this small business owners & entrepreneurs..

After 3 years, tumultuous times in business due to covid, the pivot (not just once but twice), the grief of losing a parent, plus the fear of having the other parent sick with cancer, you could say that it was time for a rest. Having recently launched the first and only global & sustainable resource/agency for professional emcees & moderators, the immediate pressure I put on myself is that if I was responsible and going to be a success, how could I possibly take time off in year one?

I have 5 reasons why you should do the complete opposite to the above, and I've learnt this from doing, not googling. After delivering 7 events in 6 weeks plus developing the business and building our team, I was beginning to make errors, judgement calls and the most scary, feeling like the love for what I do disappear. Cue reason number 1..

Rest is a COMPULSORY part of growth. Clearing the head, physically and emotionally recharging and looking outside your world is critical to business development. I let myself get to pre-burn out and could have easily ruined what has been built by the team this year, our first, but managed to recognise this, right at the last minute and booked 7 days off. Taking a break from the business for week was something I just didn't think was needed but it was. I was petrified as to whether I could relax and most importantly let go and empower others in the business to do what they do best. Cue reason number 2..

The business still works when you take a break if you've hired the right people for your business. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to work with the most AMAZING team at conferenceemcees.com (no, you can't pinch them!) It was their incredible work ethic and passion for our business along with the brute honesty that I really did need to take time away for the good of the business that persuaded me to take the break. We have built a team that is a unit, that communicates and ultimately has the skills to manage the business when I'm out of the business. I didn't take the laptop and when checking my email (once) I was politely informed that should there be anything that urgently needed my personal attention, then someone would call me. For the first time since becoming a business owner, I felt I could really do that, and it has paid dividends on my energy levels and headspace. I went offline completely and this leads me to reason number 3..

Nobody cares if you aren't on social media, other that you, if you let it! We have been consumed with posting constant "content" and being "relevant". If you have a good product or service, and you have a brand reputation in what you do then a short break from the social media platforms matters not one iota. I do not feel that I have missed out, I personally had nothing of relevance to share and our business social media continues with or without me. This has been the most liberating experience and one that I think I will continue to review. Instead of the time scrolling social media, I now mediate and do my sun salutations. Definitely a better use of time as for the first time in years, I can now touch my toes. Cue reason number 4..

Physical fitness is as important as emotional. Sitting at the desk, travelling, hosting and moderating conferences which often includes hours on your feet, furniture moving, carrying heavy luggage etc. means that my stamina and resisitence to illness was waning. A 7 day recharge of regular exercise, stretching and eating good food plus vitamin D has make me feel strong in mind and body. I have started a habit, which I've embedded into the business. We are now trialling a 4 day work week (of course we will be there to handle emergencies) and I have personally diarised breaks, gym sessions and yes a lunch! Let's review this in January and share the successful outcome of this which I'm convinced this shift is going to have. And FINALLY reason number 5..

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, said the roman poet Sextus Aurelius Propertius in 15 BC (you are welcome ;) With the daily pressures of running a start up, the worries about everything from team development, processes, cash flow, sales and ensuring we are building a strong, sustainable community, along with delivering for clients, I could feel my love for what we do start to fade. A week away, seeing the team thrive and a change in perspective has made me fall in love again. I LOVE WHAT WE DO AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS NEXT PART OF OUR JOURNEY.

I hope this gives some validation to others who are biting the bullet, hitting the red button that leads to burn out or who is about to put that OOO on but is hesitating. Make it part of the strategy, and see how it makes you and your business grow. If it doesn't work, change it. Be the change you want to be.