Go on, take that break, it's OK...(you probably need it)

During these uncertain & unpredictable times, unlike so many, I am one of the fortunate ones. Firstly, I have a great job at an amazing company, surrounded by amazing people, and I am supported by an incredibly understanding wife & family.

However, most notably, the pandemic has opened my eyes and highlighted the frankly terrifying amount of 'lost' time I have spent sitting on my derrière drinking bad (expensive!) coffee, falling for the latest sensational (probably fake) news stories, and trying to recoup the sleep that I sacrificed for "just one more episode of Grey's Anatomy"

As we enter September (where has 2020 gone?) and having just returned from the obligatory staycation, I wanted to share my personal experiences & observations, irrespective of your role, as to why it is SO important during this pandemic to say "Go On, take that break, it's OK"

Step 1: Realising 'LBC' sucked.

Some context for you.

Much to the amazement of my fellow London-based 'Campers', I live in Worcestershire, the home of the Malvern Hills, and yes, that famous spicy sauce. It's glorious for family, children, and the dog alike, however, not so great when you work in Old Street.

In the distant memory that I fondly refer to as LBC (Life Before COVID) I was the classic commuter dad. You know the type, overly caffeinated, underslept, wildly optimistic about my attempts to renovate our house (By myself of course), and stressed through my defiance that this combination coupled with the commute was 'healthy'. A normal working day resembled something like this:

05:20 (Alarm) -> 06:00 (Jump in car, consume questionable 'breakfast bar') -> 06:45 (Buy said expensive coffee) -> 07:00 (Catch comically expensive train) -> 08:30 (Catch tube) -> 09:00 (Arrive at the office, hurrah) -> Then repeat to get home for 20:00.

All in all, that is roughly 6 hours or 21,600 seconds of (wasted) travel time every day. Something that, at the time seemed fine, yet 6 months on from my last 7am to Euston, my life has changed in so many ways for the better.

Step 2: What does an unfit, 30-something, dad-of-two recommend you do with 6 hours?

I am not here to preach about fitness regime's or working from home tips, these are simply a few things that have genuinely made me a better employee, manager, husband, and father... those standout 'quick wins' I'd thoroughly recommend trying out if you haven't already;

1. Admit to yourself that your parents were right and you really do need more sleep! I now religiously stay in my bed until 7am every day, it's fabulous.
2. Find something active you enjoy and make it work for you...I am certainly not blessed with an 'athletic physique' however, like many, I have become the classic MAMIL (Middle-Aged Man in Lycra...) Discovering that I can get an amazing blend of physical health and adrenaline (despite questionable outfit), all in 40 minutes has changed my life. I get out on my road bike for 13 miles at least 3 times a week, the impact has been immeasurable.
3. STOP! I love working and I am proud and passionate about what I do. As a result, it has been all too easy to fall into the routine of the never-ending commuting cycle (It's pretty much what I've done for the last 10 years). However, all this time at home has given me an opportunity to stop and absorb the amazing things around me, and frankly what I value most. The 20-minute car journey with the kids to/from holiday club listening to their relentless enthusiasm, excitement, and amazing observations of the world around them. Remembering just how much I enjoy the company of my wife, cooking the dinner together, and kissing the kids good night, and lastly, (and I am not embarrassed to confess!), just how much I value and enjoy the 08:30 call every morning with the amazing leadership team at work, they've got me through this as much as anyone.

Irrespective of your chosen approach, be it a physical activity or a moment of reflection, for me, 'taking that break' and switching the train seat for a saddle, tube ride for a bedtime story, and post-work beer for dinner with my lovely wife has replenished mine (and so many others) engagement levels, energy, wit, & productivity. Quite simply rejuvenating that passion and verve so many of us have forgotten about or simply left back in the desk draw on the 16th of March.

Step 3: You've taken a break from routine, now take a proper break...

Before I go any further, I am acutely aware that there are so many folks out there right now who aren't in a position to take a break and face challenging times. For those of you in that position, I firmly believe we all have a bright future ahead of us post-COVID, hang in there. 'Breaks' come in all shapes and sizes, however, the value of prioritising your own wellbeing is immeasurable. Certainly in the world of sales and no doubt in so many other aspects of our lives & work, it is our energy, determination, passion, and focus to consistently be at our best that will ultimately see us all succeed in the long-term.

Finally taking that break break...

Back in April, Katie & I sat at home (let's be honest, probably over a G&T) facing up to the realisation that we weren't going to be setting sail from Southampton on our annual 2-week trip around the Mediterranean anytime soon...

Like most of the UK, we jumped online, frantically searched, and booked a 'staycation' down in glorious Cornwall with the simple intent to replace our family holiday with a slightly shorter (and probably colder) one.

It's now early September, we are home, I am settled back into work on my all-too-familiar kitchen chair, and by some form of miracle, the kids are back to school (hurrah!). Every Monday our EMEA VP, Nick, leads 'Weekly Standup' where a particularly moving moment compelled me to share my own anxiety when taking what turned out to be my much-needed break.

A fellow Camper shared her experience of taking just a few days off, and how unknowingly valuable it transpired to be. She shared how those short few days gave her an essential moment to reflect, recharge, and come back ready to do her best work. This caused me to reflect on my own experience, and reassure those of you out there trapped in the never-ending cycle of working from home, that it's not just OK to stop and take proper time out, you need to!

Upon booking the trip down to Mawgan Porth, there was quite the rollercoaster of emotions, from the gin-toasting euphoria of hitting 'buy-now' to huge pangs of guilt and self-doubt. I sat there asking myself;

• Is it appropriate as an employee to ask for time off when so many others aren't able to?
• As a manager, am I leading by example? Should I leave my team when they too may well be wrestling with prioritising their own wellbeing?
• As a passionate believer and representative of the company I work for, will my customers, prospects, and peers resent or judge me?
• As a father, friend, and fellow-human in the midst of a pandemic, is this the right thing to do?

As a passionate leader of my team, I am more than comfortable encouraging them to look after themselves and their wellbeing, maybe on reflection, somewhat flippantly not thinking about those questions above that they are no doubt asking themselves. I am fortunate to have similar levels of flexibility and wellbeing focus afforded to me by the Culture Amp leadership team, so listening to others, I ignored any doubts and parked them along with all those other impossible questions, should I shave off my 'lockdown beard'? being another...

Step 4: Have you taken your break yet!?

Firstly, do it.

Anna Whitehouse, founder of Flex Appeal (a campaign championing flexible working for all) recently shared:

“You need to take a break before you break,” it may not be the vacation abroad that you hoped for, downtime regardless is not just a “nice to have,” it’s essential."

After what feels like a rather indulgent 2 weeks away from the kitchen/office routine and zoom calls, I have come back with an amazing sense of clarity and determination to pursue my ambitions, at work and at home. When we eat, sleep, work, repeat, all in the same building, it is all too easy to forget what motivates us and the direction we want to pursue.

If you are thinking about a 'staycation' or tempted to take some time away from wherever you work, here are my 3 simple tips to help speed up that decision:

1. Consciously break the routine. If my own experiences are anything to go by, it's not until you truly break the routine (that may well seem OK in the moment) that inspiration and recharging can really begin.
2. Have you forgotten what success looks like? Ask yourself, in the midst of living through this pandemic, do you still have clear goals and know what you want to achieve?
3. Assess your energy levels. Do you still get out of bed with that same sense of ambition, drive, and determination to succeed?

Step 5. Make great things happen.

As we live and work through this ever-changing landscape, there are so many factors that impact our wellbeing and attitude to work & home life. All too often we dedicate our time and focus to those around us, yet give our selves little of the same.

If Sir Isaac Newton can spend 18 months working remotely during the bubonic plague and still discover the universal theory of gravity, we can all continue to learn, grow, and succeed during the pandemic. Just remember that its OK to take a break, and you will probably be better for it.

Stay well.