Top 6 relaxation tips for busy entrepreneurs
With the vacation season almost at hand, everyone is now beginning to plan weekend getaways and even month-long holidays to de-stress and relax — everyone except entrepreneurs, that is.
Many entrepreneurs find it hard to take a break from their busy lives. After all, success doesn’t happen overnight – you have to work hard for it.
Still, rest shouldn’t take the back seat all the time. Even the busiest entrepreneurs need to take a break from work to succeed. The busier you are, the more likely you need to take some time away.
If you’re looking for a good reason to take a break, here’s a solid one for you: studies reveal that there’s a direct link between vacation times and boosted productivity. And since it improves your mood, going on a vacation can also help your business since you’re more likely to make sound decisions when you come back.
If you still find it hard to leave your company temporarily, here are six of the best relaxation tips that every busy entrepreneur should know about:
Don’t wait for the “perfect time”
Most entrepreneurs have the intention to take some time off of work. They promise themselves that they will go on vacation eventually. But, more often than not, they end up pushing the date farther and farther into the future that it never becomes a reality.
Don’t be like them. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time” to come, you must make it happen. Remember that there won’t ever be a perfect time to leave work behind. There will always be unread emails, unanswered calls, and client requests that need to be dealt with.
If you don’t decide to go now, you’ll end up waiting forever for something that will never happen. Instead, plan to get away in advance and don’t postpone it no matter how busy that date may seem as it inches closer. The best time to get a break is now.
Create a plan
Once you have a date in mind for your vacation, the next thing you must do is to create a plan. This should cover everything that will ensure your company’s smooth operations even if you’re not physically present. To make things easier, write down each team member’s assignments or tasks and check in with them periodically.
Regulate calls and messages
Most entrepreneurs are sticklers when it comes to open and constant communication, either with their clients and partners or their staff. However, you should overcome this if you intend to make your vacation as productive as possible.
Instead, assign someone you can trust to serve as the point-of-contact during your break. Also, you’re the one who should be checking in with them, not the other way around. This way, you can maintain your power while allowing your point person to relay business decisions on your behalf.
Give advance notice
One of the most common reasons why entrepreneurs fear vacations is the failure to attend to important issues that may cause revenue loss, one way or another. To remedy this while still feeling confident about going on a break, never forget to give advance notice ahead of your time off.
Send out emails to ensure that everyone is informed. Even better, create an internal document that can be updated in real-time by all concerned personnel.
Then, make a list of clients and partners who may need to contact you while you’re out. Aside from sending notices about several weeks in advance, you should also roll out reminders a few days before your holiday begins.
When sending notices, remember to inform them whom to contact while you’re away. Ideally, this can be the same point-of-person you chose when you came up with a plan for your team.
Start with staycations
If you’re new to taking time off from work, you might find it overwhelming to go on an out-of-town trip. In this case, you should consider going on a staycation instead.
The term “staycation” was coined to describe a stay-at-home vacation. It can serve as a small break from your busy entrepreneur life and allows you to unwind while still being available in case of an emergency.
After you feel more comfortable about leaving work, you can begin gradually incorporating day outs into your weekly routine, ranging from a simple grooming session to day-long out-of-town excursions.
Go to a place where you can truly relax
Although staycations can get you started in taking time off of work, staying at home may not be the best way to have a truly relaxing vacation. Instead of just binge-watching movies and shows, go somewhere you can truly loosen up. Pick a place that inspires you, indulge in food you’ve never tasted before, and participate in activities beyond your comfort zone.
Ready for a break?
Running a business is exhausting, not to mention stressful. Whether it’s relaxing at home or relishing the beautiful sunset at the beach, taking a break from your busy life benefits not just you as a person but your entire company, as well.
