Value Your Downtime

It's Saturday morning. What are you doing? Catching up on work that didn't get done Monday through Friday? Checking emails to see if anything's come up since you left the office yesterday?

When is the last time you unplugged, really unplugged? For many of us, it was all too long ago. As an independent business owner, I tend to do the same thing. There is ALWAYS something to be done: reach out to potential clients, catch up with colleagues, network, share an interesting article or thought with a client, and so it goes. I don't mind. I love what I do and it's organically who I am.

BUT. Like the old saying goes, "All work, no play makes Jack a dull boy." When we commit so much of our time to work, we miss out on so many other really important things in life. When is the last time you just hung out with your kids? Just hung out without your cell phone or tablet? When is the last time you took a long walk hand in hand with your partner? Or just sat and day dreamed? When we get wrapped up in our work, we miss out on so many other things, and the people in our lives suffer. We suffer. It's important to step away from the work and reconnect with the other parts of our lives.

As I said, I love my work, but I was reminded of the importance of downtime two weeks ago. After all, my work is helping others improve their lives, so I should walk the talk, yes? I took a long weekend with a friend. Hopped in a car and drove to Eastern Oregon, the high desert. A landscape very different from the Puget Sound view I see every day from my home. It truly felt like another world. I unplugged, enjoyed the sites of small town Oregon, met some lovely people, and visited some wineries. On the drive home, the restorative nature of our short trip was palpable. I was calm and relaxed. My mind was free of the many things I think of during a normal week, and I felt my creativity sparked. Upon arrival home, I was able to begin my week, renewed, ready, and eager to get back at it. And the bonus? Some really wonderful opportunities opened up and I was ready for the challenge!

So, do something for yourself, your partner, your kids, your family this weekend. Unplug, get outside, go to a movie, do something that takes you completely away from work so you can focus on those who are really important to you. The work will be there Monday for you.  Enjoy!