The Importance of Recharging our Batteries

Submitted by Kate on August 4, 2008 - 12:25am.

I have just taken a well earned week visiting one of the most beautiful spots along our coastline. I have returned refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead. In our day-to-day work life we do tend to become so engrossed with our work that if we are not careful we omit to take time for ourselves. Many of us fall into this trap and taking time away makes you realize that the world continues whether you are there or not.

One of the many challenges of business today is to ‘justify’ to ourselves the necessity of taking time to recharge. The advent of business tools like Blackberry’s only adds to the problem. I have to put my hand up and declare that I am addicted to my Blackberry but what this means is – I am never away from work.

How do I break the cycle?

Taking a long break is often a struggle but I can ensure I take short breaks throughout the year
I can make sure that my deputy’s are ready and willing to step in and that I do the same for them
I can leave my tools at home!!! I didn’t but I did control my access
I can go somewhere relaxing and calming; you will reap more out of four relaxing days than a fortnight of partying
I can take the time to explore and get back to nature; we are surrounded by beauty we often just forget to look and appreciate

I will leave you with the ‘sounds if nature”

Amen

By Nick McCormick on August 5, 2008 - 12:24am

Kate, Yes. We all need to get away... and it's not truly a vacation if you're working during it. I have found that the people who work during their vacations tend to do so for one or more of the following reasons...

They are trying to convince others that they are incredibly important - for job security purposes
They just love working
They are delusional. They actually think the world will come to an end if they don't answer the phone on the first ring

Whatever the reason(s), they are doing themselves a disservice. As you point out, recharging is essential. Further, those that don't have able deputies are not doing their jobs. They should have trained backups.

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