A lot of freelancers have been talking about vacations recently – how to take them, when to take them, how to manage your clients. I must admit that it’s something I’ve written about in the past and quite recently too. However, I’m not sure I ever achieve the right balance.
Retreating From The World
I have some friends who take an annual six week retreat, checking email only once a week. Although part of me was aghast at the thought of being cut off for that long, another part of me found the idea strangely seductive. This won’t be the year, though, and I’m not sure I could hack it for that length of time.
I’m not sure I really know how to switch off. My brain is always buzzing with ideas I don’t have time to realise. In addition, balancing schedules for home, school and client work means it’s difficult to find a completely empty window where I can take a proper vacation.
If At First You Don’t Succeed …
This year, I’m trying again. I’m heading off on a week long trip and although I’ll be taking a laptop (there was one deadline I just couldn’t shift), I don’t plan to spend a lot of time looking at it. I have future posted content for some of the blogs I write for and have told other people when I will be unavailable. I have outsourced some work and postponed other work, leaving me with just one job to do while I’m away. I hope it won’t be too onerous.
Do you manage to switch off? How do you do it?
Oh I switch off all right – by force. I work until my brain goes numb and then I collapse into a zombie-like state. I automatically switch off. Only then do I recognize the need for time-off to rest, refresh, renew and refuel.
I totally agree – it’s really hard to switch off. My biggest struggle to switch off comes daily during the evenings (which I try to keep work-free). I’m the type of person who likes to tick jobs of my list and go onto the next one. When you’re writing 1000+ word articles that just doesn’t happen and I really struggle to allow myself time out when I know there’s an unfinished jo (even though I know the job will take a few weeks, I feel like I need to be able to finish it TODAY!)
I’ve been there too, Cheryl, and I’ve learned that it’s best to take a break before that, if you can. Sometimes, though, the deadlines impose the need to keep going.
Yes, I have trouble with that sometimes, Joni. I think it’s good to relax – one day maybe I’ll learn to do it properly
Hi Sharon!
This is a great question, and a struggle for most freelancers and business owners. The way I switch off (and what I train my clients on) is twofold….
First, it’s really important to look at your time and where your time is going. Once you have determined this, build a NEW SCHEDULE that allows time slots for everything that needs to be done.
Second, start using your new schedule. It will need to change and adapt over time, but I have found that if you have set times for everything in your life, the brain calms down! You don’t have the ‘hurry up and wait’ feeling all the time, and your life can become more Relaxed AND Focused.
When you allow yourself time to do what you want, knowing you have work blocks, you can really relax. Otherwise, you will just feel guilty and be distracted by the ‘monkey mind’. I have found that the more I allow myself to have a natural schedule, the more productive I become. So try to see how you FEEL during the day *do you like to sleep in? Exercise in the morning? Work best first thing? Experiment with your feelings throughout the day and you will fall into sync with a schedule that works best for you!!
I recommend my clients build in vacation time in advance, as well, so you aren’t tempted to take on more and more projects – leaving you with the “I’m always busy and I can never take a vacation” feeling. Set up boundaries and stick to them & see if this helps you with your balance :0)
Good tips, Brooke. I need to massively overhaul my working life (something I wrote about recently) and planning for vacations will be part of that process. I don’t even think it matters whether I am going anywhere or not; just having some totally free me time will be great.
I’m terrible about it. I can hardly go one day without getting online. It’s actually (for me) more stressful to fight it. Instead I go into ‘limited’ mode. Jot down ideas, hang out on social networks, and try other outlets instead of writing or programming. I’m still working but try to mix it up a bit when I’m taking a break.
It’s a hard life for web junkies, Anil
I sometimes wonder if I would be more efficient if I unplugged a bit, but can’t bring myself to do it.
I think the best way to completely switch off is through distance sports. I like running, cycling and swimming for different reasons. Running is great because it can be done anywhere. Cycling is good because you can travel farther and longer. A two hour run is a long time, but a 4 hour bike ride is not so bad. Swimming is so meditative because you can't hear the outside world. There is just something about concentrating on keeping your form and the rhythm of rolling from side to side.
Distance sports force you to turn your thoughts inward and just think about the next minute or so. It is very meditative and destroys all stress. Travel is great but it can a lot of work and planning, which in itself is stressful. Travel is not the same type of switching off.
Yes, I find exercise a good way of clearing the mind. Good tips, John
I love the water, John, and I find looking at water or swimming very relaxing. It's a great way to contemplate.
I feel like I'm finally coming back into work mode after several years of foggy "switched off" time. I've always been a hard worker and once I learned to step back a little and take a break, it just seemed to good. But then everything else seems to go with that: general motivation, self-confidence, any ability to focus… I'm glad to be back on the ball again. Seeking a more balanced life somewhere between the two extremes is difficult. Good luck with your trial! I hope to hear how it goes!
Thanks for your good wishes, Kristin. It seems that balance is a never-ending quest, but it's one I don't mind undertaking.
I'm doing a lot of "switching off" I shouldn't be doing right now: I have two books I need to get read before I start revising the dissertation draft with a sense of "this is it," and instead I'm blog hopping.
On a more serious note: best way to switch off is go for a walk somewhere and explore. I live near Philadelphia – a short train ride takes me into the city – so this isn't hard for me.
Good luck with those, Ashok. As John mentioned, exercise can be a great way to switch off.