Every once in a while, I just have to get away from everything to take a break and recharge myself. I need to get away from any and all distractions.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. As you likely know, I work from home, and my wife, Marianna works with me. My daughter also attends school at home, so we see each other a lot even though my office is in a secluded area of our house.
My daily lifestyle is quite comfortable, but sometimes things around me can be incredibly distracting. Even my office can become a distraction. Sometimes, I think about rearranging things and cleaning up messes. These small impulses stay in the back of my mind, and there are times when I need to get away from it all. I have to go to a place where my everyday environment isn’t in my presence, so it’s not at the forefront of my mind.
There comes a point when your brain just can’t focus properly and when daily distractions can be detrimental to productivity.
When you force yourself to focus for too long, you end up getting more stressed and unable to accomplish anything.
I want are fewer things to think about. I want to stay away from all the distractions that are blocking me from being productive. I know some people will suggest meditation, working out, yoga, or running—things you can do without getting away from everything. I’m sure these activities work great for some people. But for me and many others out there, a little time away works better than anything else.
I find myself wanting a solo getaway when I’m experiencing a mental block, or I want a change of scenery. My ideal getaway is typically going to at least a three-star hotel with great room service and a pool. I can’t find clarity without a pool and french fries at midnight.
When I need to get away, I don’t shut off my electronics. The internet is always an essential part of my life that I can’t live without, but what I can do is unplug from my daily routine. It’s about shedding away all the worries clouding my mind. It’s just me relaxing and enjoying the present time with no urgency on the items that normally have to get done in a day. So, I may still surf the internet and think about business, but it’s not something I HAVE to do.
When I’m in my office at home, I always feel like I need to be productive—every keystroke must contribute to making money and growing the business. And, while in the grand scheme of things, what I’m browsing during my getaway will eventually end up being a productive discovery, that’s not the main purpose when unplugging.
While I’m away, my mind and body are at ease. When on one of these getaways, I don’t just sit quietly in my hotel all day. I do things I enjoy. I explore things I find fun that maybe Marianna doesn’t—like going to Waffle House, going to White Castle, or driving around town aimlessly while looking at houses and such. I might also get a massage or two and maybe a facial. These activities all help clear my mind and allow fresh ideas to develop.
Taking time off to rest and recharge is important for everyone to do once in a while. Even if it’s just to spend a day or two focusing on yourself and reflecting on things you usually don’t think about.
It’s important to allow your brain to relax from your bustling lifestyle and ponder on different things besides work. This helps your brain be more creative and stimulated. Taking a mini vacation allows you to break from your normal routine. That decreased familiarity provides an opportunity to rejuvenate your mental health and to be really aware of the present moment.
There is nothing wrong with giving yourself some special “me” time every now and then with no particular agenda or schedule that forces you to do something specific or your norm. On these getaways, it’s important for me to just go with the flow and do what I feel like doing during this time.
I realize this is a tough step for many people. I get it. It feels selfish, but that’s completely okay. It’s alright to think about your own well-being occasionally. Think about it this way—to truly be there for everyone else, you first have to be there for yourself.
You need to take regular time all on your own to clear your mind, reduce stress, and boost brainpower. You can’t fully recharge when you bring your loved ones with you, as you’ll inevitably consider them in all your decisions.
You’ll end up worrying about the comfort and happiness of your loved ones, and you don’t want that (in this case). Instead of wondering whether your family is having fun or are already bored, you want to focus fully on what YOU want, and that’s why you need a solo getaway.
Marianna understands this, and she knows exactly why I need time to myself. She supports me 100%. I just want to cleanse my mind from constant worries and allow myself to think and act freely. Maybe I will stay up for the next 72 hours or maybe I’ll sleep for 24 hours straight. It’s about whatever my body and brain need. I can be completely spontaneous and creative.
I set the outcome that I want out of my little sabbatical. Before I leave, I know what I want to achieve with my solo getaway, and I’m confident that I will walk away from that trip with the clarity I need. It’s simply how my brain works.
I’m not always traveling away from home with a particular idea of where I’m heading. But if I can figure out what I need to while relaxing in a hotel, then so be it. If it leads me in a certain direction, then I will let things happen because I know that I can come up with what I need after an enjoyable trip.
Allow yourself to take whatever path appears before you. You’ll realize things will simply fall into place, and everything will make sense along the way as you fill and restore your reserves!
Go ahead and treat yourself to a soothing getaway at least once a year. A restful vacation impacts not only your productivity but also your overall well-being. You’ll notice better mental and physical health, and that will help you successfully run your business in the long run.
