I just took my first vacation in about 4 years. I had a great time visiting friends and family in Boston and Cape Cod.
In the past, I never “planned” time off. I was usually spontaneous and ended up doing whatever came my way or stayed home.
I have come to realize how important planning and looking forward to vacation is and how much it is needed to maintain energy to be productive.
About two weeks before I was scheduled to leave, I noticed I could not get through my expenses and I completely neglected my blog. I would tell myself every morning that I had to get it done but I could not sit down and hammer it out.
Below are a few telltale signs that you might be burned out and overdue for a little time off yourself:
- You Are Always Late
- Your Desk Is a Mess
- Your Head Feels Foggy
- You’re Struggling to Complete Assignments
- When you’re home you think about work — but not in a good way
- The phone is no longer your friend
- You’ve stopped thinking about how to grow, advance and/or succeed
- You always have too much to do
- You think everyone else has it easy
- You feel guilty
- You’re physically and emotionally exhausted all the time
- Your mood changes often
- You’re detached
- You’re cynical
- You get sick a lot
Now that I’m back and recharged, expense reports are less annoying and I am back to loving my blog. I believe planning and looking forward to a vacation that is fun, adventurous and stimulating provides benefits before and long after a great getaway.
I’m happy to be back and look forward to the next one. Any suggestions?
xxS