When to Take A Break?

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When to Take A Break?

Apr 19, 2022
Break

One of the most challenging decisions that many entrepreneurs, small business owners, or freelancers face is knowing when to take a break.

On the outside, this might look like something easy; after all, you are your own boss, and you call the shots. Therefore you can decide to go for a break anytime you want.

However, despite this so-called "freedom", many entrepreneurs out there still find it difficult to give themselves a break.

Many experience this feeling of guilt and feel that they could have spent that break time working on one aspect of their business or the other.

It is important to note that as a business owner, knowing when to take a break from work and actually taking the break is one of the most productive things you can do for yourself and your business.

This article will briefly explore how you - as a business owner or freelancer - can know when it's time to take a break and how the break can benefit you and your business.

When To Take A Break

As a business owner, especially for a small business that is just starting, there is every probability that your business and ways to improve it are constantly on your mind. There is also a good chance that you are the one doing most of the running around for your business.

If care is not taken, this mental and physical stress can accumulate to an unhealthy level and lead to burnout.

It would be best if you took a break when you start experiencing the following:

  • You feel drained of energy

  • You are almost always restless

  • Work doesn't excite you anymore

  • A change in sleeping and eating habits

  • It's becoming difficult to concentrate and focus

  • You're starting to become hostile and withdrawn

When you start experiencing some of these symptoms, the next productive thing to do is to simply take a break.

Why Should You Take a Break

Taking a break in this kind of situation is extremely beneficial and will give rise to the following;

Creativity

When you take a break from work, you'd be able to break free from your work loop and routine. This will in turn help you view your business from other perspectives and come up with creative ideas that can further help your business.

Maximizing your employee's potentials

As small business owners, we are usually tempted to do everything by ourselves, even some tasks that could have been delegated to other staff.

Taking a break will give some measure of control to your employee, boost their morale and help you maximize their productivity.

Catch up with your loved ones

It is very easy to get sucked into your business so much that you start missing out with your family and loved ones. Taking a break will help you prevent this, keep you relaxed and make you enjoy life with people you genuinely care about.

Taking care of yourself is a way of taking care of your business

Imagine a scenario in which the engine of a car is faulty, this will definitely affect the overall performance of the whole car. The same thing goes for businesses and their owners.

If you're in an indisposed shape, it will affect your business in a negative manner and vice versa.

Taking a break is an essential aspect of business that business owners overlook; however, they fail to note that it might be just what the business needs at that particular point in time.

So dear business owners and entrepreneurs, it's okay to take that break you know you need, don't feel pressured or guilty about it. Perhaps look at it as an important aspect of your business that must be done.

The opinions expressed in our published works are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the National Association for the Self-Employed or its members.

Courtesy of NASE.org
https://www.nase.org/business-help/self-made-nase-blog/self-made/2022/04/19/when-to-take-a-break