NFIB

Are You Depriving Yourself of a Vacation?
10/ 04/ 2002

by Jeffrey Moses

The following questions can help you determine if it's time for you to take a vacation (whether you want to or not).

1. Has it been longer than one year since you've taken an entire week off?

2. Are you still tired Monday morning? Are you unusually irritable? Do you have trouble focusing on details?

3. Have customers, associates or family members commented that you seem irritable or edgy?

4. Are family members urging you to take them on vacation?

5. Have most of your clients and associates gone on vacation while you've been working long hours week after week?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could be overdue for a vacation. A common trait of self-employed individuals is a reluctance to take time off. And it can be discouraging to think of the work and bills that will be piled up upon your return. But consider the following benefits that outweigh short-term financial and scheduling concerns.

Health benefits

Stress and fatigue are not only hazards to your mental well-being, but your physical health as well. You need to give yourself a chance to recharge, refresh and rejuvenate so you donÆt end up running your business from a hospital bed.

Family time

A vacation can help you re-connect with family, providing stronger long-term support for every aspect of your life.

Broader perspective

Time away from the office will allow you to see things differently, and will likely provide you with new ideas for your business. In fact, many people have their best ideas while theyÆre relaxed and out of their element.

Force yourself to take the vacation you deserve. Avoid making work-related phone calls and compulsively checking your email. Your family will thank you. Your body and spirit will thank you. And if youÆve been a little short-tempered lately, your associates will definitely thank you!

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