By Elizabeth Verwey
I've discovered a way to re-fill my cup that I want to share with you. I'm going to tell you about the power of micro-vacations. They're short (under 24 hours), they're refreshing, and they're usually cheap!
A micro-vacation is a break from your day to day that refreshes and recharges you. They're a better fit than a longer vacation. Traditional vacations cost a lot and it can be difficult to get away from your work for an extended period of time. Also, family vacations can be draining. Compromises must be made – to meet everybody's needs.
A micro-vacation is the answer. I take mine alone. If I choose to include someone else, I make sure that they're going to be fun. The focus is on refreshing me. When I return to my work refreshed, wise decisions come easily. New ideas rise to the surface.
For you, micro-vacations can become part of a personal plan that will help you remain healthy and ready to laugh at more of the things that cross your path each and every day. This is a good thing.
You may be wondering if I understand the pressures you face. I do – and I know you can arrange to escape those pressures for up to 24 hours. You may also wonder how far away you can get in that small period of time, away from the pressures in your day-to-day world, your work, your home and your other responsibilities. Take a moment now to think about what that liberty could mean to you.
Take time to assess what the essence of a successful break from your life would look like. With a little creative thought, you will be able to capture a nugget of that refreshing idea. Can you remember what you used to do for fun before other responsibilities overtook your life? Were there hobbies, interests, or passions that you once had that you haven't re-visited for a while? Would you still like to do them?
Then, give yourself permission to take a short break. This is the first stumbling block in taking time just for you. The practical side of arranging the break will be easy after you deal with that issue. Please don't take cell phones, pagers, or laptops. Make a deal with your brain; turn off the work stuff for a set period of time. I promise that it will all wait for your return.
Focus on personal thoughts, fun ideas, and new things – not how this new idea relates to your work. Just do it – completely break free. Once you practice shutting off your brain to your work pressures, it gets easier. Just re-focus your brain to having a relaxing time for your short break. Distance yourself completely from your business.
After you have made time for a micro-vacation, I'm sure that you will want to book another. Review your planner at the beginning of each month to block out one day that must be reserved just for you. Write it in your planner, and there is no need to explain why you can't schedule something else. “I'm sorry, that day's already booked…how about the next day’?
I have a recording called ‘The Joy of Micro-vacations’. Please let me know if you feel the need for more specific ideas about what to do when you get away from the pressures of your work and personal life. I'll send you the recording, if you send me an e-mail at Elizabeth@officementors.com.
Elizabeth Verwey recently published The Mentors Circle. This informative guide shows you how to build your own business support group. View www.mentorscircle.com to learn more or call Elizabeth directly at 416-463-1713.Elizabeth Verwey is the keynote speaker at this year's PCPC Annual General Meeting. Return to PCPC AGM 2007 page