Entrepreneurs tend to work themselves quite hard, and many times end up working on their businesses at 2am because they had to tackle other responsibilities during the day. Especially mompreneurs since they are raising a family, and maintaining a home while running a business. Unfortunately, you may find yourself having to work on your business later than you would like in order to maintain it- however if you do, make sure you take a well deserved break before hand.
Entrepreneurs may have many responsibilities including their businesses to tackle, however, if a break is not taken- that will mean trouble. If you are running a business and have other things to take care of, make sure you schedule in break time in your schedule. I will list the reasons why taking a break is an absolute must.
Having Down Time Helps Maintain Health– If anyone is running themselves ragged 24/7, they are bound to get sick at some point because the body just cannot handle non-stop action and stress. That being said, no matter how busy you are- you need to take a break from everything to recharge. It is crucial for your health.
Breaking From your Work and Other Duties Will Prevent Burnout– Whenever that dreaded burnout happens, you just have no desire to keep up with your work and you will end up shunning your other responsibilities. That is because you are so stressed to the point that you have lost interest in everything and are burned out. Whenever that happens, your business will take a turn for the worse because you have since you are no longer functional. Taking needed breaks on a regular basis will prevent burnout!
Taking Regular Breaks Will Help Keep the Enthusiasm Up– Entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs because at some point something sparked them to create a business and the successful ones find a way to keep that spark to keep it going. However, if you are working 24/7 and not having any downtime, feelings of frustration and resentment will creep up, and that fire you once had will die down. In fact, that is a sign that burnout is on its way. You worked hard to create that business. In order to maintain it, you need to take time away from all of your duties. Even if you are truly passionate about what you do- you still need time to recharge.
Taking Those Breathers Will Help you Stay Social– Most successful business owners are good networkers and enjoy to network. However, if all you are doing is working you will find yourself isolated from others. If all you do is work, you will have little patience for people and in order to maintain a business successfully, you need to have patience! And you need to be present!
In other words, if you don’t take breaks, your business and life will suffer! If you have an urge to stop what you are doing and watch a few videos, or have a snack or coffee, or go have a nap- or even sit there and do nothing, then by all means give in! That is your body telling you it is time to take a break to recharge! And it needs to be done daily.
Excellent point Miriam and there are so many reasons to make self-nurturing a priority, none-the-least of which is that we simply cannot be at our very best when we’re tired. I won’t pretend to be a good example here because I am often working in the wee hours of the morning when I’m on deadline, but I don’t hesitate to take down time and breaks during the day. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is something we frequently forget to do, thanks for commenting Marquita.
Very wise advice, Miriam.
We push hard because we want to reach our goals, but our top goal should always be our physical health and mental well being. Neither of those are served by over working and stressing on a continual, daily basis.
Meanwhile, our business will suffer from that sort of over-drive, as you so aptly demonstrate here.
Again, this is not what busy entrepreneurs always want to hear, but they are wise words that should be taken to heart.
Thanks David, we tend to forget that we do have limits and many times entrepreneurs push past them! Consequences can be quite bad!
Sometimes we forget we are in control.. NO one else..sometimes we find it hard to dis engage..It’s like someone is pulling out leg off! We are so addicted to technology we find it hard to unplug..Is this really the age we live in? I mean how long could we go without wifi ?
William
True, we are way too dependent on technology! Thanks for the input.
Hi Miriam,
I once pushed so hard I did experience burnout .. overwhelm. It did take more time to recover from that than anything I ever did. I actually had to unplug and take time off for me.
It wasn’t pretty!
However, I learned my lesson. Now, instead of working up to 2 a.m., I do take breaks and I do have downtime. No more guilt, no more anxiety. I fully understand the importance of taking breaks and I’m so glad you brought this topic up.
-Donna
Sorry to hear you went through that Donna, however glad you are taking those needed breaks now!
Wise advice, Miriam! I am all too familiar with burnout. For me, most of the stress is in my own head… taking too much in, not taking action, eventually leading to a blockage that needs drastic action. Taking a break from everything that isn’t necessary, and then adding things back in slowly, and remembering to continue to take breaks now and again.
It is so easy to burn out and the consequences are always grave! Taking breaks is so important to do.
Excellent point Miriam .
Thanks For This Great Article.
Keep up This Great Sites.
Great points! This is very timely and very informative . Thanks so much for sharing.