Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
Taking time out means to observe a special occasion for yourself that creates within you freedom from anxiety or disturbance. It’s taking the time to find your rhythm and renewed vigor that will generate more balance in your life. It’s having a place to remain idle and hear your inner voice. It’s a day to listen and find peace within without the noise of the pressures of work and your home life. When you take time out from your daily routine – a day off – you will find your creative juices will flow with an energy that pulsates with excitement. In fact, by taking a day off you will accomplish more things during the following work week than if you had worked the entire weekend.
Vacations are wonderful and a good time to rejuvenate your spirit, but it’s also important to take a regularly scheduled day each week to rest. It’s a time to relax and celebrate your accomplishments. This is one of the core principles nearly every successful business person I know schedules in their daily life.
So many times we get caught up in the busyness of life – we are all guilty of it. Between our careers and home life, when is there time to just do nothing but read a book? However, it’s those times that will revive and invigorate your senses. Whether you’re an employee, a manager or a CEO, the timeouts are as critical to your weekly schedule as eating more fruits and vegetables.
“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
I find it ironic and laugh when people tell me they can’t take a day off, as their schedule won’t allow it; when I look at the creation of the entire universe, even God took a day off! “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
Does that tell you something about how important it is to take time out? It even is the 4th commandment of His top 10! “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Deuteronomy 5:12) A Sabbath is a term derived from the Hebrew word, “Shabbath,” which means setting a day aside to rest and worship God. It doesn’t mean you have to be legalistic about following a set of rules of do’s and don’ts, but it does mean to take time to recharge your batteries and feed your mind with positive things other than your business work.
Rest and Recharge
Some of the best ideas I have had for business came from the time away from it. There’s something strange about taking a vacation and feeling a distinct pull away from my business. It might be because I’m passionate about my work and career, but while lying on a beach in Hawaii, I have gained my most creative business concepts and initiatives. When you are relaxed, great ideas flow into your mind.
A few tips to increase your personal harmony and strengthen your well-being:
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Find a place in your home where you can spend some quiet moments alone maybe for prayer, reading a book, or taking a bath.
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Request respect from your family for this time alone and give them respect for their time too.
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Take one day off each week doing something that is fun away from your normal routine, like going to a movie or church, taking a hike, or relaxing around a pool or at the beach.