Hello from Prague! As a freelancer for nearly 25 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve taken a “real” (meaning longer than 3-4 days) vacation. This is a big mistake; and I should know better, especially since I’m always advising my clients to pay attention to their work-life balance.
But things – almost always related to work, such as writing the next book, preparing to teach the next class, blogging, you name it – always seemed to get in the way. And I kept telling myself ‘I don’t have the time (or the money!) to take a real vacation.’ Baloney! I was making excuses.
So, I’m taking 10 minutes off of my vacation in Central Europe to remind everyone…please take some real time off! Even if you can’t afford serious travel; just go somewhere different than home, relax and chill out for at least seven days. This time off allows you to see your world from a different perspective; gives your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge and bring you back to your work crisper, more refreshed. Take it from someone who doesn’t take enough vacations: just do it!
