Don’t Shortchange Your Vacation —Plan It In
Did you know that a survey of small business owners found that about 50% only take major holidays off—or that many take NO DAYS OFF AT ALL? Here are 6 great reasons that you should take at least one vacation each year:
- Relieve stress. Studies show that you can feel the effects of lower stress up to five weeks later.
- Improve productivity. You'll come back feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, with renewed energy and creativity.
- Ward off burnout. A well-deserved break is just what you need to get excited about the business again.
- Strengthen relationships. It's important for family members to spend time together, to reconnect and communicate.
- Promote good health. Reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, better sleep—the benefits are extremely valuable.
- Allow your business to grow. While you're away, your business has to run without you. It's vital that your employees are given the chance to be self-reliant and work without constant supervision. No employees? Automation is your best friend.
What it boils down to is that your business can't afford for you to be tired or ill, possibly leading to poor decisions or carelessness. It's just as necessary to plan vacations into your work schedule as it is to plan marketing activities, inventory counts and the other activities you need to run your business.
Here are some tips to make that much-needed vacation the best it can be:
Start planning early. Just as important as the vacation is the build-up of anticipation beforehand. Research your destination, watch movies filmed there, plan out a rough itinerary—the time you spend on these things will be like a mini-vacation in itself.
Pay for your vacation ahead of time. Not only are you more likely to follow through if you’ve already paid for it, but pre-paying can also save you money. Many travel agencies, hotel and theme parks will give you a discount if you book early because it helps them plan how many people than can expect to arrive on any given day.
Get as much preparation done before your trip as you can. Pay the bills that need to be paid and order supplies ahead of time. Let important clients know you'll be away and who they should contact during your absence.
Be incommunicado. It's practically impossible to relax with that phone in your hand! Establish a policy of checking your voicemail and email only once or twice a day while you're away.
Make sure you enjoy yourself. Don't try to see and do everything. It’s a vacation, not a race. Make time for naps, if the idea appeals to you. If you stand all day at work, you may want to do something different on vacation and avoid long lines. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase some new comfortable walking shoes. Try something new and create some memories.
There's no reason for you NOT to get away for a while. Now hang that ‘Gone Fishin’ sign on the door, and have fun!