Happily Ever Now

I just got off the phone with a client who has only take 2 days off out of the past 2 months. Generally, my coaching style is to draw out of my clients what it is they want to do to support their lives and business, however in this case, I found myself turning into a protective mama bear. I highly encouraged him to take a break.

Maybe it’s because I just spent 3 days with late nights completing my ebook Happily Ever Now for Your Love Life. I found myself at the computer working last night at 9:00pm after a 90 minute teleseminar wanting to cry just from the sight of my computer. I was exhausted.

Despite all of this, I still found it challenging to “BACK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!” This is a phrase that was popularized when I lived with 2 other entrepreneurs.

What happens if you don’t take time off?

1. Your productivity sinks and you putz around because your brain needs a break from linear thinking.
2. You are so emotionally disturbed that you created drama with your computer (or with people.)
3. Your body hurts and your vitality decreases. (a.k.a. You feel like crap.)
4. Your relationships suffer because your relationship with yourself is abusive.
5. Your stress level increases so much that when you do take a break, you fall apart.

How to BACK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!

1. Use a timer. This is a tip from my friend Sharla Jacobs. You focus solidly during work on one project and then, when the timer speaks, you stop. You can use the timer for your break as well.
2. Commit to one 30-60 minute fun break every day. Could be hanging out with a friend, walking, dancing, taking a bath, etc.
3. Schedule time for eating. This also means scheduling time for traveling to and from eating or prep and clean up time. If you’re one who forgets to eat, be sure to remind yourself with an alarm or the accountability of a lunch date.
4. Have a check-in/accountability buddy with another entrepreneur or colleague. Use this to focus your priorities, acknowledge what you accomplish, share how you are nurturing your life outside of work and good old joy from connecting with another.
5. Commit to a minimum of a certain number of days or half days off per week or per month.
6. When you find yourself putzing around and being unproductive, BACK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!
7. Recognize that the things you are committed to doing for work will get done more efficiently when all of you is taken care of and completely in the moment.

You have your own preferences, quirks and habits. Take one step and try it for a week.