Even if you love your business, taking a break can help you to gain clarity, get a better perspective and get those creative juices flowing. Now, I’ll be the first to put my hands up and admit to overworking. I’m always keen to reach that next level, and I’m not shy of doing the hard graft to get there. But I also understand the importance of taking a break. 

That’s why every year in August the family and I book a little getaway to the Canary Islands. We’ve just returned from our latest trip last week. It was a wonderful relaxing break – far more relaxing than my daughter Keeley’s trip a few weeks ago that resulted in her being evacuated from Greece due to the wildfires anyway! 

I love this annual family holiday. As the kids have grown up and flown the nest, they don’t always come with us, but there’s usually at least one of them tagging along. We usually book the same villa, in the same town, and we have a totally chilled couple of weeks in the sun. No work. No emails. No social media. Just rest and respite. 

And do you know what? Those first few weeks when we get back are often my most productive of the year. My mind is refreshed. Ideas flowing. Productivity at an all-time high. 

So how about you? Do you plan regular respite into your week, month or year? How do you find it impacts your productivity and progress? I’d love to hear your ideas…