You’re busy, crazy busy. There’s too much work to do for the hours you are in the office, and when you get home there is a whole other list of to-do’s. For lawyers, it’s very hard to take time off. You have to prepare to be away, and when you return you have to play catch-up. So many lawyers never take time off at all or just take a day here or there.
Yet failing to take some time away to unplug has consequences for your work and your sanity. When we are constantly pushing forward and never giving our mind or body a chance to rest, our work and our health suffer.
But when we make some time to get away, even for just a couple of days, we are able to press the “reset” button on our minds. We return to the office and to our regular schedules refreshed and renewed. That makes us sharper, more creative, more responsive, and generally nicer to be around.
So consider planning some time away. I’m not suggesting an extended six-week jaunt to France, but just enough time to feel like you have rested that whirling mind of yours.
You could take:
- An extended vacation (2-3 weeks)
- A four-day weekend
- A full weekend (both days)
- A day or two off during the week
- Even a half-day here or there
As you can, put this time away on your calendar and in your schedule. Alert others that you will be gone during this time, and try to unplug as much as possible. I know it may seem impossible and you may feel a little twitchy, but once you come back to your work refreshed and ready to take on the next big challenge, you’ll realize what you have been missing.
Remember: it’s not just about you. Your clients, your colleagues, and your family and friends will all benefit from your time spent away from work allowing yourself to unwind that tightly coiled mind and overworked body of yours. Enjoy, and don’t feel guilty!
