EPISODE 070 | APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

As this episode and journal post comes out bang smack in the middle of the festive season, I thought it would be timely to talk about taking proper breaks in our businesses. Not the kind where we’re secretly checking emails or planning our next project, but actual, proper time away. It’s something I feel particularly strongly about, especially at this time of year, and I think you’ll find that this post/episodemight change how you think about stepping away from your business.

When our businesses are at their busiest, stepping away can feel almost impossible. Yet I’ve found that these intense periods often signal our deepest need for pause and perspective. Taking thoughtful breaks isn’t about stopping momentum – it’s about creating space for clearer decisions and more sustainable growth

How to Get Better Breaks

I have to smile when I think back to my earlier years in business. December would find me with my laptop balanced on my knees during family gatherings, sneaking quick email checks between celebrations, and planning next year’s strategy when I should have been relaxing. I allowed myself exactly one day off before diving straight back in, convinced that any longer would somehow derail everything.

A few years ago, I realised something needed to change. I wanted to be more present with my family, to properly enjoy those special moments without my mind constantly wandering to work. The change wasn’t instant – it took time to reshape my business around this goal. But the results have been worth every careful step.

Finding Space to Breathe

I’ve come to understand that a proper break isn’t just about stopping work – it’s about giving your mind space to process naturally. It’s like when you’ve been working on a design or project for hours, and the solution only comes when you finally step away and make a cup of tea. A real break works the same way for your whole business,

Making It Work (Without the Worry)

Here’s what I’ve learned about making breaks actually work: start preparing gently, well before you plan to step away. Keep a simple list of all those little tasks you normally handle without thinking. You might be surprised by how many automatic things you do each day.

For each task, ask yourself:

• Does this genuinely need attention while I’m away?

• Could it wait until I’m back?

• Is there a simple way to handle this automatically?

The lovely surprise about taking proper breaks is how it often transforms client relationships. When we communicate our plans thoughtfully and ensure everyone has what they need, it typically strengthens these connections rather than straining them.

Finding Clarity

Real breaks have a way of leading to unexpected clarity. Those moments when you’re out for a winter walk, caught up in a good book, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea – that’s often when the best insights appear naturally. Not from forcing them, but from giving your mind space to wander.

Coming Back Refreshed

I learned (the hard way) that rushing back into everything can quickly undo the benefits of a good break. Now, I give myself permission to ease back in gradually. That first day back? It’s for settling in, not tackling everything at once.

This gentler approach helps preserve any insights or clarity you’ve gained while away. It’s like slowly waking up from a good night’s sleep – you need a few moments to transition mindfully.

Finding Your Way

Taking breaks isn’t about following someone else’s formula for rest. It’s about discovering what helps you step back in a way that feels natural and refreshing. Whether you’re taking time off now or planning future pauses, remember that your business benefits most when you give yourself permission to truly rest.

When we give ourselves permission to step away thoughtfully, something shifts. Not just in how we feel, but in how clearly we can see our next steps. These pauses create natural space for your business to evolve, without forcing change or rushing decisions. It’s a quieter way of moving forward – one that honours both your need for rest and your vision for your work.