Where do you stand when it comes to taking a vacation or a well-deserved break? There is a spectrum. On one side of the spectrum are those that use up every minute of their vacation, utilize every 15-minute break and have a quality lunch away from their desk. Then there are those that take the minimal amount necessary because they are afraid of asking, worried that they will get behind and the world will end if they step away from their desk or phone for a minute. No breaks and lunch at their desk (if they take lunch at all). Honestly ask yourself where you sit on the spectrum.

It is so important to take time to recharge. In our book, “Juggling Elephants,” we call it an intermission. Taking time off (15 minutes for a walk around the office building, 60 minutes for lunch away from your desk, 1 day for a “mental wellness day”, or a week or two for a vacation) gives your brain a chance to slip into neutral and your body a chance to re-charge. Don’t underestimate the value of time off. Study after study shows that your effectiveness and productivity increase and that your quality of life and health will improve. Schedule some time right now in your calendar to regularly take a break.