On Friday, I was feeling overwhelmed with work and responsibility. I spent the whole morning going in circles and getting nothing done. I’d start a task, get distracted, and then move on to another before I’d finished. It was this endless cycle of wanting to be productive, but feeling frustrated because I couldn’t seem to “snap out of it” and fully focus.

Finally, I just decided to step away. I logged off the computer, put my work away early, and spent three whole hours relaxing on the couch before the kids got home.

(Alight, full disclosure: my inner mom-ness nagged at me a little as I sat there, so I folded a few loads of laundry while I watched Downton Abbey. ?)

But still, it felt so nice to give myself a break from what I thought I should be doing and just…be.

As I sat there sipping my coffee, it dawned on me that it had been way too long since I’d last allowed myself a real break. I kept trying to “power through”, but wasn’t spending enough time powering up.

In all the hustle and bustle of building businesses, raising babies, and being a pillar of support for spouses and friends — it can be far too easy to subconsciously put ourselves on the back burner and forget to prioritize our own time to recharge.

But, it’s okay to step away.

Being a good business owner doesn’t mean pushing yourself to the limit. Sometimes, the smartest business move is listening to the little voice telling you to give it a rest.

Wasn’t ‘freedom’ one of the perks of starting these businesses, after all?

Give yourself permission to take a break.

Allow yourself time to recharge, and I promise, you’ll feel so much more refreshed and productive when you’re back.

And not just for the sake of your business! Your family and your wellbeing will be better for it, too.

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