One of the things that can be easy to do when you work from home is to put in more time than perhaps you really should. You can get very easily get caught up in the whole workaholic syndrome.
For some people with home businesses, they find summertime to be the perfect opportunity to take time off. But for other people (myself included) it actually becomes a perfect opportunity to do more.
Since my children are now teens and have their own plans going on almost everyday, it actually leaves me more time to do more things throughout the day. I don’t have to worry about driving them to and from school and now that my oldest is driving, well, he is able to help out with chauffeuring my other two children.
But with all of this additional time, I am also recognizing the need to not just use it for working but to take some time out for myself this summer.
I spend all school year trying to make my business grow, meeting deadlines and yet run the household. The school year is incredibly busy. But in the summer things become a little more relaxed. Yet if I don’t take advantage of that, I can very easily get sucked up into the same vacuum of busyness as I do September through half of June.
There are different ways that we can take time for ourselves over the summer. We can set the clock a little later. I really don’t like the idea of sleeping in until whenever. I still want to maintain a schedule and get my work done earlier in the day but having an extra hour of sleep that I don’t normally get is one way to take time for myself.
We can also take advantage of the weather and work outdoors. Even though you are still working, it can be very therapeutic to get some fresh air.
As a writer, I have to take mini breaks throughout the day. I need to rest my eyes, gather my thoughts and allow my creativity to flow again. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a book and sit outside on the deck, reading a chapter. Then I can go back in and restart.
Take advantage of the evening hours, as well. While you may be one to work until midnight, get away from your work and sit outside by a fire. Soak in the night air and the quiet. This is yet another way to take time for yourself.
But summer is also the perfect time to get away. We have to make sure we schedule it in. Even if you can’t afford a vacation away from home, make plans to take day trips. It could be to the park, a picnic, or a walk along the lake…there are so many things to be enjoyed for free or at a low cost.
The point is to make sure that you don’t let the summer fly by where you are so busy that you don’t get to enjoy it. Your home business will still be there.
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Take Time Out for You and Your Family
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