4 Simple Small Business Time Off Strategies to Beat Burnout

We’ve all been there: staring at our computer screens, feeling mentally drained, no time off, and struggling to focus on the task at hand. In today’s fast-paced work environment, burnout has become increasingly common, leaving many of us searching for ways to maintain our energy and enthusiasm. But what if the solution isn’t about working harder or finding new productivity hacks? What if it’s about making time for what we truly enjoy?

I learned this lesson the hard way during the early days of my business. Months of sixteen-hour days with no time off left me exhausted, running on empty as I tried to get my business off the ground. I wore those long hours like a badge of honor until I realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable or necessary for creating the impact I wanted to have.

The truth is, engaging in activities we love isn’t just about having fun; it’s about recharging our batteries in a way that allows us to bring our best selves to our professional lives. When we make time for enjoyment, we don’t just feel better; we perform better.

The Science of Play and Enjoyment

The connection between enjoyment and performance isn’t just anecdotal; it’s backed by science. When we engage in activities we love, our brains release dopamine, often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This chemical reaction doesn’t just make us happy; it enhances our motivation, focus, and learning abilities.

Research from the University of California has shown that regular engagement in enjoyable activities can reduce stress hormones like cortisol by up to 75%. This reduction in stress has been linked to improved cognitive function, better decision-making abilities, and enhanced creative thinking—all crucial elements for professional success.

How Enjoyment Recharges Mental Energy

Think of your mental energy like a smartphone battery. Just as your phone needs regular recharging to function optimally, your mind needs periods of enjoyable engagement to maintain its performance. The difference? Unlike your phone, which just needs to be plugged in, your mind benefits most from active engagement in activities that bring you joy.

For me, this recharging comes through solo activities that allow me to think, process, and release energy. I find clarity during solitary hikes and runs, but my newest joy comes from taking the top and doors off my Jeep and going for a drive as the seasons change. There’s something incredibly freeing about these drives—they’ve become my mobile meditation sessions, complete with spontaneous singing that helps me release tension and rediscover my enthusiasm.

Different activities can serve as mental reset buttons for different people:

• Physical activities like sports or dance can help clear mental clutter while boosting endorphins.
• Creative pursuits like painting or music can activate different parts of the brain, giving overused work-related neural pathways a chance to rest.
• Mindful activities like cooking or gardening can create a state of flow, allowing for mental recovery while staying engaged.
• Social activities like game nights or book clubs can provide emotional support while stimulating different types of thinking.

The Impact on Work Performance

When we return to work after engaging in enjoyable activities, the benefits are both immediate and lasting. Our refreshed mental state allows us to:

• Approach problems with renewed creativity
• Interact more positively with colleagues
• Maintain focus for longer periods
• Make better decisions
• Handle stress more effectively

My own breakthrough came when these periods of renewal helped me recognize a powerful truth: I could serve my clients more deeply and add more value by working with fewer of them. While this realization was initially daunting, it meant charging more for my services, I discovered that the value my clients receive is so much greater than the higher investment level that they’re actually grateful for this change. This shift in perspective wouldn’t have been possible without giving myself space to step back and think differently.

I first heard of the strategy below from my Coach and Colleague, Dale Gibbons and it was then reinforced on the ReWork Podcast.

The Power of Regular Time Off

Through experimentation, I’ve discovered that the most transformative approach to renewal is working intensively for 12 weeks, followed by a dedicated week of time off. The time off during this 13th week isn’t a regular vacation; it’s a purposeful time for deep reflection, recovery, and strategic thinking. Each time I honor this cycle, I see my impact increase, my joy deepen, and my business achieve new wins.

Here’s how you can implement your own sabbatical practice:

1. Start Small
   • Begin by blocking one full day per month of time off for renewal.
   • Gradually expand to longer periods as you see the benefits.
   • Work toward a full week of time off every quarter.
2. Make it Sacred
   • Mark your sabbatical periods on your calendar a year in advance.
   • Treat these times as unmovable appointments with yourself.
   • Communicate the importance of this practice to your team and clients.
3. Use the Time Wisely
   • Engage in activities that truly energize you during time off.
   • Allow space for both rest and reflection.
   • Use this time to think strategically about your work and life.
4. Track the Impact
   • Notice how your energy and creativity surge after each sabbatical.
   • Document the insights and breakthroughs that come during these periods.
   • Share the benefits with others to normalize this practice.

The Virtuous Cycle of Enjoyment and Impact

What makes this approach of time off particularly powerful is its self-reinforcing nature. When we perform better at work, we feel more confident and satisfied, which in turn makes it easier to justify and make time for the activities we enjoy. This creates a positive feedback loop that benefits both our personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

In a world that often glorifies constant productivity, taking regular time off might seem counterintuitive. However, the evidence is clear: taking time off and doing what we love while taking structured breaks isn’t just a luxury, it’s a crucial investment in our professional effectiveness. By implementing your own sabbatical practice for time off, you can create a more sustainable approach to work that benefits both your impact and your joy.

The next time you feel your energy flagging at work, remember: the solution might not be to push harder, but to step away with time off intentionally and regularly. Your work will be waiting for you when you return, and you’ll be better equipped to tackle it with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

What will your first sabbatical look like, and when will you schedule it? If you want some help, reach out and my team will schedule a personal chat.