šI'm Falling into the Trap, Again!
The importance of taking breaks and recharging your energy often
This week, I found myself in a situation thatās all too familiar to us solopreneurs: I was falling into āthe trapā. Let me explain what that means.
Ever find yourself overwhelmed by a jumble of thoughts, ideas, and a never-ending list of 'have-tos' and 'should-dos'? It's like your mind becomes a cluttered, noisy room where focusing is nearly impossible. That's the trap I'm talking about. And that was me last week.
In the past, recognizing this trap was a challenge. But with time and growing self-awareness, the signs have become clear. I find myself caught in a loop ā worrying, overworking, feeling overwhelmed, and then back to worrying. It's a vicious cycle that strips away the essence of why I embarked on this solopreneur path in the first place.
A bit of stress and overwork are ok and natural. Too much can be dangerous. So I want to use this edition to share my thoughts and experiences, in the hope that it might help you navigate your way out if you ever find yourself in a similar spot.
Reflecting on What Led Me to Fall into the Trap
Last week was a challenge. I got through it, but I couldnāt shake off the feeling of being overwhelmed. It wasn't the worst week I've had, but for some reason, it felt more than just having a tough week.
On top of this, I've recently moved. We all know moving can be exhausting, and it's even more so when you're trying to balance it with running your business. And youād think Iād have it all sorted by now, but my place is still a bit of a mess. And I donāt function very well when my surroundings are a mess.
It's been three months since my last real break. The weekends have been only a breather, so I haven't been able to fully relax. And now, suddenly, it's December. This year has flown by in a blur of activity. It's been a whirlwind of busy days, ups and downs, but also really exciting moments.
Could all this overwhelm be because of everything that's been going on? Definitely. Maybe there are even more reasons I haven't figured out yet.
When things get this hectic I usually turn to my hobbies, but they're not enough this time. They help me get through each week, but now, I need something more substantialāa real and well-deserved break.
Rest Before You Hit Your Limit
I have mixed feelings about calling it a 'well-deserved' break. It sounds like I should only rest after pushing myself to the limit, which isn't great. And I realize I'm the one putting this pressure on myself. Back when I was managing teams, I always encouraged them to take breaks whenever they needed, no questions asked. But for me, it's a different story. I tend to wait until I'm completely run down before I even think about taking a break.
Iāve been thinking of taking a short break away from the city for quite some time now. But somehow, I always ended up pushing it further down my to-do list. Realizing I was slipping back into that overwhelming trap, I decided to act. I booked a flight for a long weekend, aiming to recharge.
Experiencing the Rewards of a Brake
I'm fortunate to have my father living in a gorgeous place, only a 30-minute flight away. He's in Menorca, one of the beautiful Balearic Islands in Spain. It's such a peaceful and stunning spot, especially in the winter. For me, it's the perfect place to recharge both my energy and spirit.
I've been here for three days now. And I have to be honest, I haven't completely stopped working, but I'm taking a slower pace. I'm allowing myself to sleep in, with no alarms to jolt me awake. My days are filled with long walks, and moments of peace sitting on my favorite bench overlooking the vast and soothing Mediterranean Sea. I'm enjoying delicious homemade meals and precious time with my dad and our 20-year-old cat. And you know what? I'm feeling a lot better already. I feel calmer, more focused, and well-rested.
Ideally, I'd take a full break, completely away from work and my computer. But as most solopreneurs will understand, that's easier said than done. I have clients and commitments that I can't just put on hold. So, this is more of a semi-break, but it's still a significant step away from the edge of that overwhelming loop.
The Importance of Taking Breaks
This experience has reinforced how crucial it is to take breaks, even if they're only partial ones. It's about treating yourself kindly and recognizing the signs when you're about to fall into that dangerous trap. It might manifest differently for each of us, but it's a common experience. We tend to carry a lot on our shoulders, and the pressure we put on ourselves can be immense. Recognizing and addressing this before it becomes too challenging is key.
I realize how lucky I am to hop on a plane and escape to a gorgeous island whenever I feel the need. It's a privilege I don't take for granted, especially knowing not everyone can do the same. But remember, a recharging break doesn't have to involve a flight or an island retreat. You might not even be a fan of the sea or crave quiet and tranquility like I do.
Your perfect re-charging recipe could be a weekend at an amusement park, riding rollercoasters, and feeling the rush of adrenaline. Or maybe it's visiting a loved one, catching up, and laughing out loud over cooking a meal together. We all have our unique ways of unwinding, but one thing's for sure: we all need to take breaks, in whatever form suits us best.
Tips for Making Break-Taking a Habit
If you're noticing that you're slipping into that overwhelming trap and struggling to give yourself a break, don't worry, you're not alone. Here are some practical tips to help you step back and recharge. You don't have to dive into all of them at once. Start with one or two, build them into your routine, and gradually increase as you get more comfortable. The goal is to create a habit that prevents you from reaching a point of no return:
š Schedule Regular Breaks:
Proactively schedule breaks in your calendar. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
Short daily breaks: Even 15-20 minutes of stepping away from your workspace can be recharging.
Longer breaks: Plan for a full-day break every week and a few days break every few weeks to fully detach and relax.
š§āāļø Create a Relaxing Routine:
Develop a routine that you enjoy for your breaks. It could be a short walk, a meditation session, listening to music, or simply sitting quietly in a natural setting.
The key is to do something different from your work, something that calms your mind and body.
š“ Digital Detox:
During your break, disconnect from all work-related technology. This means no checking emails, messages, or social media related to work.
Consider a digital detox for longer breaks, immersing yourself in activities that don't involve screens.
š Indulge in Nature:
Spend time outdoors. Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe and refresh the mind. A simple walk in a park or by the sea can work wonders.
If you can, plan a getaway to a natural setting for your longer breaks.
āļø Mindfulness and Reflection:
Use this time for some light reflection or mindfulness exercises. Mindful breathing, journaling, or practicing gratitude can provide mental clarity and reduce stress.
Reflect on your achievements and the positive aspects of your solopreneur journey.
š¤øāāļø Physical Activity:
Engage in some form of physical activity. It could be yoga, a quick workout, or even stretching exercises.
Physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind, helping to release built-up stress.
It's really important to try and catch ourselves before we're completely overwhelmed. I know, it's easier said than done, but keeping this in mind is crucial. Aim to integrate these recharging breaks into your daily routine; they're key to your success as a solopreneur.
Let's view these breaks not as a luxury, but as an essential part of our journey. They give us the chance to come back to our work feeling refreshed, re-energized, and with a new perspective. Each break, no matter how small, is a step towards greater achievements and personal well-being.
Until next time, here's to making breaks a powerful tool in our solopreneur toolkit!
-Sabrina
ā”ļøAbout Sabrina Bonini
Sabrina Bonini is an experienced content specialist, writer, and educator who thrives as a multipotential solopreneur. She partners with companies in the exhilarating world of Web3, helping them share their stories and educate a wider audience through effective content writing and education. Dive into her work at Criptoescultura.com
On a personal level, Sabrina writes the weekly publication āļø Diary of a Modern Solopreneur, bringing readers along on her solopreneur journey and sharing insights and lessons in hopes of empowering others on the same path. She is also writing a book on the subject, aiming to broaden the empowerment of her readers even further.
When sheās not busy typing away, sheās picking up new hobbies, indulging her curiosity, or playing hide-and-seek with her fluffy cat. Discover more about her work and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Great post!
P.S. I continue to be astounded by the drawings of https://www.instagram.com/lizandmollie Consistently genius.
I know what you mean, taking breaks is hard. I know I do my best work when Iāve recharged though, so I sometimes literally push myself to relax :) Most of the times, it works.