Does it feel indulgent to consider taking a weekday night off from your work, projects, or other responsibilities? Do you feel inklings of guilt creeping up just thinking about it? Do you obsess over the e-mails that will go unanswered when you take a break from your computer?
I know I do. As a result, my career coach sometimes assigns me three fun activities to do in addition to my other career-related tasks. And, I’m finding myself sharing the same advice for my clients, especially when folks are preparing for a big interview or working on an application for a dream job. It’s not only OK to take a night off to relax and enjoy yourself, it’s essential for your well-being and self-care. Tapping into the kinds of things that nurture you will allow you to present yourself as your best self in career and life.
I’m taking tonight off to watch my favorite NBC comedies and eat Chinese food with my husband for our Thursday night “living room” date. Go ahead–give yourself permission! What are you going to do when you take a night off?
I love this! Too funny because I was just talking to LYJ blogger Nicole Lisa about giving ourselves the day off and when you work for yourself, it’s that much harder to not feeling you should be “doing” all the time. Clearly a sign time off is in my future.