To be honest I had a difficult couple of weeks and I needed to take the time to unwind (buy me a coffee if you want the details). It was probably the first time in over three years in the public service where I took time off for the express purpose of simply recharging my batteries.
I took two days off this week and spent the time doing things I wanted to do. I created some nifty visualizations of the Digital Economy consultation paper, went for a run, had lunch with my dad, spoke at an event, taught a course, and wrote this simple blog post.
How often do you take the time to recharge?
What do you do?
I’m certainly going to start doing it more often and I’m interested in how it’s done; I’m learning just how important it can be.
[image credit: Princess Cy]
[crossposted from cpsrenewal.ca]
I just went on vacation with my family to Myrtle Beach…visiting some gardens with pretty amazing sculptures and landscaping…also, went golfing with my Dad…walked on the boardwalk, etc.
For mini-vacations in the week, I go for a run in a state park not far from my home.
My mentor plans a 3-4 day vacation once per quarter. It gives him something to look forward to as a reward for working hard…and allows his family to have something on the horizon where they all are going to get away as well. I like that philosophy. Not sure if I accomplish that, but hoping to adopt to some degree.
Hiking in Shenandoah National Park. Start at Skyline Drive and hike down the mountain. Collect resumes from bears and promise to get back to them if there is an opening in your agency. Cross the lower ridge to the next creek valley and hike back up. Hit the showers at the Big Meadows campground. Finish up with Dickey Ridge Chicken in the lodge with blackberry ice-cream for desert. Be sure to catch the sunset from one of the overlooks before driving home.
I’m taking a week off now. I haven’t really had any time off for myself in the last few years. I take a day here and there but haven’t had a week off since 2006.
I catch up on some movies, take walks, and spend an afternoon in my favorite coffee shops. I like to use this time to brainstorm personal projects and plan out my writing.
What is a vacation?
I find that spending time reading the right book can provide a nice change of pace and can fit into the smallest schedule change. Even a long flight home may give time to get into an engrossing book.
Thanks everyone =)
I’ll keep you posted on how I fare.