The Benefits of Adding Micro-Vacations to Your Day
So often as leaders we run full out all the time and feel as if the only time we get a break is when we go on vacation. If that's the cycle you find yourself in, how's that working for you?
I'm not downplaying the need for extended time away to relax and rejuvenate; I am saying that for your benefit, the benefit of your team and your clients, you don't have to wait until your vacation to do so.
You can add micro-vacations to your routine everyday. Sound impossible? Sound overwhelming? It doesn't have to be. Here are a few examples.
Breathe - Start the day with a few intentional breathes.
Pause - Take a five second pause before responding to a confrontational comment.
Reflect - Add a moment of silent reflection before a high stakes meeting.
Smile - End the day with a smile as you recall one thing that went well.
So who benefits from such micro vacations?
1. You
As with extended vacations, when you add micro-vacations to your day, you slow the pace. You “refresh the screen” to free up space for focus. With a little practice, at the end of the day, you’ll notice that you still have a pool of energy from which to draw. That’s because you're effectively managing your stress in the moment.
2. Your Team
Whether it's your inattention or an off-handed comment that stings them, your stress impacts the team. Establishing daily micro-vacation practices, will allow you to be a more consistent positive influencer for your team. They need you at your best especially in challenging times.
3. Your Clients
You're consistently at your best. Your team is consistently at its best. The result - more attention to and better responsiveness for your clients. An alignment of the starts, if you will, to increase impact for those you serve.
Don't wait for your next extended vacation to relax and rejuvenate.
Start with the examples above or create your own.
Be consistent with your daily micro-vacation practices and you'll look forward to your extended vacations in a wholly different way.
_______________________
Passionate Leadership
is who you're being as you're leading.
About the Author
Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and founder of Total Life Leadership. At Total Life Leadership, we partner with purpose-driven non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them answer the question “How Do I Become a Better Leader?”
Using The Six Pillars of Passionate Leadership, we equip leaders to be the best they can be. The result is a passionate leader whose team and organization are operating for maximum impact.
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