Small business owners are known for their relentless dedication. Many pour their heart, soul, and countless hours into their ventures, often at the expense of their own well-being. Yet, research and expert advice consistently show that taking time off—whether a full-fledged vacation or a simple staycation—is not just a luxury, but a necessity for personal health and business success. As a lifelong business owner, taking time off isn’t a hypothetical for me; over the last 26 years my wife and I have visited all 50 states, 2 US territories, and almost 90 countries across all continents except Antarctica (we’ll get there eventually).
Why Small Business Owners Need a Break
I find the statistics are depressing: only about 14% of business owners take a vacation every two to three years, with many rarely taking time off, even when sick. This culture of constant work can lead to severe burnout, increased stress, and diminished creativity. Overwork not only impacts mental and physical health but can also result in costly mistakes, irritability, and a loss of motivation.
Taking time away from your business isn’t just about rest—it’s about resetting your mind and body so you can return with renewed energy, sharper focus, and fresh ideas. Vacations have been shown to improve productivity, boost creativity, and help prevent burnout, all of which are essential for the long-term sustainability of any business.
The Power of the Staycation
Not every small business owner can afford a week in the tropics or a cross-country road trip. The good news is that you don’t need to travel far—or at all—to reap the benefits of time off. A staycation, where you remain at home but intentionally disconnect from work, can be just as restorative.
During a staycation, you can:
- Explore local attractions you’ve never had time to visit
- Spend quality time with family and friends
- Indulge in hobbies or rest activities you usually neglect
- Simply rest and recharge in the comfort of your own home
In order to reap the full benefits of your staycation, treat it just like you would a traditional one. If necessary, set boundaries by closing your home office and avoiding checking work emails; commit yourself to relaxing as if your health depended on it.
Making Time Off Educational—Even on a Budget
For small business owners, taking time away from work isn’t just a luxury—it’s an investment in both your well-being and your business’s long-term success. But if the idea of a lavish vacation feels out of reach or unrealistic, you don’t have to give up on time off. Instead, consider making your downtime “educational” and purposeful, while still stepping away from your usual environment.
1. Get Out of Your Own Office:
The first and most important step is to physically leave your business, even if only for a day or a few hours. Changing your environment helps reset your mind, foster new ideas, and break out of autopilot mode.
2. Network Casually:
Set a personal goal to meet other entrepreneurs while you’re out—at a local coffee shop, a business meet-up, or a community event. Strike up casual conversations with fellow owners or freelancers. These peer interactions can open doors to fresh perspectives, practical advice, and even future collaborations.
3. Experience Your Industry as a Customer:
Visit other businesses similar to yours—whether it’s dining in another local restaurant, browsing a boutique, or attending a workshop in your field. Pay attention as a customer:
- What stands out about their customer service or product quality?
- Is there something they’re doing differently that sparks ideas?
- How does their pricing compare to yours?
This “field research” is valuable—it lets you bring back insights you can use without feeling like you’re just working all the time.
4. Attend Local Events or Workshops:
Look for day-long seminars, skill-building workshops, or group classes. Even if these aren’t directly related to your business, they can inspire new thinking and introduce you to different problem-solving approaches.
5. Find Inspiration Beyond Your Industry:
Visit an art museum, a local maker’s market, or a community garden. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, and letting your mind wander outside your usual context can lead to creative breakthroughs back at work.
The bottom line: Time off doesn’t have to be idle, expensive, or guilt-inducing. By using short breaks to learn, observe, and reconnect—with yourself and others—you get the rest you need while nurturing your business’s future at the same time.
The Joy of Unplugging: Why You Should Take a Book
One of the most effective ways to disconnect and truly take rest—whether you’re on a beach or your own back porch—is to bring along a hardcover book. Reading offers a host of benefits:
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Reduces Stress:
Immersing yourself in a good story provides a mental escape and lowers cortisol levels, helping you relax and sleep better
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Stimulates Creativity:
Books can spark new ideas and perspectives, often leading to breakthroughs when you least expect them
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Improves Focus:
Stepping away from screens and focusing on a physical book enhances concentration and mindfulness
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Enhances the Vacation Experience:
Reading can make downtime more enjoyable, whether you’re waiting in an airport or lounging at home
Choosing a hardcover book over a digital device also helps you stay offline, avoiding the constant barrage of notifications and work-related distractions. This digital detox is vital for mental clarity, deeper relaxation, and genuine presence with loved ones.
Unplugging: The Ultimate Reset
Vacations and staycations are most effective when they’re truly unplugged. Stepping away from devices allows your brain to rest, improves sleep, and fosters more meaningful connections with family and friends. This break from digital stimulation can lead to greater clarity, more creative problem-solving, and a renewed sense of purpose when you return to work.
Making It Happen: Practical Tips
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Plan Ahead:
Prepare your business and communicate with clients or staff so you can step away without worry
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Set Boundaries:
Limit work check-ins to a specific time, if at all, and avoid forwarding business calls to your personal phone
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Delegate or Automate:
Use business management tools to keep operations running smoothly in your absence
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Prioritize Relaxation:
Whether traveling or staying home, commit to activities that help you unwind and recharge
For small business owners, time off is not a selfish indulgence but a strategic investment in yourself and your business. Whether you can afford a vacation or only a staycation, the benefits—reduced stress, improved creativity, stronger relationships, and a healthier perspective—are undeniable. Take a book, unplug, and allow yourself the break you deserve. Your business, your loved ones, and your own well-being will be better for it.
Back to work for me, well, until our upcoming trip to Mexico that is!
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