I Unplugged From My Work – Was it a Wise Move to Take a Break?

by Mavis Nong on March 22, 2011

Have a break... Have a Kit Kat!

As you may or not know, I have been participating in the blogging challenge and the blogging contest for the past few weeks.

Well, the latter is only a recent thing.

As you can imagine, they both kept me very busy, not that I’m complaining.

I’m working hard, having fun and best of all, seeing incredible results for my efforts.

Now, yesterday I was out of action – believe it or not. Yes, I had a post scheduled to be published but I didn’t publish it.

See, I didn’t feel like working at all.

What’s the point of publishing a post if I won’t be able to promote it? I’m now used to promoting my content like crazy and I believe in doing things properly, not a half-done job.

I know the blogging challenge and the blogging contest are not over yet, but I needed some time-off, so I stayed away from it all.

And this was not out of spontaneity. I planned my day-off before I went to bed the night before. Truth be told, if you are serious about building a business from home, around family and other commitments, planning becomes critical.

A fact is, you cannot function at the same pace all the time. You need to take a break and recharge your batteries every now and then.

How did I spend my day then?

I just had a lazy day at home, made some calls to my friends and then I went out with my baby to meet up with some other mums at the local park. The weather was glorious, just perfect for my day-off We then went for a quick bite before picking up our kids from school.

Later in the evening I checked on my other “baby” (my blog) and I couldn’t believe the traffic and the comments that I got, even though I didn’t publish any new post – yay!

Any Regrets?

None at all! I so needed that little break, I felt really tired and my body told me it was time to unplug a bit and do other things that matter in life.

In fact, I feel more refreshed now and raring to go. Here I come, watch out!

Key Takeaway

Don’t overwork yourself. Be kind to yourself and take a little break every now and then. Sometimes it may be just what you need to stay re-focused and re-energised to get things going again.

Also, you need to celebrate your achievements – big or small. I know that I’m on track with the blogging challenge and my contest entry is doing very well, so I can go out and play a bit, can’t I?

Speaking of which, have you commented on and shared my contest entry? I would be very grateful for your comment and vote(s). Please help me win it!

Over to you now: Do you unplug from work regularly? How do you clear your mind and recharge your batteries?

If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure you fill out this form to receive my blog post updates via e-mail, leave a comment below and share this with your friends and followers.

P.S. Please help me win the blogging contest by commenting and sharing my incredible post ==>How to Beat Changes to Organic Traffic Generation Rules.

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Tagged as: have a break from work, take a break from work, unplug from work

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Mavis Nong is the creator and author of Attraction Marketing Online. She is on a mission to help you to add the key ingredients for success in your business with her "Online Marketing Success Formula" report. Get it NOW!

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Jane | Find All Answers March 22, 2011 at 7:50 AM

I am totally with you on this Mavis. Everyone needs a break. And the bad fact is that those working in offices and other places have specific days they are given off even if they don’t like it or plan for it (the weekends, for instance). But for those who work from home, and especially online, they don’t have holidays or vacations unless they plan for it and decide to go for it.

You have taken the right decision. You will be a lot more productive and creative, I can say for sure.

Cheers,
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers invites you to check..Overcoming Procrastination To Achieve Your Goals

Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 12:49 PM: Yes, we all need a break. I agree, it can be difficult to pull back when you’re working for yourself. It’s really important to strike a balance.

I know, I feel really refreshed and much more productive. I should do this often

Thanks for the visit and comment, Jane.

All the best,
Mavis

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Marty March 22, 2011 at 8:09 AM

I think you got a lot of traffic during your break because you let go of the process for a while. I believe it frees up the energy in a spiritual way. Like a bird leaving it’s nest for the first time, the content will fly. Ohhhhhh I have another ideas for a blog!!!!
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 12:47 PM: Yep, I just let my blog to take care of itself in my absence

Glad to hear you got a blog post idea out of this

Thanks for the visit and kind words, Marty.

All the best,
Mavis

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Diana March 22, 2011 at 8:13 AM

Hi Mavis,

It’s wonderful you took a day off. You felt tired and it’s great you listen to your body. I like what you shared about being kind to yourself and yes, every achievement should be celebrated. I hope you enjoyed your day and feel you have recharged completely.

I really admire your tenacity

Take care!

Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 12:45 PM: Hi Diana! Welcome to my blog!

I definitely enjoyed my day and I feel completely rejuvenated!

Thanks for the visit and encouragement. Hope to see more of you here, Diana.

All the best,
Mavis

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Elle Billias March 22, 2011 at 12:34 PM

Nothing like taking a break to recharge the batteries! Helps you feel more refreshed and inspired!
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 12:44 PM: I agree, Elle. That’s exactly how I feel now

Great to see you here.

All the best,
Mavis

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Kiesha March 22, 2011 at 12:39 PM

Hi Mavis,
I feel you! Yesterday, I had a major case of Spring Fever. I just had to take a break and get some rest or I was going to lose my mind.

This post is so intuitive, because you’re right, you have to remember to plan for rest, relaxation and time with family and friends. You have to remember to keep a balance.
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 4:34 PM: Taking a break does help a great deal. There is no point pushing yourself even if your body and mind are telling you otherwise.

Agreed – keeping a balance is important.

Thanks for the visit and comment, Kiesha. Hope you’re feeling better today

Mavis

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TrafficColeman March 22, 2011 at 1:41 PM

Sometimes its best to take a break and make use of other things..I do this a couple times a month..it doesn’t hurt your site that much anyway..

“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 4:33 PM: That’s nice. I need to do this often. I have just been too busy recently.

Thanks for the visit and comment, Antonio.

All the best,
Mavis

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Kesha March 22, 2011 at 2:26 PM

Mavis, I was thinking just this past weekend, that I do too much work on the weekends!! I used to have my weekends to myself to play games (which I love) and have my niece and nephew over, read, or just lay around…

However, now that I’m getting busier with projects (which is good), I’ve been working day and night – let alone the full time job I have as well…

So I’m working on collaborating with other designers and VAs so that I can get back to having my free time on the weekends and I can’t wait!!!

So you’re right, we need to take time so we won’t overwork ourselves and become wiped out. What we do isn’t enjoyable anymore when it becomes “a chore”…I’m still working on it
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 10:05 PM: Oh dear, Kesha! It sounds like you have a lot on your plate!

Agreed – it can be too much especially when you have a full-time job as well.

It would be great if you can get some help so that you can have some free time as well. It’s important.

All the best,
Mavis

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Val Wilcox March 22, 2011 at 3:48 PM

Mavis,
Unplugging is so important! Once in awhile it’s great to rejuvenate by connecting in person. Life goes on no matter what we do, so take the time you need to be the person you want to be.
Val
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 4:32 PM: It is indeed, Val. Great to see you here

All the best,
Mavis

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Jayne Kopp March 22, 2011 at 4:23 PM

Hey Mavis, I am glad you took a bit of time off. Its necessary sometimes, and I think I will be a little MIA this week too. MY babies are off school and I want to spend some focused time.

It does you the world of good.

See you soon! Jayne
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 10:02 PM: I’m glad too. It’s absolutely necessary to pull away from it all.

Have fun with the kids!

Thanks for the visit and comment, Jayne.

Mavis

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Joseph from Vert Studios Texas March 22, 2011 at 4:27 PM

Geez, I need some sleep, haha. I think I’m going to unplug, too. Man, that sounds so nice. (I haven’t slept yet, in case you can’t tell).

Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 4:36 PM: Go and get some sleep, Joseph!

Thanks for coming by before going to bed

Sweet dreams!

Mavis

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Ilka Flood March 22, 2011 at 5:29 PM

Hi Mavis,

I’m so glad you took a break. I can tell you had fun and your baby appreciated the outing. We have to unplug from time to time as we can’t keep going at the same (busy) pace all the time. We risk burnout if we do.

All the Best,

Ilka

P.S. You’re making me hungry for chocolate with that picture
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Mavis Nong March 22, 2011 at 9:59 PM: I’m also glad I did, Ilka. Now, I feel re-energised!

Thanks for stopping by and for your input.

All the best,
Mavis

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Sherman Smith March 22, 2011 at 10:12 PM

Hey Mavis,

I’m not mad at you. Some of your greatest ideas come from taking a break or two!

Take Care

Sherman
Sherman Smith invites you to check..Confused about SEO Then you need to look into SEOpressor!

Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 9:44 AM: You’re right, Sherman – after recharging our batteries, we become more creative and productive

Thanks for the visit and comment.

All the best,
Mavis

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Dr. Bob Clarke March 23, 2011 at 1:50 AM

Absolutely Mavis… one must schedule some down time to keep the engines revved up during work time. This is especially important for Part Time Marketers (those that have a job or full time stay at home parents). Between work, kids, and your new baby (your business), burn out can happen fast and hard.

I schedule one morning a week to do something fun with Rosemary. We hit the movies, do some shopping or whatever! — as long as we find it relaxing and we can totally disconnect from our other obligations.

It’s essential. Glad you took the time to recharge your engines and enjoy your family!
Dr. Bob Clarke invites you to check..The Simplest and Fastest Way to Success With Attraction Marketing

Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 9:47 AM: I agree, Dr Clarke. It’s important to make this a part of your work routine – work hard and play hard

Thanks for stopping by and for your input.

All the best,
Mavis

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Jym Tarrant March 23, 2011 at 4:24 AM

Hey Mavis,

I support you 100% in this!

I just took a break for a month, and apart from a massive recharge, I’ve also had some time to consider some changes and re-organization of my business. Sure, things slowed up a bit, but there’s enough automation in place that it kept running, more than I expected in fact.

I love working on my business, but in the end the business is there to provide for and support the other things in our lives – family, health, spiritual path and other passions. Taking a break now and then to remember this is an important thing!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject Mavis.

All the best,

Jym
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Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM: Thank you very much for your support, Jym

I’d love to take a break for a month or so too… Glad to hear that a lot came out of your break and I’m sure you’re going to propel your business to the new level of success.

Thanks for the visit and for sharing your experience.

All the best,
Mavis

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Lauren Bennett March 23, 2011 at 8:19 AM

Now I’m thinking of taking a week off. Just realized that I’ve been working 7 days a week for the past 2 months, though I didn’t find it tiring, but of course, I don’t want to wait for me to get traumatized by work.

Regarding the time you’ve checked your blog’s traffic after your day off, I guess most of that traffic came from this blog’s pages that are already ranking on search engines? I guess this baby of yours can survive a week without any updates
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Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 10:34 AM: I’m going to take a week off next month. Yes, it helps to you stuff that’s already ranking as it will keep driving traffic to your blog, whether you write new content or not.

Enjoy your break, Lauren

Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.

All the best,
Mavis

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Dennis Edell March 23, 2011 at 2:10 PM

I’m dealing with ongoing health issues, so my schedule is quite hit and miss as it is; I can totally relate to what you’re saying though, that’s for sure.
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Mavis Nong March 23, 2011 at 4:05 PM: Sorry to hear that, Dennis. Take it easy man…

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Lou Barba March 23, 2011 at 3:54 PM

Hi Mavis,

I remember going to college and the possibility existed to go to class and study non stop from 6AM to 12 midnight. And I think that some kids were doing just that! I can’t imagine the conversation if one of these hard working students went on a date. “X plus Y equals Z”…”Yes, I’ve always found that to be true”. My family doctor says to beware of doctors that work 80 hours a week. So, keep taking breaks, Mavis. Make it part of your schedule, if you have to.

Lou Barba
Lou Barba invites you to check..Too Much “Wait” Broke the Wagon

Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 12:23 AM: Agreed, Lou. It’s very important to take a break.

Thanks for the reminder.

Mavis

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Stacy March 23, 2011 at 7:13 PM

Good for you, Mavis! I took the whole weekend off (does that count?) and I was so motivated to get back into that I wrote two long posts and burned myself out… I think I missed the point of recharging! Lesson learned!

Stacy
Stacy invites you to check..A Really Fun Way to Increase Your Health Today!

Mavis Nong March 23, 2011 at 10:32 PM: LOL, Stacy! You need another break after all that! . I look forward to your long posts…

I’m going to do this more often. It’s just been hectic with the challenge and contest, but all good. Success doesn’t come easily!

Take care of yourself, Stacy.

All the best,
Mavis

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bilal from domain name registration March 24, 2011 at 8:01 AM

In my opinion you did the right thing to take rest and listen to your body,but if you carried on working with this tired mind and body than you will not provide us quality articles or work like that ,thanks for taking rest

Mavis Nong March 24, 2011 at 11:19 AM: Agreed. Now I’m re-focused and re-energised

Thanks for your encouragement, Bilal.

Mavis

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Cosmin Stefan March 24, 2011 at 4:33 PM

Sometimes we need to break the routine and remind ourselves why we do what we do. When we focus on something in particular every day, we build walls around us and submit ourselves to our own little reality. It’s never a bad thing to burst our own bubble from time to time and take a look at the real world around us.
I think what you did was great Mavis. All the best!
Oh, and the picture made me smile.
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Mavis Nong March 28, 2011 at 12:19 AM: Yes, we do, Cosmin. I need to take a break often.

Thanks for stopping by and for your comment

Mavis

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Mitch Mitchell March 27, 2011 at 7:47 AM

I actually did the same thing on Wednesday, only I still had my article post as planned. I was supposed to be going to visit my grandmother for her 90th birthday but a snowstorm hit them and barely grazed me. Since it was kind of a planned non-work day I went to the casino for a few hours and decompressed. Felt pretty good, and came home a winner as well.
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Mavis Nong March 27, 2011 at 11:11 PM: Hey Mitch! Great to see you here

What a nice way to unplug and make some money too! I agree, it feels really good to take a break.

Thanks for the visit and comment.

Mavis

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Basam from fantastic sams April 10, 2011 at 4:42 AM

Continuous work sometime decrease your working aptitude.I often do some hours rest two days in a week. Visit my friend and make myself energetic for next coming days.

Mavis Nong April 11, 2011 at 9:34 AM: That’s true, Basam. You have a great plan there.

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Brittany Rubinstein April 13, 2011 at 11:18 PM

I am totally with you. Forcing yourself to work when the motivation isn’t there is worse than not working at all. It only results in sloppily produced work. It’s good to recharge every once in a while!

Mavis Nong April 14, 2011 at 9:37 PM: I couldn’t agree with you more, Brittany. Welcome to my blog!

Thanks for the visit and comment.

All the best,
Mavis

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Maude August 1, 2011 at 2:58 AM

These two struck me the most: “recharge batteries” and “celebrate your achievements.” I for one would agree that all of us would need to disconnect sometimes and just be with the nature. I always make sure that I get an ample rest, and with a pair of fresh eyes, it isn’t hard for me to deal with life’s difficulties anymore. Great post!
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Mavis Nong August 1, 2011 at 10:53 AM: Disconnecting every now and then sure helps, Maude. Welcome to my blog!

All the best,
Mavis

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Pedro Cardoso from slice of life August 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM

Of course one should be entitled to take the odd day off every now and then… isn’t that what IM/blogging is all about? In this line of job, there are no weekends and one gets to decide when it’s time to take a rest. Suits me just fine, since I really don’t like being stuck to monotonous schedules!

Mavis Nong August 5, 2011 at 4:12 PM: That’s right, Pedro. It’s the freedom that matters. Being stuck in front of your computer all year round, is definitely not the way to do it!

Mavis

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