This Christmas holiday was the first time in 4 years I didn’t work on my blog, and although I kept up social media (to some extent), it was a really big step for me. If I’m honest I’m a bit of a workaholic (I fully understand this is an oxymoron, like being a ‘tad OCD’) and although the idea of taking time off almost scared me a little, I knew it had to happen and hopefully it has put changes into place that I will live by going forward. Here is what I learnt…
- It’s okay to stop sometimes, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. I didn’t post for almost 3 weeks and guess what? My website didn’t break, or close down. In fact, my traffic stayed quite healthy due to instagram and twitter. The same stands for putting in extra hours, I’ve always gone above and beyond when I work for a client, but it is also okay to say ‘this isn’t achievable in the time I’ve been set’. I’ve been reading ‘The Off Switch’ (it’s okay, a bit too self helpy for me) and how it is actually healthy to switch off, take a break and leave work on time. Generally, you’ll be more productive.
- I actually love my work. As much as I enjoyed being sprawled on a beach every day, I was also really looking forward to getting my teeth into a project again. For me, not being able to switch off is partly because of anxiety but also partly because I really enjoy what I do.
- Travel is good for the soul. We met some amazing people whilst away (and most with a much more positive outlook to us – us Londoners need to work on it!). The kindness of strangers mixed with a relaxed coastal attitude really rubbed off on us and we’re determined to be more positive.
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| Copper lamp: £30, Habitat. Bed: £350 in the sale, Habitat. Table: West Elm (sold out). ‘101 Dreams’ book, £21, Kikki K. Lime and bay candle, £20, The White Company. Mug: £10, Kikki K |
- It’s not the end of the world if you don’t instagram daily. Yes, social media is important for me but equally it shouldn’t define me. Some days are manic days, some are rainy days, bad hair days and some are just relaxing days – write-offs are okay. I’m choosing to slow down a bit on social to enjoy a bit more leisure time (and not keeping my phone by my bed!).
- Travel needn’t cost the earth. We bought our flights to India in the January sales last year, paid for accommodation throughout the year and saved spending money from doing a carboot sale. We stayed in Homestays mainly and if you choose somewhere where food and cost of living is affordable, you’ll never have to sit scanning the menu in a restaurant for a side salad or starter only!
Really enjoyed this post and wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. I completely switched off (no phone, no iPad, no nothing!) for a 3 day mini break recently and I think I felt the most relaxed I've ever been!
I complained to a few people that I was a bit 'bored' on the holiday, but most people said 'it probably did you more good than you realise'. Everyone needs a recharge.
I think your Christmas break from blogging was a great idea, it built up the anticipation for your next post. I checked in frequently and was extremely pleased when you returned.
Can you recommend a camera for a blogger in training? My phone is great but think I may need to make an investment.
Thanks in advance x
Oh thank you so much! I was quite fun nervy seeing if people would come back to read but they have, thankfully!
And yes, I use the Olympus EL-7 or something like that….so easy to use, but every pic looks crisp and it has built in wifi – so you can send pics to your phone easily etc. I take every pic with it now and love it x
This is so true. I actually did my first blog post yesterday of the year… I hadn't actually posted since November. It felt good to switch off and disconnect after blogging pretty regularly since 2009. Also, totally agree that not having your phone by your bed is a good thing. I try not to look at my phone after 9pm if I can. I feel like that constant stimulation and obsession with checking it is destructive. Love the idea of switching off more.
xx
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I must admit, this week has got a bit out of control and I had ti by my bed last night…..so hard to go cold turkey!