Why Taking Breaks From Work Is Good for You and Your Business

Taking time away from your business can actually benefit your business.

In November, I took a 2-day solo retreat. In between hikes, I had unplugged downtime to dream. I was smiling big and felt free without my usual responsibilities for a little while.

I really believe solo retreats are important for business owners. But most of my clients focus more on sending their employees on retreats to build teamwork or come up with new ideas. They see retreats for employees as a smart investment in their business's future success. However, they think a retreat just for themselves is an indulgent waste of time that's too hard to make happen logistically.

It's Hard for Business Leaders to Step Away

A Harvard study found that CEOs who did manage to take vacations still worked 70% of those vacation days. They didn't really recharge or spend quality time with family, never mind reflecting on business or life goals.

I get asked: What's the actual benefit of an entrepreneur going on a personal retreat? It's hard to measure at first. We constantly hear about the importance of company retreats for employees as a key business priority. But you don't see much about retreats specifically for founders or business owners themselves.

The Benefit of Solo Retreats

Entrepreneurs are the core of their business, so we deserve to invest in ourselves and recharge too. When we're operating at our best, it helps our businesses succeed.

Research shows taking restorative breaks like vacations sharpens your focus, gives you mental clarity, and sparks creative insights. One study found that just a few days of vacation boosted people's reaction time by an impressive 80%. When you're away from your desk, you're more likely to come up with new solutions or a fresh perspective.

Being an entrepreneur takes up so much mental energy just dealing with daily tasks. The urgency of shipping products or networking overshadows bigger existential questions like: Am I happy? How can I improve my relationships? What do I truly want to accomplish in my work and life?

Retreats give you space to think about those big life questions. You can assess if you're still on the right path or if you need a change. Some entrepreneurs decide after a retreat to sell their company, shift directions, start a new philanthropic project, end a personal relationship, adopt a child, or relocate their family somewhere new based on the clarity they gained. Not making time for those big personal reflections can negatively impact your business too.

How to Go on a Solo Retreat

A retreat is different from a regular vacation where you just relax on a beach. My retreat let me fully immerse myself in a hobby I'm passionate about. I gave myself permission to step away from work responsibilities for a bit.

The summer is coming up soon, which is when many business owners begin to plan team retreats for their employees for the fall. Why not also book yourself a personal retreat? What's stopping you from taking that important time for yourself? Find a support system to make it happen, like having colleagues cover for you. Investing in yourself allows you to be at your best for your business.