I recently took a week away from the office to take my family on a spring break trip. I’m lucky to have a leader and a team that supports this. One thing I’ve learned through my 20+ year career is that there is NEVER a “good” time to take vacations and to truly unplug and I’m one of the most guilty people about not taking PTO. There is always more work to be done then there is time to do it. Those expectations only intensify the higher up you climb. The next fire drill, the next important meeting, the next presentation, the next budget, the nexts just continue. Because of this, it’s more important than ever, as MJ would say to “Just Do it”. These are my top 5 reasons it’s important to take time, especially if you have a family.

You’ve only got 1 family and 1 lifetime

Your family needs you a lot more than your job needs you. Marriages take effort, raising kids takes effort and having healthy relationships take effort. This effort can not be the leftovers because all your effort was all spent at work. This is time and investment that will have a greater ROI than anything you do professionally. I’ve seen both sides, I struggle with this in a big way. I often feel guilty about my family getting the leftovers. I’m sharing this as a way to challenge myself but also encourage others.

Time is the only resource we can’t make more of

One of my favorite quotes is that it’s not the years in your life that matter, it’s the life in your years that counts. I have to remind myself of this constantly. Saying that I’ll do that tomorrow, or we’ll take that trip next year or in 5 years. Whatever your time box is and the reasons for it, tomorrow is not promised. I do not want to look back at my life with a lot of I wish I would haves. I’d much rather look back on my life with a lot of, wow, I can’t believe I did that’s.

The work will be there when you get back (most of the time)

Most important work related activities don’t come and go in a week. Some do, but that is where the value of a team and the benefit of leadership can really be fruitful. Being a good leader means engaging and involving your team. It means helping those on your team develop the tools so that they can step up and fill in if it’s needed. It means having the faith and the trust in your team, your peers and your leaders that most things can be covered while your out.

Breaks are good for your mental health

Taking a break to reset and recharge have proven to increase performance. Stepping back for a bit can give you new perspective. It allows you to see how things go while your away. It allows you to see folks true colors. It also lets you clear your mind, find fresh ideas, get excited about jumping back in and importantly a feeling of appreciation.

Be the leader that encourages and celebrates these breaks

Todays workforce is extremely competitive. Top talent can find jobs faster and easier than ever before. People want more than anything to feel appreciated and supported. Be a leader, be an organization, be a culture that celebrates peoples value and life outside of the the business. When people feel supported and valued, not only will they stay longer but they will work harder and give more. Be the leader that not only supports but models these traits, your business will benefit from it. I guarantee it.