Do you need permission to take time for yourself?

If so, consider your leave application approved.

I remember, years ago, I was working with an Ayurvedic Holistic Practitioner. At the end of the session she invited me to make another appointment.

“Do you have anything after hours?” I asked.

“Why?”

“Well, I work through the day and I have employees”, I answered.

“Shirley, you own the business, right?”

“Yes.”

“You work late at night, some days?”

“Yes, of course.”

“You work weekends?”

“Often.”

“Then how come you won’t schedule an appointment for yourself during work hours when you know it’s beneficial to your health?” she asked.

“Well, I have employees and I want to be a role model. I have to turn up to work.”

“Some kind of role model”, she said.

“What do you mean?”

“You work all week, you work late at night, you work on weekends, who would want to own a business?”

“Ouch. She had a point.”

“Wouldn’t you rather inspire your team know you had the freedom to work when you wanted and to be able to schedule appointments during work hours?”

Ouch again. “Yes.”

“And besides”, she added.

“I don’t want to work after hours, so how about we schedule 10:00am next Monday.”

<name>, that was the beginning of me taking time for myself. From then on, I never worried about scheduling appointments for myself during work hours. I was so grateful for the lesson.

So it’s your turn now. Take a look at your schedule. Take a look at the hours you are working. Take a look at the type of role model you are.

Take some time for yourself.

If you do, you’ll certainly be happier, healthier and a great inspiration and role model to your people.

As the festive season approaches, please Take Some Time for Yourself.

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