There’s an extra bank holiday in the UK this May. And it got me thinking about our different relationships with down time; with taking time to unwind.
Motivator . Nemesis . Stranger . Saviour . Companion
Whatever your role, background or experience it can be an emotive subject.
💭 Early career energy mixed with a something-to-prove drive might mean down time is taboo.
💭 Mid-career responsibilities combined with professional and career development challenges might mean down time is a pipe dream.
💭 Late-career changes amalgamated with shifting personal priorities might mean down time is a guilty pleasure.
OK, sweeping generalisations aside, you get what I mean.
Taking time away from work; your to-do-list; your inbox, can vex you in many ways.
Understanding more about your relationship with down time is one way of moving towards getting the amount and type you want and/or need.
Exploring areas such as…
- when, how and what helps you rest, refresh and re-energise, plus
- how you feel aboout taking time to unwind
… can help you learn more.
To get things started I thought you might like to try this…
Mini activity
Part 1
(i) In 6 words only, describe your situation or aspirations with respect to down time.
For example…
✎ Have a little. Want more please.
✎ No time for such frivolous things.
Mine is…
✐ Taking more now. Feel much better.
Part 2
(ii) Reflect on what you’ve written and the thought process you went through.
(iii) Consider what you are going to do next; what changes you are going to make
(iv) Pick one thing and… do it today 😉
As someone who has always had a strange relationship with down time, I know it can be a challenge to change.
Start simple; start small and before you know it the rest will follow.
Career Energiser 
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