How do you make yourself take a day off?

[Waitingfordolly]

I've been really really busy, working weekends and evenings, and I'm feeling a bit run down. I could take the day off today (nothing urgent to do) but I still feel the weight of work piled up (I probably won't finish everything I want to do by Christmas though that's not a disaster, just means I'll be coming back after the new year to finish things off rather than starting afresh, perhaps much quicker after a break than I will do now when I'm tired).

How do you all get yourself to take a break when there's always work you could be doing?

Day off is planned, in advance, each week, and that day is crossed out in the diary. I then make plans for whatever I am going to do.

The work will still be there the next day and I am better for having had my day off.

My top tip. Dont tell anyone. If you have kids get up and dress for work. Take them to school or childcare. Then come home.

I think I've fallen down on the planning of other things to do maybe. I had a Skype meeting cancelled yesterday, which has created a potentially free day. Though just going back to bed to read a book would be good but more difficult to ignore the lure of the laptop in the back room. I think I've forgotten how to relax!

Fortunately or unfortunately my DD doesn't really care or notice whether I'm working or not....

I am the same waiting. My work is never done. The only time I tend to do things that aren't work on a work day is when I book something in which involves another.

It is something to address in 2017 I think. If I/you have already worked 40 hours by Wed night, then a day off on Thurs is absolutely fine but it doesn't feel it.

Sorry no answers, but lots of empathy.

Thanks Margo, knowing I'm not alone is enough! I did manage it by doing lots of other jobs instead, I didn't sit down and read my book though, and I did reply to emails. I just want to get things out of the way but when they're just replaced with other things it's a bit counterproductive! I have a friend who prioritises doing nothing then works flat out right up against deadlines but I couldn't do that, there must be some happy medium!