When you wake up in the morning, do you dread going to work? When you’re there, have you become ineffective at what you do or how you lead? What do you do in these situations? It could be fixed with a simple change, or maybe it’s time to not just step back but maybe to step away.
I consider myself a workaholic, and I’m sure that friends, family, and co-workers would agree with this statement. While it is sometimes a great quality to have, the cost of this quality can takes its toll.
It isn’t always easy to take time off or get away, though, so here are some key things I think about so those steps back don’t put me behind:
Use your PTO where you can get the most out of it. If you have a 3-day weekend or a holiday coming up, but you feel like you could benefit from an extra day off (Spending one more day with the family or maybe just a day to relax after a vacation) then do so. Put your mind at ease and erase the guilt of maybe leaving a family function early or going back to work when you’re not quite ready for it.
If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind…. Taking a day off is not just good for taking a day off, but also for re-organizing your work and personal spaces. This doesn’t mean to take everything on your desk and throw it on the floor. Organize the things you use daily; get rid of anything you aren’t using anymore.
Extended leave of absence. This is a last resort, but one you might need one day. An extended leave of absence, when necessary, allows you to reset yourself and your goals – personally and professionally.
No matter what industry or work environment, the stress of everything can get to any of us. With the holidays around the corner and the end of the year nearing, think about how and when to take a break – then get back to doing what you love better than ever.

Nick Carreiro, aka the 6th Man, is a workaholic at times, but he also knows what he needs to keep his work on track – a break.  How do you manage your stress? Do you know when it’s time to take a step back? Leave a comment below for Nick or email him directly.