The Art of Taking a Break

In partnership with

I’m finally back from a little bit of leave and am slowly getting back into work now that my family have flown home and things go back to “normal”.

Do you struggle to take breaks?

It is something I really struggle with, because there’s always something burning and there’s no one else to pick up the slack while I’m away. Not to mention the catching up on all those mails once I’m back!

Reply and let me know if you struggle too (and why) — I’d like to know I’m not alone. But also maybe there’s a way we can all help each other out.

(Regardless, see my essay below for some amazing shots from my holiday)

In this newsletter:

• Essay: Practical Tips for Taking a Break

• Candid News: The Community Catalyst for Growth; a FREE December Challenge

Practical Tips for Taking a Break

Taking a break isn’t just a luxury; it's a necessity. And as someone who loves to keep building and connecting, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that without intentional breaks, burnout is not far behind.

Here are some practical tips for taking a break, along with some photo-evidence of how good a break can be!

1. Schedule It in Your Calendar—Months in Advance

If you want to take a break guilt-free, it all starts with planning ahead. Get that holiday locked into your calendar and let your clients and collaborators know you’ll be unavailable. Ideally, do this months in advance, like now for 2025. This allows you to communicate your plans properly to everyone involved—no last-minute stress, no guilt. Trust me, if you don’t schedule it now, burnout will force you into an unplanned break. And those aren’t nearly as refreshing.

Top Tip: Check out all the public holidays planned for the next year and use them as an anchor to maximize overlap between your time off and your clients'. This helps everyone stay in sync and makes your absence smoother for all.

2. Create a Handover Plan

A solid handover plan can be the difference between a restful break and constant interruptions. Make sure those relying on you have everything they need, and know exactly who to contact if you aren’t around. This way, they won’t be messaging you with so-called emergencies.

When I prepare a handover, I include a summary of the entire project, urgent next steps, and assignees/owners responsible while I'm away. I also add links to additional support resources, like the Circle.so support team or relevant knowledge bases. It’s all about making it easy for others to keep things rolling without you.

3. Plan Your Holiday Activities in Advance

Planning your holiday doesn't mean mapping out every minute, but having a general idea of what you want to do helps you actually use your time wisely. Think about it: if you don’t plan, you might end up in bed all day or, on the flip side, feel overwhelmed trying to do everything.

In my experience, planning whole days for activities like "beach time" or "exploring a new city" helps me unwind properly and avoid decision fatigue. This way, I can make sure I’m getting both rest and excitement without tipping into chaos or boredom.

4. Plan Full Days Away from Screens

It’s not a real break if you’re still glued to your screen, even if it’s just for “a quick check-in.” I always plan full days where I completely unplug—no emails, no notifications. One trick I swear by is deleting work apps from my phone or restricting their notifications during my break. This helps me stick to my boundaries without constantly fighting the urge to check in. Trust me, the dopamine-seeking part of your brain will try to convince you otherwise.

5. Create a "Restart" Guide for Yourself

Coming back from a break can be just as challenging as taking one. That’s why I create a “Restart” guide for myself before I leave. This document includes who I need to check in with regarding project progress, which channels to look at and respond to, what automations need to be switched on or off, and a prioritized list of what needs my attention when I’m back.

This approach keeps me focused and helps me avoid that overwhelming feeling of “where do I even start?” when I return. It’s like my future self giving my post-holiday self a helping hand.

Taking a break shouldn’t feel like an impossible feat. By planning ahead, setting clear boundaries, and organizing both your exit and re-entry, you can make your downtime genuinely restorative. Let’s face it: a well-rested you is a more creative, effective, and happy you.

So go ahead—put that break on your calendar now. Your future self will thank you.

Hit “reply” to let me know YOUR practical tips for taking breaks!

Candid News:

Community Catalyst for Growth

December can be a wild month—year-end chaos and a lot of reflection about what the heck we did all year long. But it can also be the perfect time to spark something new.

Introducing a FREE challenge to ignite your 2025 marketing plans!

This challenge is all about helping you create a Community Marketing strategy that actually works for you. One that fits your style, your goals, and your people—not some cookie-cutter template.

Because when it comes to growing your business, community marketing is the catalyst. Each week in December, we'll focus on a different part of your community strategy, with prompts, resources, and real talk to get you thinking, creating, and refining. By the end of the month, you’ll have a game plan that feels genuinely you and lights a fire under your business growth efforts.

So, if you've been meaning to shake things up, get organised, or finally build a plan you actually want to follow:

Let's end this year with clarity, momentum, and a strategy that makes 2025 your best year for growth yet!