Optimizing Time Away from Your Blog

Obviously, it is very hard to do. Not blog, that is. But, there are times when we all really need to take a break from blogging, hacking, and tweaking our content management systems, plugins, and browser addons. So, in the spirit of life hacking (I don’t know whether I love or hate that phrase yet), here is some advice from the team at The Menninger Clinic on how to make the most of your time off.

• Leave work at work - the most critical life hack for potential vacationers. When you are planning your vacation you should always plans for coverage at work. Resist the temptation to give your boss an emergency contact number unless you are really obliged to. Perhaps most importantly, switch off your cellphone and don’t be tempted to do any mobi-blogging while you are away.
• Warm up and chill out - Remember to make some time ahead of departure and after your return, so that you are not still making last minute adjustments to a blog post while the family stand chomping at the bit to catch your flight. And, equally make sure you have at least half a day to wind back up into work mode when you get home.
• Be prepared for the “I wants” - This is more about family management than anything else, but when on vacation give your kids (as well as you and your spouse) a fair allowance, so that when the “I wants” get out of control you can point each to the remaining cash in their budget.
• Unwind time - vacations are meant to be relaxing - unless you have a penchant for uber-power-jet-ski-rock-gliding off mountains - so make some space just for chilling out rather than trying to visit every historical monument in the guidebook.
• Remember, you work hard, you deserve your vacation - Don’t feel guilty about taking time off, even if it means your regular readers won’t get to see your amazing pithy, informative, and witty posts every day. Europeans get around 24-34 days off each year (not counting weekends), in the US that number is about 14 days. Make the most of every single one and you will come home refreshed and recharged ready to pump out more of that good blog juice.