How to Rest and Recharge - Guilt-free
In a world that glorifies hustle culture, many of us feel guilty for taking time off. A lot of times, this guilt is self-induced; especially for those of us in professions that require us to be emotionally and physically exhausted, where our absence may mean our colleagues have to work harder, or our clients go without our help. In any case, we push through exhaustion, telling ourselves we’ll rest later—after the next project, the next big deadline, or when things finally slow down.
But you and I both know…..Later. Never. Comes.
If you’ve been running on empty, consider this your sign: you deserve a break. And not just some time off to catch up on sleep or finish never-ending housework, but a real, actual break that truly helps you reset and recharge.
The Culture of Overwork
We live in a society that equates busy-ness with success. Even if you’re not grinding hard full-time, you may have a side hustle, kids, or any number of other things to worry about.
Many people, especially those in high-stress careers like veterinary medicine, healthcare, and corporate leadership, struggle to step away. But the truth is, constantly putting yourself last can lead to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and a loss of passion for the things you once loved. And who are we helping when we have nothing to pour from empty cups? There is a fallacy in the thinking that we can fix it all - trust me, I’ve BEEN there - this savior complex of us being the ONLY one who can fix things, the ONLY one who makes everyone’s lives better, the ONLY one who can do x, y, z and therefore, WITHOUT us, the world falls apart.
The truth? Everything will be fine. And the tighter you wind the spring, the more likely it is to break. A few days or weeks away is perfectly manageable, but quitting (or worse) because it boils over WILL be detrimental to your team.
How Travel Can Help
Travel and time off offers a powerful way to step out of your daily routine and into a space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Here’s why taking time away is not just a luxury but a necessity:
✅ Mental Reset – Breaking away from the daily grind allows your brain to rest, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. New environments can spark creativity, boost problem-solving skills, and help you return with fresh perspectives.
✅ Physical Wellness – Even leisurely travel can encourage more movement, better sleep, and healthier eating habits. Plus, reducing stress levels has long-term benefits for heart health and immune function.
✅ Emotional Recharge – Whether it’s a solo getaway or a trip with loved ones, meaningful breaks fosters connection—to nature, to culture, and to yourself. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy the moment.
Your Getaway Doesn’t Have to Be Long or Complicated
Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you need to book a month-long trip to the other side of the world (though, if that’s what you need, SLAY). Even a well-planned weekend retreat, a nature-filled escape, or a quiet beachside stay can do wonders for your mind and body.
You also don’t have to go anywhere far away. People think of travel as being stressful in and of itself, but it doesn’t need to be. Throw together a weekend bag with the essentials and drive somewhere if you hate flying. Living in Colorado, I am lucky that there are so many amazing options closeby, but to be fair this has been the case no matter where I’ve lived in the US (i.e., everywhere). Within a couple of hours, you can get the same disconnect as you would be being somewhere after an 8 hour flight. It’s all about perspective.
If you’re not sure what’s close to you, or just overwhelmed thinking of the possibilities, let’s talk. You don’t have to leave the US (or whatever your home country is) to find meaningful time.
How to Delegate Work for a Stress-Free Return
One of the biggest concerns people have when taking time off is the stress of coming back to an overwhelming workload. Here are a few tips to help you delegate effectively and make your return smoother:
✅ Prioritize & Plan Ahead – Identify the most critical tasks and handle anything urgent before you leave. Set clear deadlines for anything that can wait until you return. And make no mistake - it CAN wait.
✅ Delegate with Confidence – Assign tasks to colleagues or team members you trust. Provide clear instructions and empower them to make decisions in your absence. I cannot stress enough how much you need to TRUST. YOUR. TEAM.
✅ Set Boundaries – Establish clear out-of-office communication, letting people know who to contact while you're away. Pro-tip; resist the urge to check emails constantly!
✅ Ease Back In – If possible, avoid scheduling major meetings or deadlines for your first day back. Give yourself a buffer to catch up and transition smoothly.
Make Time for Yourself Without the Stress
If planning a trip feels overwhelming, don’t let that be the reason you put it off. A travel advisor (like meeee!) can help you design a getaway that aligns with your needs, whether that’s visiting friends and family or solo (I won’t tell a soul), or focusing on adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.
And if you have a place you’ve always wanted to go - DO IT. Work will always be there. You will never regret traveling somewhere amazing, and I promise; it’ll alllll be there when you get back.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take that much-needed break—this is it. You deserve to recharge, reconnect, and return feeling refreshed. Let’s make it happen together.
Let’s Connect
Drop a comment in with your experiences on vacations, the stress you feel at work, or anything at all that’s on your mind. Where are some places you like to go to reconnect and recharge, close or far? How do you prepare for time off in a demanding profession? Let me and others know!
Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this today, and know that no matter where you go or what you do, the important thing is that you’re investing time in your own mental health and well-being. You deserve it.
Yours in flight,
Tianna
