I seem to spend every free moment of my days, working. From 6am to 1am I'm working, non-stop. I've actually forgotten what having a break feels like. I'm constantly trying to build my business to new and exciting heights, but this does require spending countless hours locked away in my office and studio, working. Arranging and conducting photo shoots, wedding meetings, client meetings, answering never-ending messages and emails, editing photos, creating content, researching techniques, scouting locations, the list goes on and on. But I do all of this whilst also working a ''Day Job'' as well.
The last time I can remember of taking any real time off, was about 2 years ago, when I went on a family holiday to Tunisia. Well in between those two years I worked myself into the ground and was starting to get depressed with not being able to unwind properly from the constant state of busyness I was always in. Trust me when you have your own business and want to really make it succeed you will put your everything into it, and devote whatever free time you have to it, to make it work.
A few weeks ago, I thought to myself that I was well overdue a break from anything business related. So I scheduled a mini break away, between all the hecticness of photo shoots and meetings. So I went and brought a tent and some camping supplies and packed it into my car and headed to a place I love, The New Forest.
I planned on spending two and bit days there, with no particular plan on doing anything but relaxing and taking some time for myself. The whole camping experience was something I loved, I was free of a computer screen, I was free from electronics, I was free from any real home comforts. During the days I made the most of the exceptional weather and walked endlessly through miles and miles of vast open heaths and towering forests. taking in the natural and uninhibited landscapes. Sharing walk ways and roads with wild ponies and cows at every turn.
I ended up walking over 40 miles in two days and nearly crippled myself in the process. My feet are still paying the price for it nearly a month on. But I loved every second of it. I came away from the little break, feeling absolutely knackered and drained physically, but mentally I was rejuvenated. I felt ready to dive straight back into my busy workload with 100 times more energy than I had before I went away.
So now that I know, that even a small break away from the work life, won't jeopardise my overall business aspirations, in fact, it will do the complete opposite. I will have to make more time to break away from it and take the chance to relax a little bit more often.
