It has occurred to a few of us over here at Bird HQ that a really challenging permission many people in the not-for-profit sector struggle to give themselves, is to take leave. It can be so hard to give yourself the space and time to step away, especially when case loads and referrals are high, environmental and safety regulations are ever changing, and funding is needed more than ever.
And it’s important, before I encourage us all to take that leave, to remember not to beat ourselves up for not taking it. The sector is demanding, it is really hard to take time out. And furthermore we live within a wider culture that congratulates over-work and busy-ness.
BUT, we must take it. We must remember that taking time out to recover is actually part of the job. By not taking time out for ourselves we aren’t honouring our contracts, we aren’t following through on our commitment to work for X number of weeks a year, and to not work in order to recover and re-energise for the other X number of weeks a year.
I know personally when I take leave after a couple of days I can feel my body relax, the tension releases, I feel slower, calmer and more peaceful. Interestingly, I do then often have more ideas about how best to move forward, I feel optimistic and creative. And then I’m bringing all of that back into my work with clients and colleagues when I return. Time out for me helps everyone, and the same goes for you and those around you.
So, when are you taking your next round of annual leave?
With love as always, Hannah and Team Bird
Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash