As I write this it hardly feels like high summer outside but the date on the post would suggest otherwise. So, in a time where traditionally the living is slightly easier (to misquote the song) how do we use the free time that may be coming 0our way well?
Firstly, please rest if you can. If you have annual leave or other time away from the normal routines of work these make the most of it. That might include a conscious decision to switch off emails, mobile phones etc. and recognise that we all need times of complete rest. Our work colleagues and projects will probably survive without you and indeed you may be surprised just how well they cope!
Secondly, do something different. We can all get so wrapped up in our day job that we forget that a change really is as good as a rest. For me it is usually rediscovering the joy of reading just for pleasure but, whatever it is, make time for it.
Finally, take some thinking time. Some of the most intractable and complex problems that you may have been struggling with at work may seem a lot simpler when you are away from the day-to-day. Solutions may be easier to come by when you have time to dream and think.
I am sure many of you have read articles like this many from speaking times but it is still remarkable how few of us actually follow such advice despite the clear evidence that it actually makes us better leaders whe you want me to fix something for what n we come back refreshed and reinvigorated. Go on, I dare you, try it!