Caring for Yourself is a Business Strategy
Being a small business owner in Australia means wearing many hats: manager, marketer, accountant, HR specialist, customer service rep, sometimes all in one day. It’s great, but it can also be exhausting.
A lot is riding on your shoulders, so taking regular breaks might seem like a luxury you can’t afford. But the fact is, making time to care for your mental and physical wellbeing is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
Research shows that taking breaks can prevent burnout, boost creativity, sharpen decision-making and improve overall performance. More importantly, they protect you, your most valuable business asset.
Why Taking Breaks Matters
Refresh and Recharge
Running a business drains your mental and physical energy over time. The pressure to keep everything running smoothly can be relentless.
According to the Black Dog Institute, burnout among small business owners is on the rise, especially post COVID-19, natural disasters and economic uncertainty. Constant stress and overwork without proper recovery can lead to serious health consequences, chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Taking time out, even short regular breaks, helps you recharge. You come back to your business with a fresh perspective, more energy and a clearer head. These moments of pause can stop you from making poor decisions that cost time, money or morale.
Reduce Stress
The Australian Psychological Society’s Stress and Wellbeing Survey consistently finds that workplace stress is a big issue, with one in four Australians reporting moderate to severe stress levels.
Small business owners are especially vulnerable due to long hours, financial risk and the emotional weight of responsibility. This stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it also impacts your sleep, immune system, and heart health.
Scheduling breaks throughout the year, whether it’s a long weekend, a mid-week day off or a proper holiday, gives your mind and body a chance to reset. A reduced stress load helps you focus, develop emotional resilience and lead effectively.
Boost Creativity
Creativity is often sparked in moments of relaxation. That’s when your brain has the space to form new connections and ideas. The University of Melbourne says creativity thrives when we’re relaxed, free from pressure and engaged in different environments or activities. Whether you’re taking a walk along the beach, working in your garden or sharing time with friends at a café, ideas often surface when you’re not actively chasing them.
Breaks allow you to step outside your usual frame of thinking, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving in business.
Improve Performance
You might think powering through long days and late nights shows commitment, but overwork often leads to diminishing returns.
According to a 2022 Productivity Commission report, Australian workers are working longer hours, but productivity has stagnated.
The key to improving your effectiveness isn’t more time at the desk; it’s more recovery.
When you return from a break, you’re often more focused, organised and able to make better decisions. This has a ripple effect throughout your business, from more transparent communication to better customer service and more innovative strategy.
Activities to Support Your Mental and Physical Wellbeing
You don’t need a four-week European holiday to reap the benefits of taking breaks. It’s about consistency, building small, meaningful moments of rest into your routine.
Here are some ways to recharge and stay well:
Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers available and it’s free.
Healthdirect Australia recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. This could be a walk around your neighbourhood, a swim at the local pool, yoga, cycling or dancing to music in your lounge room.
Physical movement boosts mood, improves sleep, and helps you manage the physical symptoms of stress. You’ll also think more clearly and feel more energised throughout your day.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness helps calm a busy brain. Apps like Smiling Mind, an Australian not-for-profit developed by psychologists and educators, offer free guided meditations specifically designed for adults and professionals.
Even five minutes of mindful breathing in the morning can help you centre your thoughts, reduce anxiety and improve your ability to respond (rather than react) during challenging moments at work.
Hobbies and Interests
Many small business owners lose touch with their hobbies as their business grows, but creative or enjoyable activities outside of work are vital.
Whether it’s painting, gardening, fishing or baking, hobbies engage different parts of your brain, relieve stress and provide something to look forward to. They help shift your identity from “business owner” to “whole person.”
Social Connection
Running a business can feel isolating, especially if you’re working solo. But humans are social creatures, so that feeling of loneliness can impact your mental health.
Beyond Blue stresses the importance of regular social interaction to maintain emotional wellbeing. Catch up with friends, join a business network, attend a community event or even schedule a weekly coffee catch-up with a fellow business owner.
Travel and Change of Scenery
Even short breaks close to home can do wonders. A weekend on the coast, a farm stay in the Hunter or a cabin retreat in the mountains can provide just enough distance to decompress and gain perspective.
According to Tourism Research Australia, domestic short trips not only support regional communities – they provide a valuable reset for city-based workers and business owners.
A change of environment breaks routine and offers fresh visual and sensory experiences that inspire creativity and renewal.
Professional Development
Not all breaks mean switching off completely. Learning something new, whether it’s attending a leadership seminar, listening to a podcast or joining a mastermind group, can stimulate you mentally while providing a break from your usual role.
By regularly investing in upskilling, you’ll be helping to future-proof your business. Think of it as a productive pause that enriches you personally and professionally.
Making It Work: How to Take Breaks Without Losing Momentum
You might be nodding along right now, thinking I’d love to take more breaks, but my business just can’t run without me. That’s a valid concern, but it’s also a red flag.
If your business relies entirely on your presence 24/7, it’s vulnerable. Breaks aren’t just for wellbeing, they’re a test of how well your systems and team support your long-term sustainability.
Here’s how to make it doable:
Plan Ahead: Block out breaks in your calendar before it fills up. Aim for one long weekend per quarter, at a minimum. Consider taking time off during traditionally quieter periods in your industry.
Delegate and Empower: Train your staff (or a trusted contractor) to handle day-to-day responsibilities while you’re away. Document key processes and empower your team to make informed decisions without relying on you.
Set Boundaries: Don’t check emails after 8 pm. Keep your weekends sacred. Let clients know you’re offline during your holidays and stick to it.
Small: If a whole week off seems impossible, start with a half-day break each week. Build up to more extended periods.
Communicate with Customers: Be proactive. Let customers know in advance when you’ll be away and who they can contact. Remember, your customers are busy people too, and most will appreciate you knowing when to take a break.
A Rested You Is a Better Business Owner
Taking regular breaks is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom. You’re not abandoning your business by taking time off. You’re protecting your energy, your judgement and your longevity.
In Australia, 97% of businesses are small businesses. They’re the heart of our economy, and behind every one is a person like you, a human being who deserves rest, creativity, connection and joy.
So, whether it’s a walk by the river, a weekend in the bush or two weeks unplugged by the beach, take a break.
Your body, your mind and your business will thank you.
