Taking vacations has long been (unfairly) associated with unproductivenessso much so that it can feel like a disadvantage in this fast-paced and highly competitive world.

However, experienced entrepreneurs understand the importance of scheduling vacations, not only for physical and mental health care, but also for business sustainability. Strategically planning them into a work calendar can be effective and make the transition to the next phase more enjoyable. Here's how.

1. Prevents burning

Entrepreneurs are notorious for stretching themselves thin as they build their brands and businesses. This constant need for him hustle it comes from feeling the need to fill every moment of the day with something productive.

However, this round-the-clock mentality often leads to burnout, which can be difficult to recover from. Burnout causes problems for a person's physical and mental health. Also, pushing too hard often leads to underachievement, no matter how much is accomplished.

Planning vacation time goes hand in hand setting boundaries. Without anyone overseeing your schedule or telling you when to start or stop working, it's up to you to know your limits. Working in blocks of time with breaks for exercise, entertainment or even a quick nap are important parts of the day.

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2. It gives fresh eyes to a problem

Entrepreneurs are known for multitasking, wearing all business hats at the same time. This overstimulation can make solving relatively easy tasks more difficult than it should be. It prevents the ability to fully focus on one thing.

As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in a tacit vision of how things should be done. SOMETIMES walking away from a problem it can free the mind to see it with a new perspective.

Take time to collaborate and get inspiration from others, or focus on other non-work related activities and hobbies. Time away, however short, can re-solidify the goal(s) you want to achieve and create a more direct path to it.

3. Improves your mood

Similar to burn out, working long hours can lead to mood swings, which can affect both business and personal relationships. Whether it's in an email, meeting, or other interaction, you may not realize how much being overwhelmed can change the course of your daily life.

When you find your patience running low, take a break outside to enjoy the fresh air. Take a walk in nature, read in a park or have lunch alfresco – you might be surprised how much sunlight on your face can lift your mood and increase productivity versus staying cooped up in your office space.

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4. It makes you more disciplined

It may sound counterintuitive, but taking vacations can increasing discipline and productivity. This is because the time you have planned to get things done is within a certain time block.

Think about when you have eight hours to complete a project. Are you working on it all the time or is your mind on your emails, social media or the million other things that need to be attended to in life? Compared to when you cut that time in half without distraction, consider how much more you're able to accomplish.

Figure out which one blocks of time work better for you. For some, it may be two or three hours in the morning with a long break in the afternoon with more blocks of work in the evening. For others, it may be shorter blocks throughout the day. The good news is that it's your schedule, so you set the parameters.

Making the most of downtime

While there's no “right” way to take a break, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind, especially if the idea of ​​slowing down makes you feel anxious.

Always keep in mind that the break point is for the greater good of your health and business. When you're constantly playing catchup, it can lower your morale and make it harder to see how well you're doing.

Here are things to consider when planning your vacation:

• Different times. Create at least one 15-minute break and one that is at least 30 minutes or longer. The shorter break can be used to stretch your legs, grab a snack or take a quick nap. Longer breaks can be used to catch up with a loved one, read a few chapters of a favorite book, or exercise. Give yourself the benefit of a complete vacation without checking email or social media.
• Put them on your calendar. Book appointments with yourself. Add it as a calendar entry to rest, relax and recharge. Block off time as you look at each week's schedule so that when you get to your tasks for the day, vacations are already built into your workflow.
• Schedule quarterly “withdrawals”. A relaxing vacation doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. It simply means setting aside a day or at least part of it to do something enjoyable. For most entrepreneurs, one of the ultimate goals is to free up time for more fun in life, but it's easy to get caught up in busy schedules without taking time to enjoy the fruits of your labor; find time for it.

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Taking vacations has gotten a better rap over the past few years as people are starting to see the consequences when they are ignored. Consider them a business investment rather than a schedule hurdle. The more you find a balance between work and real life, the more the two will begin to organically intertwine until you find your scheduling sweet spot.