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Home › Articles › Leisure and Entertainment › Preventing Burnout

Preventing Burnout

The Importance of Taking Personal Vacations, Mini Breaks and Afternoons Off

By Teri Brown

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Getting Away

Finding a way to leave the house can be challenging, but well worth the effort. Try a babysitting exchange or simply ask your spouse to care for the children while you get away for your personal vacation. Ilona Peltz from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, found that her husband was more than happy to help her get away for a time. "If you're lucky enough to have a live-in partner, let them participate!" she says. "Mothers can be their own worst enemy here. We know the one true way to do any and everything concerning this baby, and, with us hovering over Dad, correcting and improving his every move, it isn't long before he decides he just won't bother. If you aren't a hover-mother, maybe Dad will provide you time away, because he'll just like playing with his children."

The purpose of personal vacations, whether for overnight or for the day, is to take a break from your regular duties and do something of interest that relaxes and renews. This can be an overnight trip to a bed and breakfast (It's nice to have someone serve you breakfast!) or a day trip to a spa. It doesn't have to be expensive either. For women who love to read, such as Peltz, getting away to the library or a bookstore is a treat. Some women love to scrapbook and prefer to find a place they can scrapbook in peace. Whatever brings you the most tranquility and joy is what you should do. By doing so you can help keep yourself physically, emotionally and mentally fit.

Ideas for a Mini Break

"Of course, not every mom can afford to take a day off and go to the spa for a day of pedicures and facials," says Jeff Palitz, a licensed marriage and family therapist. "Moms on a budget and with limited time still have a variety of options."

  • Pack a lunch and have a picnic with friends or even by yourself. Bring a book – reading is a great way to take your mind off of your family, stimulate your imagination and release your mind to wander.
  • Better yet, start a book club with your friends. Meet once a month or so and do it potluck. If you don't have time to read, a movie club works great, too.
  • Have a standing appointment with friends to meet for drinks, coffee, dinner or whatever you enjoy. Take turns hosting at each others' houses to reduce expense and divide clean-up duty.
  • Go for a run or a walk – no gym membership required. Exercise is an outstanding way to release stress, get some time alone and return refreshed and invigorated.
  • Last, but certainly not least, working moms need to let go of the guilt and take a vacation day now and then just to take care of themselves. Let the kids go to school or daycare; don't do any household tasks; and use this time to find something you enjoy. If you can't think of anything, take a risk and try something new.


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