Getting away from it all
Article Date: May 20 2008
Everyone needs a way to escape
There comes a point when you need to switch off from the world of work and have a little “me time”. Three owner-managers reveal how they kick back and relax.
Rob Gray
UK managing director, Blue Kiwi software
With a busy working life, it’s really important to chill out. I enjoy going kite surfing to switch off, which is basically wake boarding but rather than being dragged along behind a boat, you use a huge kite and the wind to power yourself.
It can be pretty dangerous but it’s the excitement of it that appeals. The adrenalin rush you get means that you completely forget about work and concentrate on the sport and not getting swept out to sea.
You have to remember that running a business is an ongoing process, so you’re never going to get to a point where everything is done. It may seem like working 23 hours a day is going to give you a competitive edge, but really it’s counter productive – you just end up getting burnt out.
After a break you come away energised. I find that it clears my mind and allows me to think more creatively.
Grant Currie
Managing director, Inferno Communications
I’m of the school of thought that says that when you’re on holiday, you don’t have to be on email the whole time, but it can take real discipline not to be tempted to check up on what’s going on back in the office.
I also think that if your body is fitter, your mind will be fitter too. I used to be into parachuting, but since I had a bad experience where my primary chute didn’t open, I’ve been a bit more reticent about throwing myself out of a plane.
Now I do a lot of cycling in what little free time I get. In fact, a group of us are just about to set off from Hampton Court to cycle to the South of France. We’ll be doing about 140 kilometres per day and raising money for the children’s charity NCH.
It’s a really good way to de-stress. When you’re cycling, you’re concentrating on reaching the next milestone so there’s no space in your head for work.
Malcolm Gerrie
Chief executive, Whizz Kid Entertainment
In the entertainment industry, you can get glued to your Blackberry. It’s a pretty stressful job so finding the time to get some breathing space and get your head above water is vital.
I’m no white-water rafter; I prefer to take things a little easier in my spare time. I’ve tried tai chi, but I think it requires more time and commitment than I could give to it. I’ve also had a bash at meditation, but that was a dead loss, I ended up just staring at a candle thinking about all the things I had to do the next day.
For me, the perfect relaxation is to go for a swim, or hit the gym and go for a steam or a sauna and a massage. It can help to lift your spirits and give you the shot of energy you need to face the world.
There are little things that you can do in your day to boost productivity too. It could be something as simple as sticking a great track on your MP3 player and just taking five minutes to forget about it all.
