How I Stopped Feeling Guilty About Taking a Break—And Why It Made Me More Productive

A woman in a burgundy jacket smiles warmly at the camera while sitting outdoors in a peaceful park setting.

Being my own boss is a dream come true. The freedom, the creativity, the ability to shape my own path—it’s all incredible. But let’s be honest: it also comes with its fair share of challenges.

One of the biggest? Knowing when to clock out.

Because my business is my passion, the lines between work and personal time often blur. I used to feel this constant need to be productive, and any moment I stepped away from work, guilt crept in. It felt like I was slacking off, as if success could only come from relentless hustle.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Fun and joy aren’t rewards. They’re fuel.

When I make time for the things that bring me joy, I become more creative, focused, and—surprise—better at running my business. Beyond that, I’m happier, healthier, and a better friend, partner, and human overall.

Last summer, I made a spontaneous decision to start golfing on Friday mornings. At first, guilt hit me hard. Who was I to be out golfing on a weekday? But something shifted as I kept at it.

Those Friday mornings became sacred. Golfing (despite my still-questionable swing) taught me patience, focus, and resilience. And the unexpected bonus? I became more productive. Knowing I had that dedicated time for myself made me more motivated during the rest of the week.

The bottom line? Making space for joy didn’t slow me down—it helped me thrive.

Now, I schedule joy into my life, no guilt attached. It’s a practice, but I’ve realized that joy isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s the foundation of it.

I’d love to hear from you! How do you prioritize joy in your life?

Warmly,

Lauren