I haven't taken a holiday in a long time. I’m not much of a holiday person, to be honest. The idea of a vacation doesn’t exactly fill me with excitement the way it might for others. Instead, I find my peace and calm in small moments of relaxation and solitude. But recently, I’ve realized that I need some downtime—a moment to turn off, be present, and, more importantly, to disconnect from the constant stream of issues and information coming from the world around us. Not too much, just enough to soothe my mind and soul.

Embracing a Different Kind of Break

What makes this upcoming break different for me is that I’ve decided not to bring a single dedicated camera. This might sound shocking to those who know me, especially since the last time I went on holiday, I had four cameras in tow. Looking back, that felt a bit ridiculous. The need to capture every moment, every angle, every potential "perfect shot" turned the holiday into more of a photo assignment than a time for relaxation. This time, I’m choosing simplicity. I might pick up a disposable camera, but that’s it. It’s just me and my partner, and I’m planning to embrace being like everyone else—smartphone in hand, living in the moment, without the constant urge to frame it all.

The Pressure to Always Be "On"

I know I’m not alone in this. Many of us, especially those who grew up in environments where productivity and constant action were valued above all else, feel guilty about taking breaks. I grew up in a family where doing nothing could almost be seen as rude or disappointing. We were always expected to be striving, achieving, and at the top of our game. But I’ve come to realize that even the best of us out there aren’t always at peak performance. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to recharge. And it’s okay to do absolutely nothing.

Normalizing Rest Without Guilt

This break is about more than just not working—it's about breaking the habit of feeling guilty for not being productive. We’ve conditioned ourselves to believe that rest is a reward rather than a necessity. But rest is not a luxury; it’s an essential part of living a balanced and healthy life. Our bodies and minds need time to recover, reflect, and just be. We are not machines; we can’t function at our best without taking time to recharge.

Disconnecting to Reconnect

By not bringing my usual gear, I’m letting go of the pressure to document every moment. Instead, I’m giving myself permission to just enjoy the moments as they come. Maybe I’ll take a few snaps with my smartphone, maybe I won’t. The point is, I’m allowing myself to be fully present without the constant itch to turn every experience into content.

A Message to You: Take a Break

Don’t be like me—don’t wait too long to take a break. Normalize rest and self-care without feeling like you’re letting someone down. The world will keep spinning, and your responsibilities will still be there when you return, but you’ll be better equipped to handle them with a refreshed mind and spirit. Remember, even the most driven and ambitious people need to pause and breathe. Taking a break is not a sign of weakness; it’s a vital part of sustaining your passion and drive.

So here’s to taking breaks, finding peace in the present, and giving ourselves the space to just be—without guilt, without pressure, and without constantly being “on.”