As we launch into August, Reader, here's a quick gut check —have you taken any time off lately?

If you're like a lot of people I've talked to, the answer may be "not yet."

Maybe it's been wild at work, and you worry that leaving your team for a couple weeks right now would put extra stress on them.

You might believe it'd be stressful for you, too--that you'd be unable to relax while you fret about what you're not doing, so you may as well keep working. (Yup, I see you.)

Or, with all the uncertainty in the air with layoffs and AI-zing, you don't want to be absent and miss any big surprise decisions that emerge. 📉

Or, you're just trying to save $$$.

Fact is, even my European friends seem to be planning shorter stints for les grandes vacances.🇫🇷

Maybe like a lot of people I've talked to lately, you're hungry for a break—but you're not quite sure you should step away right now.

If that's you (or someone you love), you need to read this today:

​Read "5 Signs You Need to Take Time Off Now ​(& It’ll Be Okay)"​

(read time: <4 minutes)

How about you, Reader? Have you taken any time for yourself, or are you overdue? Hit REPLY and tell me. Of course, you're always welcome to ask me a different question or share a story about your life at work—it's great to hear from you, and I work hard to respond however I can.

In the meantime, let's get our next breaks on our calendars, whether it's in August or down the road. After all, even our soaring red capes need a break now and then (and the article shows how it'll actually all be okay.) Be well!

Always, Darcy

​

P.S. I often start my day with a fun, quirky and relevant summary of the news written by my friends at Morning Brew. They've asked to sponsor today's email to you, and I invite you to check them out! --D