Thursday, April 26, 2012

On the Importance of Down Time

It has been a crazy week here for me. I think when I get back from vacation I should have some exciting news and plenty to talk about!

On the Importance of Down Time


The wife and I leave tomorrow on our yearly trip to the Bahamas. I like to go away this time of year because when I get back the weather has usually turned for the better for keeps in Massachusetts and a Caribbean trip is just the ticket to shake off lingering effects of winter.

An overlooked part of investing, working, and every part of one's life is down time. Taking a break allows the mind to fully recharge and make sense of the jumble of thoughts, memories, and worries stored up there. In the hustle and flow of everyday life it's a rare thing to have a quiet time to collect myself.

When I go on vacation I have really no connection to the "world". I get a Miami USA Today delivered in the morning, but I only read the sports section. No smart phone, no computer. No television This is a key point. You cannot really be "away" if you can get access. It's a fact.

When I used to play chess all the time, I would often have my very best games on the first game I played upon returning from vacation. A rested mind is a sharp mind. Your mind is in charge of all kinds of stuff, it needs a rest too. It may even thank you for it by growing and working better after (results MAY vary!).

Try not to miss me too much, I shall return. Until then, have a good week.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

How have we not played chess yet?
-HBP

Anonymous said...

Have a blast and I will miss you.. It's good though. Gosh one of these days I will make that trip also..
T

EconomicDisconnect said...

HBP, did not you you played chess. We should play a game when I get back. I am not playing ChessNwine though.

T, thanks! Yes, should check the Bahamas out, good stuff. Hope you are feeling better.

Anonymous said...

Senior year I took about 3 classes and had like 3 study halls where all we (smart slackers) did was play chess and monopoly.
-HBP

Watchtower said...

GYSC, you and the Mrs. have a great trip!

EconomicDisconnect said...

Thanks Watchtower!

David Batista said...

Have a great trip as well! We might be going on one ourselves--to Bermuda--in two weeks. Working out the details now to see if we can manage it. If I had my way, though, we would be going to the Bahamas. I absolutely love it there, and our favorite place is the nearly 3 miles of gorgeous secluded pink sand beach in Harbor Island (just off North Eleuthera).

Enjoy the fishing!

Budd said...

have a nice trip!

Doable Finance said...

Have a good vacation.

Anonymous said...

Happy trip! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy trip! :)