Ask HN: How do you take time off work?

I think it's important to note I have two things that keep me sane during the months I don't want to take time off and those are friends and hobbies. Having friends to see once in awhile is a very good thing. I also train two martial arts and so that's two - three nights a week I have something to dedicate myself too, it's better to go train or hit the gym exhausted versus going home exhausted and doing nothing.

As for vacations I'm fairly boring, a family trip away usually around a week in length once every other year or, depending on costs/destination, every year. Other then that maybe a concert here or there during the year. I'm actually not sure how I'm going to use most of my PTO this year. I have plans to roll a week forward and maybe use a week on small things but I am going to end up with a solid week of no idea and have to use so I'm sure I'll think of something.

I pay my house off aggressively because I want it paid off by 30-32, but by no means do I live for work and I would never recommend living for work not even for a few years, it's just damaging on the health.

It depends on how much time I have. I take short breaks from working, for instance to walk the dog. These walks clear my mind, and I often find solutions for problems while taking a walk. In fact, when I'm stuck, I don't continue pondering on about it, I take a walk instead.

I work 4 days a week. This means I have the weekend and, in my case, the Wednesday off. I use it to spend time with my children, and common household tasks. While playing with my kids I usually get a lot of crazy, creative ideas. Could be anything. From ideas for a blog post, marketing ideas, startup ideas, ways to change the world, you name it. I write them down for future use.

About twice a year we take a big break from working. We pack up the family and go travelling for 3 weeks or so. Usually within Europe, sometimes even further. No work, no internet, nothing. Just family time. After the first week or so you tend to forget what day of the week it is, and it's a lovely feeling. I read a lot (literature classics, philosophy), draw (with paper and pencil) or tinker (like making windmills out of empty coke cans) with the kids.

I have a great work/life balance. I have a lot of free time on my hands, but I'm willing to bet that because of this free time I use my work time much, much more efficiently.

Great photos, by the way!

1. Walking + photography. This forces both movement and expression into my days. 2. Power naps. Every day, 15 minutes. Tea + whatever gets you to sleeping in < 5 minutes. for me this requires covering my head with something (dark + warm). 3. Meditation. Very useful for focus and state of mind. 4. Other exercise. Push ups, stretching, yoga, basketball. Get yourself out of that chair.