Let’s face it — for accountants and bookkeepers, “summer break” can feel like a mythical concept. While schools may close and clients take time off, you’re still watching the deadlines roll in, inbox ping, and obligations pile up. And even when you do carve out time off, that little voice whispers: Shouldn’t I be doing something productive?

But here’s the truth: switching off isn’t slacking off. It’s one of the most powerful and strategic moves you can make for your business - and your wellbeing.

The Guilt Trap

For those of us in service-based professions - especially ones built on accuracy, deadlines, and client care - there’s a unique pressure to always be available. We pride ourselves on reliability, consistency, and showing up for others. So when we dare to take a break, guilt sneaks in dressed as duty.

But guilt is not a to-do list. It’s a feeling - and like all feelings, it can be reframed.

Instead of seeing time off as stepping away, try seeing it as stepping back - to reset, refuel, and return better. It’s not selfish. It’s smart.

The Strategic Edge of Rest

Great ideas don’t usually come in the middle of spreadsheets. They hit in the shower, on walks, or while you’re halfway through a melting 99 Flake at the beach.

Why? Because rest creates space — and in that space, creativity, clarity, and solutions have room to emerge.

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re weak. It happens because you're human. And the most successful people aren’t the ones who run the hardest - they’re the ones who know when to pause.

You wouldn’t expect your phone to run on 1% battery forever - so why expect it from yourself?

Give Yourself Permission

Here’s the kicker: you don’t need anyone else to give you permission to rest. You don’t need to justify it with achievements. You don’t need to prove your worth before logging off.

You get to choose to rest — because you deserve it.

And if you’re struggling to give yourself that permission, here are a few simple mindset shifts that might help:

• ‍“I’m not abandoning my business - I’m investing in it.”  You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is ROI.
• “I don’t need to be available 24/7 to be valuable.” You’re a professional, not a vending machine.‍
• “Boundaries aren’t barriers - they’re bridges to balance.” Set clear expectations, communicate availability, and trust the world won’t fall apart.
  

Make It Guilt-Free (and Stress-Free)

Still feeling the pull to ‘just check in’? Here are some practical steps to help you switch off without the mental baggage:

• ‍Set an Intentional ‘Out of Office’ Message Make it warm, clear and confident. Let people know when you’ll be back - and that you’re prioritising wellbeing, both yours and theirs.‍
• Prep Clients Before You Go Give plenty of notice, tie up loose ends, and hand over any contingencies. This reduces the urge to micromanage from a sun lounger.‍
• Schedule a Re-Entry Plan Block time on your return for catching up - rather than diving straight into back-to-back meetings.‍
• Switch Off Tech (or at Least Notifications) Even if it’s just for a few hours a day, give your brain the gift of stillness. You’ll be amazed what shows up in the silence.‍
• Tell Someone You’re Taking Time Off Sometimes, accountability helps ease guilt. Plus, it normalises rest culture within your community.
  

Final Thoughts

This summer, challenge the hustle narrative. Trade guilt for grace. Remember that rest is a radical act of self-leadership — and it’s often the most productive thing you’ll do all year.

So go ahead. Put up your out of office. Step into the sun. Breathe a little deeper. You’re not going backwards. You’re recharging for what’s next.