Issue 28 | April 8th, 2022
8&21
Welcome to your three-minute pause. 
This is your practice space.

 
Time off. 
The real kind.
I am still practicing (and often failing) at taking time off. Especially with all the difficult things going on in the world, taking time off seems like a selfish luxury. And I get caught in the trap of thinking that hard work, without breaks is how I can contribute the most.
This week, a reminder came in the form of 
a drawing by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West 
Duffy. (Looking forward to their new book, 
Big Feelings, debuting later this month!)
By the time you read this issue of 8&21, I will be taking some real time off by practicing saying no. No to work email or Slack. No to reading or writing to prepare for a new ethical data storytelling class. No to speaking engagements, reviewing manuscripts, or creating proposals. Just time off.
 
So, this is your reminder or sign to find some time off for yourself!
 
- Sarah Egan Warren, Currently-Taking-Time-Off Co-Editor of 8&21

 
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
 
- American novelist Eleanor Brown

 
Vacation: The ultimate 
productivity hack
“Several studies indicate that performance nose-dives when we work for extended periods without a break. 
 
In addition, the benefits of taking a vacation are clear: It results in improved productivity, lower stress, and better overall mental health. It also spurs greater creativity.”

 
“I lied and said I was busy.
I was busy;
but not in a way most people understand.
 
I was busy taking deeper breaths.
I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.
I was busy calming a racing heart.
I was busy telling myself I am okay.
 
Sometimes, this is my busy -
and I will not apologize for it.”
 
- Poet Brittin Oakman

 
Introvert hangover
I love to hide behind a book. 
  
Don't get me wrong—I enjoy being “out there”. Talking to people, speaking at events, taking on new adventures… I live for that stuff! 
  
But as much as I love it, I also need a vacation from it. When my battery's low, I crave quiet— a cozy blanket and a good book. It's the ultimate introvert hangover cure.
I'll read almost anything—fiction, nonfiction, memoir, fantasy…
but if I'm really tired, I have a go-to genre: contemporary romantic comedy with an enemies-to-lovers trope. 🤌 *Chef's kiss!*
 
- Sarah Glova, Book Nerdish Co-Editor of 8&21

 
Away from stresses
“When you take time away from the stresses of work and daily life, it can improve our physical and mental health, motivation, relationships, job performance, and perspective. 
 
A vacation can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return.”
- Kathryn Isham, PsyD LP

 
What does time off  look like for you right now?

 
Great job!
Way to take a pause and give 3 minutes to your practice of pursuing awesome 
with this issue's theme. You rock!
 
Did someone forward you this email?
Welcome! 8&21 is a digital publication sent on the 8th and 21st 
to disrupt your status-quo with an encouraging reset.

Keep going!
Here's more you might love:

 

 

Photo Credits: 
 
“Actually Productive” comic by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
Tea photo by Farzad Mohamadi on Unsplash