I treated myself to a night away. A solo business retreat. Sometimes I do it out of necessity to avoid burning out. This trip though is about prevention. 

When I come to my happy place in the New Forest I always have a project to work on, but I also embrace the quiet. The not-being-asked-a-million questions by my kids. The not-having-to-cook-and-be-met-with-moaning. The being able to do what I like, when I like, without being responsible for anyone else (adulting can be exhausting, right?!)

Yesterday when I arrived I spent a couple of hours decompressing. I had a nap. Watched TV. Then went and worked in the lounge for an hour. Had a delicious dinner on my own (literally - the restaurant was empty, but I actually loved it!) And I was ready to sleep by 9.

This morning I woke at 5:45 am. I'm an early bird so this isn't unusual. At 7 am I went to the bar with my laptop and worked for an hour. I got loads of little things ticked off and banished from my brain. 

Then I enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the conservatory overlooking the deer park and frosty grass. So calming. 

Then I will rest.

Then I will work again.

And I know when I return home this afternoon I will feel rejuvenated. My head will be calmer. And I'll feel more on top of the weeks ahead.

I've just worked out that this is my 7th visit in two years. And I love the fact that I've achieved this and that I've put my own well-being high on my priority list. 

And in terms of paying for these trips, they come out of my business account rather than personal. It's the equivalent of a conference really, but instead, it's just me, myself, and I! And this time the trip has actually been covered by affiliate income, which feels even sweeter 😌

Have you treated yourself to a solo business retreat? If not, what's stopping you?