We all need a break. However, in the current environment, taking time off for a vacation may not be the right thing for your company (or your bank account). Find ways to carve out smaller chunks of time to rest and recuperate. For me, I recently took a two-week trip to India to see family and see a few site.  I have never taken a two-week vacation, but more astounding, I have not taken a more than a long weekend vacation in more than 5 years.  That is not putting myself or my health first! Here are three things you can do in one hour or less. Take a yoga class. Make the time by trying an early morning class or go on your lunch break. Turn off your Blackberry. Even if it's just an hour while you take a walk or have dinner with a friend, this "quiet" time will help you feel more focused when it's time to power back on. (This is one of my favorite quick ways to recharge. No obsessed checking of email once the red light starts flashing). Do a crossword puzzle. Research shows crosswords sharpen the mind. Work on the puzzle while you eat your lunch and give yourself a mental break.

Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?! Anissa

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Grownups Need Recess, Too," posted by Stew Friedman for Harvard Business Review's Management Tip of the Day.

Active coaching is a collaborative effort, requiring both parties to be in agreement about goals, an action plan, and approach. The relationship has a basis in working in partnership to achieve mutual satisfaction. Each coaching session is different and one of the greatest assets of working with a coach is being kept accountable for the goals you've set.

Now may not be the right time for you to shell out for a costly coach. But without one, can you afford to remain on your current path? If a coach isn't in your future, share your goals and plans for reaching them with a close friend. Ask your "coach-friend" to regularly check in on your progress and make sure you're meeting milestones.

Remember, the focus is YOU! Anissa