The MOT for Your Mind: Why You Need a Quarterly Buffer Week to Recharge and Refocus
As I was walking the dogs with Annie at 06:30 this morning, I was pondering that my car goes in for an MOT periodically, to prove that it is roadworthy (and gets serviced) and so does a train, boat or plane - but how often do we pull ourselves in for an MOT and a service?
I organise my calendar so that I can enjoy a Buffer Week at least once a quarter.
For me, that is defined as a week with no travel, with a minimum of client meetings and with plenty of time to think and plan.
Today (Monday) no client calls - just me at my desk all day, then 4 consecutive mornings at my desk, with some Zoom calls in the afternoon and my weekly client webinar on Tuesday evening.
Slightly later alarm calls, a lot less pressure and no grappling with motorways, stations, airports, conference centres or hotels.
Home cooking!
It genuinely does feel like a holiday of sorts, even though I'll be putting in 5 good shifts this week, as well as completing the final countdown to a half-marathon on Sunday.
Behind me on my office door, I have printed the list of tasks I want to complete this week - all of which are working ON the business.
Today I will spend the most of my time just generally catching up on emails and tasks carried over from last week - then tomorrow morning I'll start in earnest on the buffer week tasks.
Perhaps you can recognise how much I'm anticipating this - out of the hamster wheel for a few days.
Question - do you book yourself a quarterly buffer week (and adjust your cash flow forecasts so that you can afford to?).
Printing a short task list on the office door makes the idea concrete. It would be interesting to hear what you review at the end of a buffer week: the tasks completed, the decisions made, or the priorities that become clearer once the travel stops.
Best, EmuGamers.
The distinction between a buffer week and a week off is useful: the quieter mornings create room to work on the business while a few commitments remain. How far ahead do you reserve those weeks, and how do you keep postponed meetings from filling them back up?
Best, ClassicEmu.
Just as regular vehicle inspections help keep a car running smoothly, giving your mind time to rest is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Scheduling a Buffer Week every quarter can create valuable space for reflection, recovery, and renewed focus. Even small activities can make a difference during busy periods. For example, playing Subway Surfers offers a simple, low-pressure way to take a break, enjoy some casual entertainment, and recharge before returning to your daily tasks.
There is a lot to be said for tools that let people start before asking for a commitment. Pokémon Team Builder was useful when I wanted to think through team roles without relying on scattered notes and first see whether the idea suited me.
The idea of scheduling a quarterly buffer week is a refreshing way to think about productivity and avoiding burnout. Building intentional time to step back, review priorities, and recharge can make it easier to return with a clearer perspective instead of constantly pushing through. A little unstructured downtime can help too, whether that means relaxing with a book or playing Vice City online for a nostalgic break.