At the time you’re reading this, I’ll be in deepest (hopefully sunniest) Wales, taking a much-needed summer break with family and friends.
At the start of the school holidays, I made a pact with myself: I was going to go dark.
As the summer intensified, the heat and noise of life and work had me feeling a bit fried and I wanted to create some space to unplug and focus, and to live a little more offline for a bit.
So I did some planning to make it happen so I could spend most of the holidays off social media, fully present with my clients, and actually making memories with the kiddies instead of just posting about them.
What “Going Dark” Means (and Doesn’t)
Let’s be clear: “going dark” doesn’t mean disappearing without a trace. It’s not ghosting your audience, abandoning your business, or losing momentum.
It means intentionally stepping back from digital visibility, especially social media, so you can recharge, reconnect with real life, and return clearer and sharper.
For me, going dark has meant:
- Scheduling all my emails, articles, reels, and posts through to September
- No chasing the algorithm
- No pressure to perform or post daily across platforms.
- Only showing up when it feels good, and minimally at that
What it doesn’t mean:
- I’m not vanishing from my business
- I’m not abandoning my clients or commitments
- I’m not quitting but I’m just intentionally pausing
If you run your own business and have school-age kids, you’ll know: summer holidays can be a wild ride. And your energy is sacred!
Here’s a mantra I’m holding close right now:
“I trust what I’ve built enough to rest.”
My “Do Not Disturb” Game Plan
If you’re curious what this actually looks like in practice, here’s the plan I’ve been using:
- Setting Expectations
I laid the groundwork early, clients and my team knew this was coming. You can do the same, even if it’s just a simple heads up. - Pre-batching Content
You may still see me online, but I won’t actually be online every day. That’s the power of scheduling! - Automating Essentials
Emails are still landing. Auto-responses are on. The important stuff runs without constant input. - Creating Boundaries
I’m unplugging from social, DMs, and the urge to check analytics. But I’m keeping email support, scheduled work, and a few essentials ticking over. - Returning Gently
When I’m back, I’ll share what I learned and how I plan to come back even better for it.
If you’ve been craving your own kind of break, ask yourself:
What would you need to feel good going dark?
Whatever your version looks like, I hope you find some space this season to slow down, protect your energy, and be deeply present in the moments that matter.
Here’s to making memories
Much love,
Helen
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