My Six Week Hiatus, Why and What I Learned
Spherehead’s newsletter this month is not highlighting new podcasts or media content, competitions or recent conventions. Because for the past 6 weeks I did the unimaginable for a small business owner, I took a break.
Many founders know the 16+ hour workdays, the continuously growing To Do list, the stress and pressure to keep pushing, and the resulting burnout this may cause.
I began working on Spherehead in 2020, and the pillow launched on the market in May, 2024. I am still in the beginning stages of my company (i.e. self-funding, sole employee, maintaining paralegal day job, sacrificing my wellbeing).
Being a business owner is as challenging as it is rewarding, and I believe inventing the Spherehead pillow is one purpose of my life. Over the past 16 months, Spherehead has helped hundreds of people relieve their neck/shoulder pain and attain a good night’s sleep. My business allows me to have a greater impact and contribute on a larger scale. But there is a personal cost as well.
I spent most of the past summer as I have spent most of the past 5 years, sitting at a computer working. Then in early August, I got sick. The illness forced me to stop and rest.
When I began to recover, I realized the self-imposed pressure (to complete tasks, to grow the business, to succeed) is necessary, along with selfcare. I decided to do what I had previously considered impossible; I decided to take a break.
The last 6 weeks have restored my spirit and reignited my passion for Spherehead. I return to work excited and energized, and a bit wiser.
I did not know, or perhaps I simply refused to acknowledge I was burnt out. I fell into a routine and did not consider an alternate course.
The small business journey is a long road. To maintain longevity, we need to take breaks and rest along the way. Business goals are important, and the health and wellbeing of a business owner are too.
If you are similar to most founders, working long hours striving to succeed, my advice is it is better to take a break by choice than by consequence. Life is short, remember to spend time away from work and to experience peace.
Recent Reviews From Customers
I love my Spherehead Pillow. I don’t necessarily have back or neck pain, I just find it to be super comfortable. There is something about the way it cradles my head that makes me feel supported while I sleep. I travel a lot, and it’s so compact that it goes with me. VERY cool product!!
The Spherehead Pillow is a game changer! I have been struggling for years with neck and back issues while sleeping, and have tried so many different pillows. This pillow has worked wonders for me. It takes a few days to become accustomed to, but totally worth it. I would absolutely recommend this pillow!
I wish I found this pillow earlier! I was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation several years ago and ended up having a posterior fossa decompression surgery which involved the cervical spine. The spherehead pillow is the perfect pillow for anyone who has had surgery on the cervical spine. I find it very comfortable not only when sleeping but also when reading or watching tv whether that be on the couch or while lying in bed. It is both comfortable and supportive. I highly recommend this pillow!
I am so glad that I found this pillow. I have Chiari Malformation I, which required brain-compression surgery last year. My cervical pillow no longer helped after surgery (pressure, pain, stiffness, and headaches). I have tried several pillows to help alleviate the pressure, pain, stiffness, and headaches – nothing worked – but this pillow did! There is absolutely no pressure on the neck or at the base of the skull. This has made a huge difference for me. It does take a little bit to adjust to using the pillow (stated); the adjustment period is totally worth it. If you have Chiari (Zipper heads unite!) or neck issues, try this pillow.