Tips on Managing a VNB

Published: Jan 15, 2004

A Voluntary Nervous Breakdown(VNB) is a recreational exercise to simulate a real nervous breakdown ==> to prevent an involuntary real one.

Implementation improves with practice.: Don't expect perfection on the first try.
Surrender is the most difficult phase.: Walking away from your job for a day is not easy. Ignoring your "to do" lists is not easy. These will become easier after you have experienced the release of energy that follows a VNB and you have become convinced that you can accomplish two day's work after your 24-hour break. Logic, confidence and will power does it!
Announce to your associates, loved ones and other vested interests that you're having one.: I will announce on a Wednesday that I will be having one after 5 p.m. on Friday. My computer tech is often ordered home to get some sleep (his VNB style) by one of his clients.
When you're lying uncleaned, eating junk food and staring at the ceiling – you know you're doing it right!: When my wife and business partner do a VNB on the same day, we could be micro-waving different food in different parts of the kitchen while not talking to each other – we know we're doing it right!
Depending on your need, 24 hours is probably enough. But, make allowances for 48 hours.: When my wife and I were in retail we planned a 48-hour one for Christmas Eve. After 24 hours it was over. All the shops and entertainment centers were closed. We didn't know what to do with ourselves. We made alternate plans for subsequent Christmases. After I turned 70, more of my VNB have become more frequent and last 48 hours. The long 3-day ones are an excellent reminder of how miserable I would be if I "retired."
Don't apologize or feel guilty.: The "doctor" in you has ordered to get some rest and you should always obey your doctor – even if his/her advice is free.
Think of how costly (money, relationships, customers, etc.) a real nervous breakdown could be.
After a successful VNB ==> praise your self, enjoy the results, make notes on what made it so successful or whatever increases your self-esteem.

Tips on Managing a VNB

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