Why a sabbatical is good for your health

He believes that the day-to-day of living and surviving often overtakes us and does not allow us time, solitude, and quiet to reflect on and answer difficult questions about what we want for the future. He adds: 'A sabbatical can be a perfect opportunity to reposition your life the way you want it to be.'

But Levine is quite clear that you must accept that a sabbatical - like all life-changing events - is going to cost you.

'Unless your employer offers you paid sabbatical time, you're going to have to take unpaid leave (or resign outright), or plan a working sabbatical whereby you work part of the time while on sabbatical,' he says.

And Robert, who has enjoyed extended spells in Holland, London and Israel, strongly advocates taking a working sabbatical, unless you can convince your current employer to sponsor you.

Amidst all the funding suggestions, planning options and practical advice necessary for a sabbatical either at home or abroad, Robert has one piece of advice that shines through: You need a sense of humour.

He adds: 'Leave your 'regular' life and lifestyle behind, and realise that this sabbatical will entail different standards of living, different experiences and people, life from a whole new perspective, and quite a bit of patience. You will have to draw upon the ability to laugh at your situation and yourself.'

Ideas to consider

Consider some projects you can accomplish on a sabbatical that could help your career in the long-term:

• Writing a book or a series of articles
• Meeting clients/competitors
• Doing market research in a new environment
• Learning other skills, crafts, arts and techniques at source or with a master practitioner
• Learning other languages
• Immersion in a culture that is or will become important to your company or business
• Meeting and spending time with other colleagues
• Going back to education

Power Sabbatical, by Robert Levine is published by Findhorn Press.