You can read all the studies you want about the merits of taking time off from work, but it’s downright common sense. What we want to do is create a work culture where we all have a healthy balance of working and not working.

But we know that as the days start going by, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like we can’t take time off because of something super important coming up. Well, that thing might be important, but it’s not more so than your health and well-being (mental and physical).

There’s a lot of glamorizing working at or founding a startup, but the reality is that it’s really hard work. We all need to keep our passion and dedication to our goals to keep going.

Here are the time off principles that we adhere to:

• You are required to take a minimum of 10 business days off during every calendar year.

• This is paid time off.

• Time off means time off. Don’t look at work, don’t respond to messages (you’ll still get them). Turn off notifications, delete email and Slack off your phone if needed. You can get them back when you return.

• Everyone, even the founders, is required to take this time off regardless of years worked.

Here are some guidelines to accompany these principles:

• You don’t have to take all 10 days at once, but it sure is nice when you do.

• If you ever feel like you can’t take time off or can’t adhere to the policy, there’s something wrong so don’t be afraid to talk to HR.

• Sick days or mental health days do not count toward mandatory time off. Take time to get better. If you try to work while you’re sick, you’ll just delay your recovery and impress no one.

• Medical/maternity/paternity leave is a different policy.