With a variety of sporting and competition opportunities taking place year-round, it is very feasible to train and compete over 12 months without a break. This may seem like the best way to improve your skills and athletic ability, but it is actually a surefire way to end up injured or burned out. It is important to take at least 2–4 weeks every year away from your sport in order to allow your body to heal and rejuvenate on a deep cellular level. Additionally, this provides a valuable mental break so that you can look back and look ahead to evaluate and reevaluate your goals and motivations in your sport. Some of the greatest athletes in the world take time off, and so should you.