Has anyone just taken a temporary break from friend(s)?

This week I decided to basically take a communication sabbatical for the rest of the year (outside of obligatory communication like work and health appointments). I told a couple of my friends that I needed a break and would be fairly quiet and unavailable for the next six weeks. They were fine with it and just asked that I text once a week so they know I'm still alive. I told them I would.

Has anyone else done this? Not cut a friend off entirely, just taken a break?