Chris Young will enjoy a few weeks off in the beginning of 2013 before he resumes his Liquid Neon tour, but the country singer's vacation time won't be entirely for R&R.

"One of the things that I love about my job is not only am I a singer but I'm a songwriter," he explained to The Boot and other reporters at a recent media event. "So really, downtime just gets stuff out of my head and not have to think about, 'OK, what am I going to do for this set list,' and all the other stuff that's going on with the tour and travel plans."

The "I Can Take It From There" singer says even when he's supposed to relax, his mind is always active. "To decompress is just a different mode of work," he insists. "But I love my job. I love all aspects of it, so it doesn't really feel like work to go, 'I don't want to think about this stuff. I'm going to go write a song' ... That aspect of being a songwriter helps me relieve stress, to start with a blank piece of paper, you can create whatever you want. It also feeds your career as an artist, too."

Not that Chris doesn't allow himself any time for fun. The Tennessee native says he occasionally finds ways to unwind, at least for a little while. "I'm a huge sports nut. It doesn't matter what's on TV," he reveals. "I love football. I love hockey, which makes me kind of sad right now. A lot of songwriting and sports in my downtime. If I get a chance, I take my dad fishing."

Chris's Liquid Neon tour, also featuring Thomas Rhett and Joanna Smith, will resume Jan. 23, with a sold-out show at Joe's Bar in Chicago. See a list of upcoming cities and dates on the trek here.

Listen to Chris Young's 'I Can Take It From There'

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