19 Dec Reducing Holiday Stress | Tips to Enjoy the Holiday Season While Running a Business

This is it, you guys — we are on the home stretch of 2016! I know you’re scrambling to pick up last minute gifts, finish the grocery shopping, clean the house, all while juggling this thing we call “your business”. The several layers of technology connecting us to the madness only seems to make tearing away from your business this time of year even more impossible! Holiday stress can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to completely consume you.

If you’re anything like us, you might be imagining yourself kicking your feet up by the fire this week, spending time with family, and sharing the holiday spirit with those we hold most dear. And, why not — we all deserve this! Don’t let your business outsmart you during the holiday season. To avoid having your winter break besieged by needy clients, looming projects or never-ending task lists, we are sharing our tried-and-true tips to enjoying a more mindful and present holiday season. Give yourself permission to breathe! Commit to these tips to ensure that your time during the holidays is more relaxing and recharging for the new year!

Set expectations.

As business owners, sometimes we get caught in believing everyone can read our minds. So, while this tip might seem obvious, it is important!

We are all expected to take a step back at some point — especially during the holidays. The key is to set exceptions with your vendors, customers and clients.

Give your people plenty of notice of your holiday hours, and your general availability. Say when you’re not going to be available — and stick to it! Your vendors and clients will most likely expect you to take some time for family and friends, and they will appreciate having clarity on when this is.

Take some time to focus on the big picture.

Whether we plan it or not, business tends to slow a little during this time of year. This is an excellent opportunity to refocus and prepare for 2017!

In between entertaining, family obligations, and Christmas toasts, use your downtime to spend some time on the big picture of your business. Instead of filling your valuable time with “busy work”, take a few moments to reflect on how far your business has come, and where you’d like to see it grow next year.

Think about what worked, what didn’t, and the things you’d like to change in the coming months. Bonus: we have a full work up on business planning, here!

Say “No” if you must.

Being an entrepreneur, and building a business is stressful enough on its own. Add the complexities of holiday travel, gift-giving, and family obligations, and you might find yourself wanting to shout “No, No, NO!” instead of “Ho, Ho, Ho!”

Give yourself permission to say “No” if you start to feel overwhelmed. Your business will not impload if you drop a social media or blog post here and there — we promise!

For business, stick to just the most critical activities. You should know what things must happen, and what things can (and should) be relaxed on during this time of year. Make a list of what items are most impactful to your business (prospecting?), and what are not (hint: repetitive email). Choose to stick to the most important items, and give yourself a break on the rest.

Last but not least… Don’t apologize!

Don’t you dare do it!

You owe yourself — and your business —  a chance to relax and recharge. Enjoy that extra glass of eggnog, and hug your loved ones close! The holidays only come once a year, so take this time to pat yourself on the back for a year hard-fought. You deserve it, worker bee! You’ll return in January with a fresh perspective and positive outlook, ready to win the year ahead!