10 holiday blog

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … so they say (whoever “they” is). If you’re a small business owner, the holiday season can be the most stressful time of the year.

Check out 10 holiday self-care tips for small business owners to turn stressful times into wonderful ones.

1. Schedule Real Breaks For Yourself

The end of the year and the holiday season can be one of the busiest times for small business owners. Even though you must work through some of the holiday season, it doesn’t mean you have to work yourself to death.

Schedule time for hard breaks where you step away from your desk. (Read this to mean: Put it on your calendar. Block time off on your calendar, set an alarm to make yourself get up from your desk, and step away to do something else.) 

Take a walk, get outside, binge an episode of your favorite show, read a chapter in a book. Whatever it is that relaxes you, do it!

2. Close Up Shop

Even if it’s only for a day or two, close your business for some period of time during the holiday season. Choose the dates you’re closing your business and put them on your calendar. Adjust deadlines accordingly.

Also, set proper expectations with your customers and clients. Let them know ahead of time that you are closing your business, the dates you’re closing, and where this leaves their projects, orders, etc. 

3. Do Something for Yourself

Doing something for yourself is the epitome of self-care. What you choose to do is up to you. Self-care looks different for everyone. Choose something that relaxes you but that you might not take the time for on a regular basis. Get a mani-pedi or a massage. Treat yourself to a spa day or wander around your favorite second-hand bookshop. Whatever you need, just do it.

4. Do Something for Others

It can also feel great to do something for someone else. Give back by volunteering for your favorite organization. Pack up holiday meals and drive around town to hand them out to the homeless in your community. Work at an animal shelter or donate clothes to a local women’s shelter.

It can be relaxing and satisfying to give your time to others, to make them smile, or make their holiday season. 

5. Delegate

Getting ready for a break can be stressful too. Don’t put the weight of getting everything done on your shoulders. Spread the wealth. Delegate tasks to your business partner, assistant, other employees, 17hats, or outsource anything you can to lighten your load leading up to the holiday season.

6. Disconnect & Unplug

Step away and stay away from your desk (your phone and your computer too). Feel free to turn off your phone (or at least set it to silent and only look at it occasionally). 

Seriously, you’re not a brain surgeon. Everything can wait for you to open shop again (If you are a brain surgeon, don’t do this.). Most of your customers are also on a holiday break, so they may not even notice you’re MIA.  

7. Do Something Creative

Do something different than you do for work. Be a kid again and paint or color a picture. Make jewelry. Go on a hike. Get to that creative project that sparks joy but you never have time to do. You never know what will spark inspiration.

8. Spend Time with Loved Ones

Be present. Be present in the moment. Spend quality time with your friends, family, and loved ones. Roast s’mores, take a hike, watch a movie in your backyard, take your kiddos to the zoo, read a book together, or eat, drink, and be merry. Do whatever makes you happy and truly present with the people around you during your time off. 

9. Sleep

Get your fair share of shuteye. Go to bed early or sleep in late. Take naps! Sleep when you’re tired and get as much rest/sleep as possible while you’re on a break. Being well-rested is important all the time as a business owner.

10. Do Nothing

Never underestimate the power of doing absolutely nothing. Not having plans can be the best self-care gift you can give to yourself. Keep your calendar blank, turn off your alerts and alarm, and be spontaneous. Do absolutely nothing or do whatever you want. It’s so freeing!

Do one or all ten of these self-care tips this holiday season. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself.