Ahh, the craziness of the holidays have finally approached us. Whether you love this time of year or not, you’ve been dreading the chaos of trying to host dinner parties, shopping for gifts, sending out cards – all while running a business. No matter how much you plan, there is no to do list on how to stay calm, cool and collected whilst sitting at these events. 

Today i’ll share some tips on how to schedule ahead of the Holidays and how to help you enjoy the time off you have to spend with your family. Because when it comes down to it, this is why we’re entrepreneurs right? So we can have time off whenever we want to spend with our loved ones. You started this business with a passion and love for what you are doing, don’t let the end of year stress ruin it.

Make a to do list

In order to keep yourself sane and not feel like you’re taking too much time off, create a to do list of your absolute top priorities. Write down a list of 5 – 10 items (no more than 10 you over achiever!) that need to get done before you take your time off. By doing this, you’ll be physically crossing tasks off your to-do list (which always feels good) and you’ll be getting tasks done that will allow you to relax.

I try to make the tasks on the list items that just need to be finished. For example, sending out invoices, touching up a project, posting on social media. Checking off “wrapping up” items as I like to call it, gives you a sense of closure and will give you the ability to start new projects after the Holiday.

Schedule Ahead

That brings me to my next tip, schedule ahead! Having a few days off eating, drinking and spending time surrounded by loved ones can be the rejuvenation you need to start new projects after the mini vacation. With that being said, make a list (yeah I like lists) of new projects you’d like to start. This will give you something to look forward to and you’ll have a nice clean slate after finishing up your “wrapping up” tasks!

Create schedules that will help you to breeze through the next months. If posting on social media is a laborious task, make a schedule! I also like to prepare a project to start come the new year; something that will give you something to look forward to. Maybe getting new photos taken, adding something to your shop, or preparing a course. Anything that is a fresh start to get you excited!

Understand there will always be more work

Now that you’ve prepared accordingly, it’s a few hours before the event and you’re having a mini freak out about not working for a few days. I know, i’ve been there, not paying attention to what people are saying, checking my email, not being in the present moment because I was so worried about not working. That is no way to enjoy time with family.

Running a business is hard. You have a lot to worry about – invoices, clients, internal projects, social, the list could go on and on. You have to understand that their will always be more work! No matter if you checked every single thing off your to do list, you will still be working. This time off is a gift to yourself for working hard all year.

Give yourself Me time

Leading up to the Holidays (so like, the whole month of December), take time every day to step away from work. The morning is probably the best time before the day gets the best of you. It doesn’t have to be an hour, it could just be five minutes, but do something that will make you feel good.

Here are some suggestions:

• Go on a walk around the block
• Write in your journal
• Read a poem
• Meditate
• Go to a fitness class (yoga, spin, barre)
• Drink a cup of coffee outside

Try to find a spot that’s far away from your work area and a place that brings you a sense of calm. By giving your mind this little break you invite positive energy and awareness into your body that will bring serenity to your days. Even if right after you start working for twelve hours, at least you had those fifteen minutes devoted completely yourself before you give, give, give to others.

There’s a reason you’re here, that you’ve made it this far and it wasn’t from running around like a stress ball I can tell you that. When yelling at your boyfriend at five am about the Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, step back, take a deep breath and remember why you started. This is a time for you to enjoy and give back to yourself for working so hard.

If you need any more tips on staying stress-free during the holidays, please feel free to contact me and we can make a schedule that works for you!