As a business owner, you know how difficult it can be to take time off. The to-do lists never seem to end, and the constant thinking about your business and staff can make it nearly impossible to disconnect.
But the importance of taking a proper break cannot be overstated. Research has proven that not being able to switch off can lead to poor physical and mental health, fatigue, and burnout.
For many employers, the Christmas holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to turn off and recharge. Whether you have closed the business for a few weeks or left trusted team members in charge while you take a break.
It’s all about truly detaching and disconnecting mentally.
So, here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your holiday break without the constant pull of work.
Set clear boundaries
Before you head off on your break, let your team know your availability (or lack thereof).
Make it clear that you’re taking time off, and set expectations about when you'll be checking in and how they can reach you in case of an emergency.
Establishing boundaries early can help both you and your employees feel confident in the holiday downtime. It also sets a good example about the importance of switching off.
Delegate responsibilities to someone you trust
Every leader needs someone who can handle day-to-day operations while they're away, so if you don’t already have a second-in-command (2IC), now might be the perfect time to name one.
Obviously, you need a person you can trust to make good decisions in your absence. They will also need your support (and mentoring) to establish themselves.
It’s all about empowering them to step up to the responsibility so you can be at ease knowing your business is in capable hands.
Establish an emergency contact system
In case something truly urgent comes up, establish a clear emergency contact system.
Let your team know the process for reaching you only in cases of real emergencies, so you're not bombarded with messages about non-critical matters.
This will give you the peace of mind to actually step away from your business without feeling like you're abandoning it.
Turn off email notifications
Work emails are often the biggest culprit when it comes to distracting us from relaxation. They rarely stop piling up!
Try disabling your email notifications on your phone and computer. If you find it hard to resist monitoring your inbox, set a designated time to check emails once or twice a day, but resist the urge to check constantly.
Create an "out of office" auto-reply
An automatic email response can give you peace of mind while letting others know that you are unavailable.
Set up an out-of-office message that outlines when you'll be back, and provide alternative contacts for urgent matters.
This way, you can enjoy your holiday knowing that you've given clear instructions to anyone who reaches out.
Delete other communication apps
Team messaging apps like Slack are fantastic for staying in touch during work hours, but like email, they can also be a major disruption during time off.
Consider deleting the apps or logging out of them temporarily. This small change can help you resist the temptation to continually check in.
Set time blocks for checking in
If you're worried about staying connected to your business, set a specific time each day to check in. Maybe it's a 15-minute email check or a quick team meeting every couple of days to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Keeping it brief and focused will allow you to stay in the loop without your attention becoming overwhelmed by constant communication.
Trust your team
One of the hardest parts about stepping away is the fear that your business will fall apart without you.
We’ve already talked about the importance of a loyal 2IC, but your whole team is there for a reason – to help run the business. Trust them to make decisions in your absence.
By empowering people to take the reins, you’ll not only reduce your own stress but also build a culture of leadership within your team.
Take care of your physical and mental health
The holidays are the perfect time to recharge your body and mind.
Research has shown that people who effectively switch off from work are happier, healthier, and experience less fatigue.
Make self-care a priority when you are away from work – whether that means getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well, or simply taking time to relax and be with family and friends.
Your health is vital to your success as a business owner and leader, so don't skimp on giving yourself the break you need to come back refreshed and ready to take on the new year.
Set new year goals, but don't obsess
While it's tempting to use the holiday season to plan for the year ahead, try to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to work through new goals or ideas during this time.
We are often at our most creative when we’re relaxed or doing something other than working. Jot down thoughts as they come to you and revisit them when you're back at work.
