There is one thing for certain…

It is not easy to make time for yourself as an entrepreneur let alone during the holiday. 

Depending on your business, you may be making more products or providing more services than before during this time.

I think it's safe to say that in order to be productive you have to set time aside to reflect. 

That’s way easier said than done. 

But what better time than now during the holiday.

Sure, we are right there with you with a mountain of things to do but it doesn't hurt to dedicate some time for YOURSELF.

In fact, your clients might learn from you about these said "boundaries" we'll discuss and hopefully encourage them to take charge for themselves too. 

But let’s start with the why!

To begin there are ZERO negative implications for a self-care practice. The single most common reason people give for not having a self-care practice is because of the lack of time. While many of us have many things happening, it is important that we take time out of our day, even if it’s minimally, for ourselves. 

The benefits are: 

• Reduces stress
• Improves energy
• Increases happiness
• Improves concentration
• Minimizes frustration and anger
• Can reduce the effects anxiety and depression

Here are 5 simple (yet maybe challenging) tips any small business owner can apply to their self-care practice.

Set boundaries (and stick with them!)

Establish holiday hours and leave client work outside of them. While you’re at it, set your automatic email as well.

It's never too late.

I know. I know.

Way easier said than done but here's what this does for the client:

• Helps them better understand that self-care is a priority.
• Adds values to your work because you're not wearing yourself thin.
• Creates a new routine outside the holiday hours.
• Shows the clients or other businesses that there is more to life than work.

This isn’t talking about those one off projects you’ve been wanting the time for. This is a great opportunity to start, comb through, or tie up projects business related or not.

Let it be because you don’t have a list of things to do for clients but because it feels fulfilling.

Unplug

You may be like the others asking yourself if you have enough time but that's where simply unplugging comes in. According to data from DataReportal, the average American spends 7 hours and 11 minutes looking at a screen every day.

That’s insane! And I can say I was once guilty of this. I started to set a “time limit” on my phone for various apps to help me with the process of disconnecting. The moment I did, it was apparent how much time I spent scrolling and how much time I could get back.

It's a gift that keeps on giving.

Turn your notifications off and be present not only with yourself but those around you.

Do something creative

It's important to keep that fire within. Whether that’s going on a hike, going fishing, or maybe an outdoor recreation you fancy, anything that makes you think differently can help spark this side to you and your business that doesn’t get nourished. We all get into a lull but being childlike or finding something we find fun that will draw up inspiration we've been looking for. 

Making smores counts!

Spend time with family and friends

Now that you've told your clients you'll get back to them, unplugged, and planned something fun, see if there are any friends and/or chosen family members that want to go with you. This camaraderie sparks goodwill! Don’t be afraid to talk about your business. Keep it light but you never know who or what you may come across.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

In the end, the email can wait, the comment can be “liked” when you finally open your phone, and that phone call you’ve been dreading can hold off until you’re ready.

This is YOUR time to show your customers that you value more than just your business. That livelihood matters too.

And what’s so wrong with that? I can confidently say that unless you're curing cancer, I’d be shocked if you’re reading this, that everything can simply wait.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to do it all. I would actually encourage you to try to do at least one. From there you can see if the others work with your schedule. This isn’t about neglecting work time. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Creating boundaries right off the bat allows you to navigate your workplace you created, avoid a toxic environment, and make a path to do your very best work without burning out. 

Ask yourself and see exactly how important it is to protect your emotional energy and interpersonal boundaries.

The outcome is worth it.