4 tips for small business owners to relax this Christmas

Christmas season is a time when most people 'switch off' and relax. They enjoy spending time with friends and family and celebrating the New Year.

Unfortunately for many business owners, Christmas is a different story. Running a business is tough, and they find it difficult to take a step back - especially after the difficult year and challenges they've faced.

In fact, last year one in six small business owners were set to work on Christmas day and a third were planning to work on Boxing Day. Last year, restrictions were in place in the UK which prevented people from spending time with their families which is why it's essential we make the most of this Christmas.

So, how can small business owners relax this Christmas without working or worrying? Here are 4 useful tips;

 

Prepare

Create a list of tasks and separate them into categories - 'complete now', 'complete if I can' and 'can wait.' Use this list with any employees to ensure all essential tasks are completed before the holidays. It's okay if the other tasks aren't completed, have peace of mind in knowing they will be completed upon your return after the holidays. You can also set calendar reminders so that you don't forget future tasks!

 

Set boundaries

Inform your customers and employees when you will be closed/unavailable, and when you will return. Share this on social media, set an out of office response on your emails, or put it on your website. Remember not to worry about being closed as most people will be busy celebrating Christmas. You can also share an emergency contact method such as your personal phone number or email - just in case.

 

Disconnect

Don't check your emails every 5 minutes and spend the entirety of Dinner responding to business messages. Ideally, turn off your devices such as laptops, tablets, work phones, etc. if you can or alternatively, allow yourself to only check them once in the morning and once in the afternoon - and stick to it. There's plenty to enjoy over Christmas; festive lights, snow, classic films, family time, hot chocolate, carols, board games, the list goes on! Lock away your laptop and remove work emails from your phone.

 

Be thankful

Remember to celebrate what you have. Often, we are all too busy to appreciate our surroundings as we are aiming for bigger, better or more - running a business can be distracting. There has also been many challenges, including a global pandemic which has added a lot of pressure to some. Christmas is a time to be thankful, praise your family members, thank your friends, fix a broken bond, show gratitude to employees, or perhaps there is something else to be thankful for? Spending the festive season cherishing these will form special memories for all involved, which is more important.

 

THEDIRECTORSCHOICE.COM wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Spend time with loved ones and recharge your batteries over Christmas to give your business the drive it needs to succeed next year.

If you need free business support through content or the helping hand of an expert, THEDIRECTORSCHOICE.COM are here to provide whatever or whoever you need.