If you’re anything like me, you’re busy. It always seems like there is never enough time to get everything done. From managing multiple marketing campaigns, managing my own marketing efforts, looking for new opportunities and doing my best to be a good husband and dad, you could say my plate is full. The Holidays just add one more thing to my already packed schedule and along with it is the pressure to get more done faster so I can move on to the “stress-less” cheer of all the holiday festivities. This year, I’ve decide not to fall into that trap and I wanted to share with you what I believe is the best thing you can do for your business (and yourself) this holiday season.
For many small business owners there is a fear that if you’re not working, nothing will get done and the business may fail. This leads to over working more often than not. Over working is one of the worst things you can do to yourself, trust me, I’m a recovering workaholic. While in our heads we believe we are getting more done, the quality of our work grows increasingly worse and we feel worse about it. It’s a horrible trap to be stuck in. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. “More than half of all workaholics end their work day feeling like they weren’t able to accomplish as much as they could.”
So what can we do? For many of us, we are our business. If we don’t work, there is no one else. Here is my advice. Close up shop. For at least one full day, that’s 24 hours not 9 to 5, and disconnect completely from your business. Don’t tweet, don’t look at your email, don’t check your calendar. Do nothing! Trust me, when you wake up in the morning, it will be there. This will be the best thing you can do for yourself and in return, will greatly impact your business. According to experts from the University of Pittsburgh, people are satisfied with life on vacations and return more energized and positive.
Table of Contents
Here Are 3 Ways To Disconnect and Enjoy the Holidays This Year
Enjoy The Moment:
How many times have you been at a family event or non-work related function and instead of being present, you were thinking about ways to grow your business, or how to solve an on going issue? For me, this happens all the time. I want to challenge you to enjoy the moment this holiday season. Take in everything. Connect using all of your senses. Feel the wrapping paper as you open a gift. Breathe in the delicious smell of the Christmas ham. Listen closely as the kids laugh and play. Just be where you are, take it all in and relax.
Read That Book:
Is there are book you’ve been wanting to read but just never had the time to sit down and enjoy it? Well, here’s your chance. Take a break, find your favorite cozy little spot and dive in. Let your mind take you in the story and let loose.
Get Some Rest:
I’m night owl. I get most of my best ideas late at night and this often leads to me working way longer than I should. While I wish the business world would revolve around my schedule, the simple truth is, it doesn’t. This creative flaw has cause me many nights of little rest. As you disconnect from your business, take time to rest. Get a nap, sleep in, let your body reset itself. Don’t just take my word for it. This is what the experts at The National Heart, Lung and Body Institute have to say. “Sleep helps your brain work properly. While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information.”
While the year-end dash is in full swing, don’t forget to stop and take a look back at all you’ve accomplished this year. You’ve earned it. You have worked hard and the new year is fast approaching. My hope is that you can enjoy this holiday season. That instead of stress you would find rest, that you’d be able to finally read that book you’ve always wanted to read and that you would just enjoy the time you spend with those closest to you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
