Staying Jolly During the Holidays: Your Guide to Founder Self-Care During the Festive Season
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s no surprise that chaotic energy is all around. From last-minute holiday shopping to festive gatherings to planning for the new year, there are so many activities packed into just a few short weeks – on top of our everyday professional and personal obligations. So, if you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, stressed, or just extremely tired, you’re not alone.
The holiday seasonal stress is especially real for founders, who not only have to stay on top of their own responsibilities but also make sure their companies and teams are taken care of as Q4 wraps up. From one small business owner to another, I know firsthand the importance of prioritizing your own self-care to maintain productivity, foster creativity, and ensure long-term success into the new year and beyond. Here, we’ll go over the importance of self-care for founders, strategies for self-care, and how to plan for the busy season to carve out enough time for yourself amidst the chaos. Let’s dive in.
Why Self-Care Matters
While self-care has become a sort of buzz phrase in today’s world, not looking after yourself during stressful times can actually have a ripple effect through not just your personal life, but in your business and beyond. Well-being and leadership are inextricably linked, and when your cup is half full, it’s difficult to be the role model your company and team needs. This is especially true during the holiday season when obligations pile up and you continue putting off much-needed downtime for yourself.
Working under prolonged periods of stress can inevitably lead to burnout and cause long-term mental and physical health consequences. Neglecting self-care during the holidays can also bring unwanted frenzy and chaos into the new year. It’s often said that if you don’t make time for yourself, your body will make time for you – and it usually won’t be at a convenient time. Carving out time to prioritize yourself and giving yourself the break you deserve will help you optimize your mindset, leadership abilities, and overall tone going into 2025.
How to Make Time for Self-Care
If you’re thinking that you don’t have time to dedicate full days or weeks off to relax, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t take all that. In the midst of the busy season for small businesses, all you need are a few good habits to make sure your body and mind are getting the fuel they need to keep you feeling your best. Here are some ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily schedule, even as a full-time founder hustling through the holidays:
Block off your calendar for a 15-20 minute walk, outside if possible.
At the start of each week, take 30 minutes to audit your to-do list and delegate tasks where you can.
Spend time with loved ones while cooking a nutritious meal, being active, or doing something else you love.
Try a 5-minute meditation in the morning.
Give yourself a time cut-off for answering work emails.
Plan a few days off for yourself when the busy season is over.
By actively planning how you will take care of yourself, you’re taking steps towards setting yourself up for better personal and professional success. Even small things add up and can make a big difference, so tell yourself that a 10-minute break is better than no break, and give yourself grace if you don’t get everything done on your list.
It’s also important to note that as a leader, it’s key to lead by example. By showing your team that you make time and space for self-care, you send the message that work-life balance is encouraged and build a culture that values wellness and health, even during busy and stressful times.
Saying No is also Self-Care
Sometimes the best way you can show yourself self-care is simply by saying “no.” No to difficult clients, no to opportunities that don’t seem like a good fit for your brand, and no to taking on more projects when your plate is already full. As a founder, I know how difficult it is to turn down opportunities and partnerships, especially when trying to grow your business. One crucial thing I’ve learned is that if it doesn’t seem right for you at the time, taking on additional work will lead to more stress down the road.
Say no when you need to, personally and professionally, and you’ll find that you have more time and space to focus on the things that matter to you, which in itself can lead to better, more inspired work – and growth.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that this time of year comes with stress. Whether you’re struggling to hit your Q4 goals, stressing about 2025, or just trying to get through the next family gathering without losing your cool, the holidays are an overwhelming time for everybody. As a founder, it’s key to carve out enough time for self-care, even if just a few minutes every day or in the form of saying “no” to things that don’t serve you at this time. Prioritizing your mental and physical health can lead to better outcomes not just for you, but for your relationships, team, and business. We’ll get through this hectic time together!
