Enjoying the holidays without worrying about your small business: a mental health perspective

As the holiday season approaches, many small business owners find themselves in a dilemma. On one hand, there’s the desire to fully enjoy the festive spirit, take a break, and spend quality time with loved ones. On the other, there’s the constant worry about their business—missed opportunities, unanswered emails, or tasks piling up.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. The pressure to maintain momentum can weigh heavily, but there are ways to shift your mindset and set boundaries so you can truly unwind. From a mental health perspective, stepping back from your business during the holidays isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for long-term sustainability.

Shift from “hustle mode” to “rest mode”

As a small business owner, you likely operate in “hustle mode” for most of the year. This can become ingrained, making it hard to relax even when you have time off. But embracing rest isn’t a sign of laziness—it’s crucial for avoiding burnout. Shift your mindset by reminding yourself that rest enhances productivity in the long run. Giving your mind time to recharge allows for fresh ideas and renewed energy, which can fuel your business even more effectively when you’re back.

Set boundaries with technology

In today’s digital world, the line between work and personal time often blurs. Emails, social media notifications, and online orders can follow you everywhere. To truly enjoy the holidays, set firm boundaries with your tech usage. Schedule specific times during the week to check emails or respond to pressing business matters, and keep your phone away during family gatherings or special moments. Consider an out-of-office auto-reply for emails to inform clients you’ll get back to them after the holidays. Setting these boundaries helps protect your mental well-being.

Delegate and trust others

If you have a team, now is the time to delegate. Trusting your employees to handle things while you step away can be challenging, especially if you’re used to wearing many hats. However, allowing others to take over certain aspects of the business can lighten your load and give you a break. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, consider enlisting temporary help or outsourcing tasks to freelancers. Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Let go of the “perfectionist” mindset

Small business owners are often perfectionists. You might feel that stepping away, even briefly, will cause things to unravel. But ask yourself: will the world stop if you don’t respond to an email within 24 hours or miss a single social media post? In reality, most of the pressure we feel is self-imposed. Learning to accept that things don’t have to be perfect all the time is a crucial mental shift. Imperfections and slow periods are part of the business journey. Allowing yourself to be okay with that will help you find peace during the holidays.

Prioritize self-care and connection

The holidays are a time for connection, both with others and yourself. Prioritizing self-care—whether that means going for a winter walk, practicing mindfulness, or simply sitting down with a good book—nurtures your mental health. Meaningful connections with friends and family also boost your sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation that many entrepreneurs face. Engaging in these activities reminds you of the bigger picture in life, beyond the daily grind of your business.

Reflect on the year’s achievements

Instead of focusing on what hasn’t been done, take time to celebrate your accomplishments from the year. Acknowledge the growth your business has experienced and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Reflection helps shift your focus from worry to gratitude, which is crucial for your mental health. By appreciating how far you’ve come, you’ll approach the new year with a sense of renewal and optimism.

The holiday season can be a special time to step away from your usual responsibilities and recharge, knowing that your business will be waiting for you when you’re ready. Embracing rest and connection may even lead to more energy and clarity when you return.