Making the most of your time during the busy holiday season
In business, as in life, there is always something or someone vying for your time. That’s why it is so important to keep your mission at the forefront of your mind. It will help you to then manage your time wisely by prioritizing each item as it comes.
Keeping things balanced becomes especially challenging during the busy holiday season. Most of us desire to spend more time with our families, but the demands of our jobs very often keep us from satisfactorily achieving this goal. The holidays give us a chance to make it happen.
Start by making a plan. Make a list of the extra events that come with the holidays: gift shopping, wrapping, baking, crafting, card addressing, meal planning and grocery shopping. Then get these items on your calendar. Use your time wisely. Can you shop online during your lunch hour? Can you enlist the help of other family members? Can you eliminate a tradition that no longer brings you joy? If sending cards is stressful, but you want to stay in touch with out of town family and friends, why not do it at a less busy time of year? Think outside the box.
Make sure that you plan time for yourself. What it is it that recharges and energizes you? Schedule that walk, or yoga class or massage, or meeting a friend for a beer. Put it on your calendar.
Your work will still be calling; so set some boundaries for the holidays. Do you have to be open the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve? Let your customers know ahead of time what your holiday hours will be. They may need to gently be reminded that you and your staff have a families, too.
When working, allow yourself time to recharge. Take a few minutes several times a day to breath, stretch, take a quick walk, close your eyes and think positive, thankful thoughts. Momentarily removing yourself from a stressful situation can clear your head and allow you to come back with fresh focus.
With some careful planning, you can achieve a balance in your business and personal life during the busy holiday season and beyond.