Written by: Leslie Gaudet, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As the year hurtles towards its end, female business owners often find themselves at the epicenter of a whirlwind. Balancing the demands of running a business with personal responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially as the holiday season approaches.
In the midst of managing year-end tasks and preparing for celebrations, self-care often takes a backseat. However, prioritizing self-care is not a luxury; it's a strategic move that can help you finish the year strong and avoid burnout.
The high-stress season
The final stretch of the year can be an intense time for business owners. You might be reviewing your financials, strategizing for the coming year, managing inventory, and handling year-end deadlines. Simultaneously, you're probably planning holiday marketing campaigns, navigating increased customer demand, and juggling personal commitments.
And when you factor in that we’re still living in this hustle and grind culture, it can be really easy to forget about your own well-being.
But here's the truth: neglecting your self-care during this period can have serious consequences. One of them being Burnout, which often manifests itself as physical and emotional exhaustion, reduced productivity, and a loss of enthusiasm, and that’s a real risk.
Why self-care matters
Self-care isn't just about spa days and bubble baths (although those can certainly be part of it). It's about maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health, so you can perform at your best, both personally and professionally and if you have a team that you manage, it’s equally important that not only you model that behavior of self-care as a priority but also to encourage your team so that they stay strong, focused and embody wellness all-round.
Here's why it matters:
Increased Resilience: When you take care of yourself, you become more resilient in the face of challenges. You're better equipped to handle stress, adapt to changes, and bounce back from setbacks.
Team Building: By prioritizing self-care and encouraging your team to do the same, you foster a culture of well-being and collaboration. This can lead to better team dynamics, enhanced creativity, and improved productivity.
Enhanced Focus: Self-care activities like meditation or exercise can improve your ability to concentrate and make decisions, crucial for effective business management.
Improved Creativity: Giving your mind a break, through self-care, can boost your creativity. This can lead to innovative solutions for business problems. Factor in your team, and this promotes team building as well as collaboration which means that your business and your team are operating at their best.
Better Relationships: Self-care helps you manage your emotions, reducing the risk of lashing out or becoming irritable with colleagues, employees, or loved ones.
Long-Term Sustainability: Consistent self-care is not just about surviving the end of the year but ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of your business. In other words, thriving over surviving.
Prioritizing self-care
Here are some practical self-care strategies to help you finish the year strong:
Set Boundaries: Define clear boundaries between work and personal life. Allocate specific times for work-related tasks, and then switch off. Use this time for self-care activities or simply to relax and recharge.
Ask for Help: When you ask for input from others, it can open you up to new perspectives that you may not have thought of before and it frees you from feeling like you’re all alone on an island trying to make things work.
Delegate and Outsource: Running a business often means wearing many hats, but you don't have to do it alone – especially during the hectic holiday season. Take time to identify responsibilities you can delegate to your team or outsource to freelancers and services.
For example, could one of your team members take the lead on your holiday marketing initiatives? Consider hiring temporary administrative help for year-end goals. Outsourcing bookkeeping, graphic design, or even company holiday parties can lift some pressures too. The key is determining where you can hand off tasks to trusted individuals so you can focus your energy on business priorities and self-care.
The most successful entrepreneurs know when to bring in support rather than to do it by themselves. By proactively taking the time now to determine what to delegate and outsource and what to keep in house, you will ensure that you steer your business efficiently through the holidays and avoid burnout along the way.
Schedule Breaks: Intentionally schedule short breaks throughout the day. Step away from your desk, stretch, or practice deep breathing. Even five minutes of mindfulness can make a difference. Give your brain a break. This is important so that you can allow your brain to digest what you fed it, and to rejuvenate and recharge so that you can get back into your day with confidence, energy, and focus.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Learn to extend yourself grace and acknowledge that you can't do everything (all at once), and that's okay. Forgive yourself for any perceived shortcomings or mistakes and move forward with a positive mindset. Remember, mistakes are lessons learned not failures.
Maintain Healthy Habits: Don't abandon your healthy routines. Continue to prioritize regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. These habits are the foundation of your well-being.
Plan Ahead: Planning for the holiday season is akin to laying the groundwork for a successful business voyage through one of the most hectic times of the year. Whether it involves meticulously managing your inventory to meet soaring demand, getting ready for an end-of-year social event for your staff and clients, planning your strategies for starting next year off with a win, or strategically scheduling marketing campaigns to capture the holiday spirit, early preparation serves as your secret weapon to fend off last-minute stressors. It's the assurance that you won't find yourself drowning in the holiday rush, but rather confidently steering your ship towards smoother seas, ensuring not only a thriving business but also the chance to enjoy the festive season with a sense of accomplishment and balance.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness practices into each day is proven to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote overall well-being. Try setting aside 10 minutes in the morning to meditate – sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath, releasing any swirling thoughts. Journal in the evening to process your day and identify any negative thought patterns or stressors. When you feel overwhelmed, stop and take five deep belly breaths – this simple exercise can activate your relaxation response and help you reset. Going for a mindful walk – leaving your phone behind and fully engaging your senses – is another powerful way to clear your mind. Start small, be consistent, and find techniques that work for you. A few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a big difference.
Seek Support from your Community: Connect with fellow female business owners or mentors who understand the unique challenges you face. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can be both comforting and enlightening.
Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrations can be powerful motivators and can help you maintain a positive outlook. Plus, when you take time to celebrate, you anchor in those experiences which can help keep you motivated for what’s next.
As a female business owner, you have a lot on your plate, especially as the year comes to a close. But remember, you are your business's greatest asset. Prioritizing self-care isn't selfish; it's a strategic choice that enables you to finish the year strong, avoid burnout, and set the stage for a successful year ahead.
So, as you navigate the demands of the season, remember to schedule time for self-care. By investing in your well-being, you empower yourself to not only survive but thrive, ensuring your business and personal life flourish in tandem.
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Leslie Gaudet, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Leslie Gaudet is a Self-Care Coach who helps female entrepreneurs make self-care a priority so they and their teams can thrive. With nearly 4 decades of corporate experience, Leslie understands the toll that burnout can take on ambitious women and their companies.
Now Leslie guides female business owners to transform their lives by incorporating self-care practices into their lives and workplaces. When entrepreneurs prioritize self-care, they become better leaders who can motivate their teams, foster supportive work cultures, and drive business growth.
Leslie provides women entrepreneurs with tools to practice self-care daily so they have the energy, focus, and confidence to sustain motivation, avoid burnout, and fully engage in their priorities. Her approach helps female founders care for themselves from the inside out so they can avoid draining their emotional and physical reserves.
Leslie is passionate about empowering women to live life on their own terms through self-care. She believes self-care is the lifeblood of success in business and beyond.
With Leslie's support, female entrepreneurs learn to model self-care for their teams. The outcome is a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. By taking care of themselves first, women business owners can spread the benefits of self-care throughout their companies and experience more work-life balance, stronger relationships, and business success.
