The holiday season is a great time to hit pause on the daily grind and refocus on your most valuable business asset—you! As business owners, it’s easy to put yourself last and as Celebrants our work is always about others, so give yourself the gift of self care this year.
We tend to put ourselves at the bottom of a long list of priorities and often consider it selfish to do things that make us the priority. We all know, however, that taking time to recharge can make you sharper, more inspired, and more resilient. Here are 12 self-investments to consider over the holidays, so you can return to work with a clearer mind and a fuller heart.
1. Schedule Time for Hobbies You’ve Been Putting Off
- Hobbies are excellent for stress relief and creativity. Whether it’s painting, cooking, or hiking, schedule a couple of days for activities you love but never find time for.
2. Set Clear Boundaries for Work Time vs. Personal Time
- Decide on specific hours or days when you’ll be completely off the clock and set times when you will be completing actions that are essential for the year ahead. Communicate these boundaries to clients or team members and stick to them—this is time for you and your loved ones.
3. Make a “Fun List” for the New Year
- List 12 things you’d love to experience or accomplish next year outside of work—concerts, day trips, new hobbies, or personal goals. Having a list to look forward to can make work-life balance feel more achievable.
4. Spend a Day Reflecting on Personal Wins, Not Just Business Ones
- Often, we focus only on professional achievements, but personal growth deserves recognition too. Think about a few ways you’ve grown personally this past year. Write them down and celebrate your progress.
5. Plan Quarterly Personal Days
- Pick four days in the new year for “ME” time. Mark them on your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable days to recharge. These could be mini-adventures or simply rest days.
6. Catch Up on a Book (or Podcast) Just for Fun
- Skip the business books for now. Instead, pick up a novel, a memoir, or listen to a podcast purely for enjoyment. This downtime is good for your mental health and can even inspire fresh ideas.
7. Practice Saying “No” and “Yes” Selectively
- Reflect on what you want to make more time for next year and practice saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities. Commit to saying “yes” only to activities that energise you or align with your personal goals.
8. Write a “Life Vision” Statement
- Spend an hour creating a short vision statement for yourself. Think of it as a personal mission statement, encompassing what matters most to you in work, relationships, health, and beyond. It’ll serve as a guide for both personal and professional decisions.
9. Take a Nature Day or Go Tech-Free for 24 Hours
- Go for a day hike, visit the beach, or spend time at a park without screens. Unplugging from technology helps reset your mind and makes space for reflection without distractions.
10. Set Up a Mental Wellness Routine for 2025
- Create a Routine: Plan a short daily or weekly mental wellness practice for the new year, like starting each day with 5 minutes of mindful breathing or ending the week by jotting down gratitude notes.
11. Plan Weekly “Check-In” Times for Yourself
- Schedule a 10–15-minute check-in each week for self-reflection. Use this time to assess how you’re feeling, your stress level, and your personal goals. Regular self-check-ins can keep you aligned with what’s truly important.
12. Write Yourself a Letter of Encouragement for 2025
- Take a moment to write down your hopes for the coming year, what you’re proud of, and why you deserve joy and success. Seal it and set a reminder to open it next December—this can be a powerful way to stay motivated and reflective.
Why Self-Care is the Best Investment for 2025
Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury; it’s an investment in your business’s future. Recharged and fulfilled business owners make better decisions, have greater focus, and feel more satisfied with their work. By setting aside time for self-care, reflection, and personal growth, you’ll lay the foundation for a year that’s not only productive but also enjoyable and balanced.
As you plan your holiday, remember that a balanced life contributes to a balanced business. Enjoy this time off, reconnect with what matters most, and consider these 12 small actions as a gift to yourself.
Dinah