Preparing for the Holidays

Preparing for the Holidays

When you run a small business, especially if you work from home, it’s easy to get sucked into working any time, any day. That busyness – and stress – is compounded when you add in holiday activities such as gift shopping, baking, gift wrapping, and additional family commitments.

Here are some tips to keep you productive – and sane – this holiday season:

Minimize Distractions

• Make plans for childcare; you’ll be doing enough multitasking during the busy holiday season without trying to keep up with professional obligations and watching children home from school.
• Avoid the trap of thinking you can be productive in a coffee shop, particularly when they are extra busy with revelers.
• While you’re working, focus on work. That will also allow you to leave work behind so you can focus on family and holiday activities.

Set – and stick to – a Realistic Schedule

• Don’t take your work home with you; stick to your schedule and stay focused on the task at hand.
• Find little ways to celebrate every day, whether it’s listening to holiday music, sharing extra holiday treats with co-workers, or enjoy a walk outside on a sunny day.
• Make time for yourself. Ensure you exercise, decompress, and recharge so you bring your best self to work or family.
• Block your calendar now to accommodate children’s holiday concerts and parties, with extra time before and after for travel each way, then say no to requests that come in that conflict with those times.

Enjoy the Season

• Get up 30 minutes earlier, but don’t add anything to your routine. Adding some cushion to your morning schedule will give you additional time with your family – and all the little additional things that will inevitably come up.
• Prioritize, and don’t be afraid to say “no,” or at least “not now.” Take a look at your To Do list and decide what has to get done, what can wait until the new year, and what can drop off entirely.

Escape the overwhelmingness of the holiday season at Office Evolution Overland Park. Enjoy the flexibility of mingling with like-minded individuals in our co-working space or closing the door to a private office. Let our staff take care of mail and phone calls while you free up time to enjoy your family and friends. You’ll be more focused and productive at work and more present for holiday and family activities at home.