As a business owner, your health matters too. Here’s why stepping back is part of showing up.
Owning a business means you’re always on. Helping customers, managing inventory, prepping for promos. Especially around the holidays.
But here’s the truth: you need time off too. Not just a few hours here and there, but real time to unplug, be with your family, and reset. That’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
You Can’t Run on Empty
It’s easy to feel like you can’t slow down, especially when business is picking up. But operating in constant go-mode doesn’t help your store or your customers. You’re more creative, more focused, and more present when you’ve had a real break.
Encourage your team to take time too. That example sets the tone for a healthier work culture—and stronger long-term retention.
Protect Your Time the Same Way You Protect Your Store
Your calendar gets filled with backorders, appointments, and marketing pushes. Block time for rest with the same discipline.
Here are a few things that actually work:
- Plan one full day off with no business contact
- Prep your team ahead of time if the shop needs to run without you
- Turn off email notifications—yes, really
- Say “we’re closed for the holiday” and don’t apologize for it
You don’t need to justify rest. You’ve earned it.
People Will Understand—And Respect It
Your customers are human. They have families too. Let them know you’ll be closed for a day to spend time with yours. Frame it as part of what makes your store human and community-driven. That’s something people connect with.
Use email or social media to say:
“We’ll be closed [insert date] to spend time with our families. Thanks for supporting a local business that values work-life balance!”
A Stronger You Means a Stronger Business
Your business depends on your energy. Your clarity. Your ability to think forward. A tired, overwhelmed version of you won’t be able to deliver that—no matter how hard you try.
So this holiday season, take the break. Make memories. Put your phone down. Your business will still be there—and it’ll be better off for it.
