If there’s one thing small business owners know too well, it’s that taking care of yourself becomes harder the busier you get — and nothing amplifies that like the holiday season. Between increased orders, last-minute client requests, year-end deadlines, and the pressure to “finish strong,” it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle. But the truth is simple: you cannot run a business sustainably if you’re constantly running on empty. The holidays offer a natural moment to pause, reset, and give yourself grace. And when you set healthy boundaries, you model them for your clients and your community, too.

Before diving into the how, it’s worth remembering the why. Even the smallest self-care practice can reduce stress, boost your energy, sharpen your focus, and help regulate your emotions when things get chaotic. It’s not indulgent — it’s maintenance. It’s what allows you to keep showing up for your business and your life.

Below are ten supportive, realistic ways to take care of yourself this season — expanded, practical, and designed with the modern business owner in mind.

1. Set boundaries — and actually follow them

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to define what your availability looks like. Establish clear holiday hours, communicate them to clients, and set an email auto-reply that gently outlines when you’ll be responding. Yes, sticking to these boundaries can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re used to being “always on.” But holding that line ultimately protects your energy and communicates to your clients that you value your time. And surprisingly, many clients will not only understand — they’ll respect you more for it.

2. Create a simplified “Holiday Mode” routine

Instead of trying to run your business at full capacity in December, consider shifting into a more intentional, streamlined routine. This might look like shorter work blocks, choosing a single priority each day instead of a sprawling checklist, or committing to a daily wind-down ritual that signals when work is done. A holiday mode routine helps you stay productive in a sustainable way while creating space for rest, reflection, and actual enjoyment of the season.

3. Take a mini CEO day

The end of the year is one of the best times to zoom out and gain clarity on your direction. Give yourself a few quiet hours — maybe at a coffee shop, a co-working space, or even at home — to reflect on what worked this year, what didn’t, and what you want the next year to feel like. This isn’t about creating a detailed business plan. It’s about reconnecting to your purpose and giving yourself mental room to breathe. Reflection is a powerful form of self-care, and clarity saves countless hours in the long run.

4. Delegate just one thing

Many business owners imagine delegation as an overwhelming overhaul, but it doesn’t have to be. Even handing off one task — like social media scheduling, editing, bookkeeping, fulfillment, or inbox organization — can lift a surprising amount of mental weight. You’ll be shocked at how much lighter you feel when one recurring responsibility is no longer yours to manage. During the holidays, that relief matters more than ever.

5. Unplug intentionally

We often underestimate how much time and energy we lose to our devices. The average American spends more than seven hours a day staring at screens — and for entrepreneurs, that number can be even higher. Taking intentional breaks from your phone or computer, even for short periods, creates mental spaciousness. Try turning off notifications, setting app limits, or leaving your phone in another room for a bit. The moment you unplug, you immediately feel the difference: more presence, more calm, more clarity.

6. Embrace micro-breaks

If taking a full day off feels impossible, micro-breaks are your new best friend. These tiny resets — a quick stretch, a few minutes of fresh air, a slow cup of coffee without multitasking — help regulate your nervous system and reset your focus. They’re small, attainable, and unbelievably effective. And they count. You don’t need hours of self-care to feel better; sometimes you just need a moment to breathe.

7. Do something creative just for fun

Entrepreneurs are naturally creative, but that creativity often gets buried under deadlines and responsibilities. The holidays are a perfect time to do something that sparks joy: bake, paint, craft, hike, play, build, or make s’mores in the backyard. Creativity doesn’t have to be productive to be meaningful. Often, inspiration returns when you’re doing something that has nothing to do with your business at all.

8. Spend time with people who genuinely uplift you

Connection is powerful. After you’ve unplugged, set boundaries, and carved out a bit of time, use some of it to be around the people who fill your cup. Friends, family, chosen family — whoever brings lightness and ease. You don’t need to talk business (but if it comes up naturally, great). Sometimes a simple conversation, shared laugh, or spontaneous outing is exactly what restores your energy.

9. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Give yourself permission to let the small things go. The emails will still be there. The comments will still be there. The call you’ve been avoiding isn’t going anywhere. Nothing you’re doing today is so urgent that it should cost you your peace. Unless your work is literally life-or-death, it can wait until you’re rested and ready. Your clients expect excellence — but excellence can only come from a regulated, supported version of you.

10. Celebrate your wins before the year ends

Entrepreneurs rarely pause to acknowledge what they’ve built — especially when they’re always focused on the next milestone. Before the year ends, create a moment to celebrate your successes. Think about the challenges you overcame, the growth you experienced, the lessons you learned, and the people who supported you. Appreciation gives you momentum and confidence heading into a new year. Let yourself recognize how far you’ve come.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to adopt all ten practices. Start with one. Or two. Protecting your energy is not a luxury — it’s part of running a healthy business. This season is an invitation to create boundaries, rest deeply, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that make your work meaningful.

Ask yourself:
What would happen if I protected my emotional energy as fiercely as I protect my deadlines?

The answer might just change the way you approach your entire year.