Stress is one of those things that seems to be unavoidable in life. Running an interior design company is hard work, and the stress is compounded over the holiday season when there’s just so much more to do.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some ways you can manage your stress during the holiday season.
1. Get Organized
Organization is key if you want to mitigate your stress levels. When you’re organized, it’s easy to see what you have to do and what’s coming down the pipeline.
Organization allows you to be prepared to handle whatever comes your way. When you feel like you have a handle on everything, you get in a more positive mindset, which helps you tackle your workload.
2. Work Ahead
When it’s possible, do your best to work ahead. There’s always going to be more work, but if you can work ahead, even just a little bit, it frees up time later on down the line for you.
With that free time, you can relax, enjoy time with your family, and enjoy the holidays.
3. Invest in Good Software
Investing in good software for your business is another way to manage stress during the holiday season (and every season!). When you don’t have to duplicate your work, or when work takes less time to do, it reduces the stress in your life.
Working with a project management software designed specifically for interior designers, for instance, can really help you stay organized and de-stress.
4. Inform Clients about Vacations/Time Off
Give your clients a heads-up when you’re planning to take off for a much-needed vacation or if you’re planning to take some time off to relax this holiday season. Doing this allows them to know your schedule and to contact you if they have any questions or concerns before you’re unavailable.
This way, you’re not fielding calls or emails while you’re away. You also won’t feel guilty for not checking your email while you’re on vacation because you let them know ahead of time.
5. Turn on Your Out-of-Office Message
When you walk out the door this holiday season, make sure you turn on your out-of-office message. Your clients will already know that you’re away, but this way, anyone else who emails you will know as well, and they’ll know not to expect an immediate response from you.
This will alleviate some email stress, so you can further enjoy your time off.
6. Know Your Limits
Everyone has limits for what they can take on, what they can get done, and what they can handle. Make sure you know yours. Knowing your limits will help you say no to extra work or difficult clients when you need to. It also means you’ll be able to get all of your work done by your deadline because you haven’t taken on too much.
7. Take Care of Yourself Physically
When you take care of yourself physically, it lowers your stress level. Take an exercise class, go for routine walks, or go for a jog. The endorphin rush will make you feel better.
8. Take Care of Yourself Mentally
Mental health is as important as physical health. Give yourself a mental break when you’re stressed. You can make time for your friends, watch a movie, or read a book this holiday season. Whatever you need to take your mind off things.
9. Have Fun
It’s a simple thing, but make time to have fun. You can’t work all day every day; you need a break to do things you enjoy.
Manage your stress this holiday season so you can fully enjoy it.
