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Guest post by: Helen Dowling Become an Author

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If you’re anything like me, December in the business is a bit of a mad time. You’re trying to clear out everything you’ve got to do so you enjoy at least a couple of days off and you’ve also got to write Christmas cards, decorate your office and go out for some Christmas drinks!

But most small business owners I know will still be sneakily checking their emails when they’ve promised their family they’ll have a break and even doing a bit of work when they get bored.

I think this is because when you’re running a small business, it’s very easy to feel guilty when you take a bit of time for yourself – maybe thinking that you’re not ‘doing it properly’ if you’re not working flat out. Here’s my top tips to ensure that you enjoy Christmas in your business:

1. Take some time off to be with your family.
As someone reminded me yesterday, no-one ever said on their death bed that they regretted spending time with their family, so make sure that when you say you won’t be working, you’re not working. If you work or have a laptop at home, something you might like to try is going for trips out of the house (i.e. a walk, visit friends and family etc) – if you’re not in, you can’t work.

2. Clear your desk
Between now and when you intend to stop working for Christmas, have a clear action plan of all the tasks you want to get finished. This sounds obvious, but it’s all too easy to commit to something the day before you want to stop working and have to work over Christmas as a result.

3. Make some time for you
We often forget about looking after ourselves, but Christmas is an ideal time to make sure you recharge your batteries and prepare yourself for the New Year. If you find it hard to switch your mind off from work, immerse yourself in (non-work related) activities that make your mind work.

4. Tell your customers
If you’re shutting down over Christmas, tell your customers about your plans well in advance. Make sure their needs are catered for before you close, meaning that they’re far less likely to contact you over Christmas.

5. Have a good time
Finally, don’t forget to have a great time. Christmas is the one time of year where you can let your hair down and have a bit of fun, so make sure that you do.

So, have a great Christmas from all of us at Exceptional Thinking and see you in the New Year!!

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Merry Christmas everyone!
Being generous has its rewards!
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