Wk45-Take True Holiday Breaks
DOWN TIME
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s tempting to use this quieter time to catch up on work. But let’s talk about why taking real breaks is needed as web designers for your well-being and your business’s health. Making it a habit out of holiday time off is a must.
Habit of the week:
Wk45-Take True Holiday Breaks
Even in a small household like mine, where holidays aren't big, I've learned the value of stepping away from client work during the holidays. It's not just about family traditions, it's about giving ourselves the necessary space to rejuvenate.
On the other hand, your household can filled with activity during the holidays. In such cases, embracing these moments can be incredibly fulfilling. Why not put work on the back burner and focus your energy on holiday tasks and family events? Doing so gives yourself the chance to fully participate, creating lasting memories and strengthening relationships that enrich your personal and professional life long after the decorations are put away.
Why it matters:
Taking time off during the holidays isn't just a nicety—it's a necessity. It allows us to recharge, spend precious moments with loved ones, or enjoy the holiday movies by the warmth of a roaring fire.
Quick Start Guide:
- Plan Your Breaks: Commit to not working on Thanksgiving and the day after. Consider shutting down for an entire week or two during the December holidays.
- Set Boundaries: Inform clients and set an autoresponder. Let people know you'll be out but will handle urgent issues only. Start doing this in September.
- Admin Days: Use a short time in December for end-of-year administration in your office—organize your workspace, plan for the new year, and handle year-end accounting. These important but often neglected tasks can set you up for success.
Cami's Tips
- Enjoy Personal Projects: If you must work, let it be something you enjoy, like tweaking your own website. Add those new additions to your portfolio. I LOVE DOING THIS. It's a gift to myself!
- Schedule in Advance: Plan tasks like New Year's updates well ahead of time with your clients so they don't disrupt your break.
- Reflect on Life Goals: Remember, honor some work-life balance. Don't look back and wish you had spent more time living rather than working.
Routine Checkpoint:
Remember, life is short and you don't want to spend it all behind a screen.
What's Your Take?
Have you taken real time off during past holidays, or have you been tied to your desk responding to clients? What are your plans for this coming holiday season? Share your plans and ideas and let's make this holiday season the most impactful yet!
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about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.