The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. But for many leaders of small and medium size businesses, it can also bring a unique set of pressures—balancing business demands, managing staff wellbeing, and navigating personal responsibilities. While supporting your team is vital, it’s equally important to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing.
Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) means wearing many hats. You’re not just the strategist or manager – you’re often the HR lead, the finance manager, and the emotional anchor for your team. During the festive period, these responsibilities can intensify. Deadlines loom as you head towards a new year, staff take leave, and it can feel overwhelming.
Here are some practical ways SME leaders can support their own wellbeing this festive season:
- Acknowledge the pressure
The first step is recognising that this time of year can be challenging. Many SME leaders feel they must maintain a brave face, especially when supporting employees through their own seasonal stressors. But acknowledging your own feelings- whether it’s anxiety, fatigue, or burnout – is not a weakness. It’s a strength that allows you to take proactive steps toward self-care.
- Set boundaries early
The festive season often blurs the lines between work and personal life. With clients pushing for last-minute projects and employees requesting time off, it’s easy to let your own boundaries slip. Set clear expectations around your availability, both with your team and with yourself. Block out time for rest, family, and activities that recharge you. Communicate these boundaries openly – it sets a healthy example for your team too.
- Delegate and empower
You don’t have to do everything alone. Empower your team to take ownership of tasks and decisions where appropriate. Delegation not only lightens your load but also builds trust and resilience within your business. If you’re a sole trader or have a very small team, consider outsourcing short-term tasks or using digital tools to streamline operations during this busy period.
- Practice micro-wellbeing moments
Wellbeing doesn’t always require grand gestures. Small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Take a walk during lunch, schedule short breaks between meetings, or start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. These micro-moments help regulate stress and improve focus, especially when time feels scarce.
- Connect with otherSMEleaders
You’re not alone. Many SME leaders face similar challenges, especially during the festive season. Reach out to peers, join local business networks, or attend wellbeing-focused webinars. Sharing experiences and strategies can be incredibly validating and may offer new perspectives on how to manage seasonal pressures.
- Reflect and reset
The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. Take stock of what went well, what challenged you, and what you’d like to change in the year ahead. This isn’t about setting lofty resolutions – it’s about creating space to reset your mindset and reconnect with your purpose. Consider journaling, speaking with a coach, or engaging with a wellbeing consultant to support this process.
- Celebrate your wins
Don’t forget to celebrate! Running an SME is no small feat, and the festive season is a perfect time to acknowledge your achievements – big and small. Whether it’s a successful project, a new client, or simply making it through a tough year, take time to recognise your efforts. Gratitude and celebration are powerful tools for boosting morale and motivation.
- 8. Seek professional support if needed
Finally, if you’re feeling persistently overwhelmed, anxious, or low, it’s important to seek professional support. Mental health services aren’t just for crisis moments – they’re a proactive tool for maintaining wellbeing. Our team works with SME leaders to provide tailored mental health strategies, coaching, and resources that fit the unique demands of small business life.
We understand that the wellbeing of SME leaders is foundational to the health of their businesses. That’s why we offer bespoke wellbeing strategies, mental health support, and leadership coaching designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises.
This festive season, give yourself the gift of self-care. Because when SME leaders thrive, their teams – and their businesses – do too.
