I’ve sent a few mailshots recently in relation to finishing 2024 with a flourish.

This may well involve goals around wrapping-up client projects (as well as presents), hitting targets, and getting the wheels in motion to hit the ground running in January.   

But amidst all the chaos, there’s one thing I often see business-owners forget to prioritise: their health – we often don’t realise how important our well-being is until it’s too late.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and adopt a “just get through it” mindset as the festive season approaches – we’ve all been there at one point or another.

We tell ourselves we’ll *definitely* rest over Christmas, that we’ll make time for exercise and relaxation then.

Honest.

But, that’s a risky game to play, and by the time January rolls around, the damage might have already been done.

So how can you keep your health and well-being in check while still hitting your business goals?

It’s all about balance – and making sure you look after yourself before things start to slip.

Because here’s the truth: your health is your biggest business asset.

 

Here are my 6 top tips:

 

1.Remember That Rest Is Non-Negotiable

The notion that you need to ‘grind’ 24/7 to succeed is a myth. Sleep, rest, and downtime are vital to keep you operating at peak performance.

When you’re running a business, your brain is in overdrive – strategising, planning, managing your team.

But if you’re not resting, you’ll hit burnout quickly.

As tempting as it is to power through these final weeks of this year, prioritise rest so you can start next year feeling refreshed rather than depleted.

 

2. Don’t Let Exercise Slip

I get it – time is short, and when things are busy, exercise feels like the easiest thing to sacrifice – I hear this all the time on my coaching calls.

But moving your body isn’t just about keeping fit- it’s about keeping your mind sharp too.

A quick 30-minute walk or gym session will leave you feeling more energised, more focused, and ready to tackle the business challenges ahead.

Regular exercise boosts productivity and helps reduce stress. If you’re feeling frazzled by the mountain of tasks ahead, hitting the gym or going for a run could be the reset you need.

 

3. Nutrition Fuels Your Performance

When things get busy, it’s easy to rely on quick, convenient food. But poor nutrition can drain your energy levels and mess with your mood.

You wouldn’t fuel a high-performance car with low-grade petrol, so why do it to yourself?

Be mindful of what you’re eating over these final weeks. Try to avoid the inevitable December slide into sugary snacks and convenience meals, as they’ll leave you sluggish and unfocused.

 

4. Manage Stress Before It Manages You

The end of the year brings a whole host of pressures, from hitting deadlines to dealing with staff shortages and preparing for the festive rush.

Stress is part of the game, but left unchecked, it can spiral out of control.

Make time for relaxation and stress management – even if it’s just a few minutes of mindfulness or deep breathing each day.

 

5. Set Boundaries Now – Not Later

If you’re in business, you’re probably familiar with the creeping pressure to ‘be available’ 24/7, especially as clients ramp up the urgency towards year-end.

Setting boundaries is essential to preserving your well-being.

Decide now what your work hours are going to look like in December, and communicate this clearly with your team and clients.

I spoke with a client this morning who has already blocked Christmas dates with his client and his team – it’s already sorted and expectations have therefore been managed across the board.

Protecting your time and energy over the next few weeks will ensure you don’t burn out before the Christmas break.

 

6. Don’t Wait for New Year Resolutions

Most of us fall into the trap of thinking that health goals are best left for January.

But why wait?

By then, the damage may already be done.

If you start implementing healthy habits now – whether it’s better nutrition, more sleep, or just taking time to switch off – you’ll be well ahead of the curve when 2025 rolls around.

 

The truth is, looking after your health doesn’t have to come at the cost of business success.

In fact, it’s the opposite – your business will perform better when you’re performing at your best.

Businesses that thrive are led by people who understand the value of looking after themselves just as much as they look after their bottom line.

Book a free 45-minute session with me today if you need any further help.