As we enter the last two weeks of summer break, I hope that you are taking time to relax. We all know that running a small business is more than a full-time job – it’s a lifestyle! We eat, breathe, and dream of our business. We are constantly thinking of ways to maximize our products, increase our profit margins, and expand our clientele reach. Let’s be honest, how many times have you woken up in the middle of the night with an idea that you believed was going to change everything and enhance your business?

Hopefully, you have a notepad near your nightstand to write down these ideas in the middle of the night. (Side note: The BIGGEST lie we tell ourselves is that we are going to remember it and do not have to write it down.)

Now back to making time to rest this month. Here are some tips:

• Rest – Rest is essential for both personal well-being and business success.
• Prioritize tasks – identify what needs your immediate attention and delegate or defer the less important tasks, this allows you to free up some time.
• Set Boundaries – Establish what your working hours are and stick to them as much as possible. Yes, there will be emergencies that you need to handle, however, every call is not an emergency.
• Schedule breaks – Plan short breaks throughout the day. Sometimes you need to step away for a little while to be able to stay focused on the tasks on hand. Taking a break can recharge your energy, allowing you to tackle tasks with ease.
• Use Technology – Did you know that some of the software we use every day can be used to automate tasks? Microsoft’s Office has several programs that can be easily programmed to automate tasks for you such as creating reports, and organizing the report into the data you need.
• Stay Healthy – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sleep are crucial. Physical well-being directly impacts your mental clarity and resilience.