Slowing down to speed up in 2025

How Can You Manage Burnout in Business?

Longer-term strategies and processes exist, but I want to give you a surge of energy in preparation for 2025 With Christmas just around the corner I want to give you permission, dare I say it, a REASON to disconnect. 

I want to acknowledge though as a business owner, disengaging from work over the holidays can feel challenging. The constant pressure of managing your business, the need to always be ‘on,’ and the never-ending to-do list makes it hard to truly switch off.

However, the key to thriving in 2025 lies in taking the time to step back now. Here’s how you can disconnect from work over the holidays, stay present with your family, and return to your business stronger than ever.

1● Plan Ahead to Set Boundaries

The first step in disengaging from work is setting clear boundaries. This includes shutting the doors, which is common practice (I don’t know any local business that isn't taking at least a full week closed). 

Whilst you are ‘shut’, it may be tempting to keep checking emails or taking calls, it’s important to remember that your well-being and your relationships with loved ones should take precedence during this time. Start by planning your time off well in advance. Block off specific days or weeks where you are completely unavailable to work, and inform your team, clients, and collaborators ahead of time. Let them know you’ll be taking a break and how they can reach out in case of an emergency.



By giving people plenty of notice, you can alleviate any potential work-related stress and avoid feeling like you're constantly on-call. Be proactive about setting expectations for your availability and stick to them.

2● Delegate and Trust Your Team

One of the most difficult parts of taking time off as a business owner is the fear that things will fall apart in your absence. However, a successful business is built on a team you can rely on. Prior to your break, delegate tasks and responsibilities to trusted employees or collaborators. This will give you peace of mind and allow your team to operate without you.



Trusting your team is an important part of business ownership. It empowers them to take initiative, and it reinforces that your company can thrive without you constantly overseeing every detail. Knowing that your business is in capable hands will help you disconnect and enjoy your time with loved ones without feeling anxious or guilty.

3● Disconnect from Digital Distractions

In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the digital flow of work. Emails, messages, and social media notifications are always at our fingertips. But this constant connectivity keeps your mind engaged in work even when you're physically present with your family.

During the holidays, make a conscious effort to turn off work-related notifications and avoid checking your devices unnecessarily. Set up an "out-of-office" auto-response for your email and social media accounts. If you’re really committed to disconnecting, consider putting your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode, or leaving it in another room while you spend quality time with your family.

Better yet, turn off the TV and get out the board games. Nothing screams holidays like a family fight over non-paying of your Monopoly money!

By limiting digital distractions, you create space for yourself to recharge, and you give your loved ones the attention they deserve.

4● Be Present (not just physically)

The holidays are about more than just resting — they’re about reconnecting with the people you care about. To truly recharge, practice mindfulness. Be present in the moment, whether you’re sharing a meal with family, going for a walk, or simply enjoying the quiet of the season. Mindfulness helps you shift your focus away from work and into the here and now. It’s about fully experiencing the joys of the holiday season without worrying about what's going on in the office or with clients.

You can also incorporate meditation, deep breathing exercises, physical activity, or light stretching to help you stay grounded. Taking time to focus on your mental and emotional well-being can do wonders for reducing stress and preventing burnout.

5● Recharge Your Batteries

The goal of your holiday break is to recharge. Use this time to engage in activities that nourish you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, indulging in a favorite hobby, reading a book, or simply resting, allow yourself to truly unwind.

Incorporate some self-care into your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious meals, and take walks to clear your mind. This time off is about replenishing your energy reserves so that you can return to your business in 2025 with renewed vigour.

6● Reflect and Set Intentions for 2025

While the holidays are meant to be a time of rest, they also provide an opportunity for reflection. Take some time to look back on the past year: What worked well in your business? What challenges did you face? Reflecting on these questions can help you set clearer goals for the new year.

Set aside some quiet time to write down your business intentions for 2025. This will allow you to return to your business with a sense of purpose and motivation. The clarity gained from this reflection will make it easier to dive back into your work with passion and a renewed commitment.

The holidays are an invaluable opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most. As a business owner, it’s essential to step away from the daily grind to avoid burnout and come back to your business with a fresh perspective. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care, you’ll be able to disengage from work, enjoy the season with your loved ones, and return to your business in 2025 full of energy, passion, and commitment.

If you are still struggling once you get back, don’t bury your head in the sand. Put your hand up and ask for some help. Purpa has 2 Clinical Psychologists (Dr Clive Williams and Alisha Black) who can come in and work with your team to build emotional resilience through workshops and training to help you and your people. Once you have developed better self-awareness, and a toolbox of strategies to assist, its amazing how the small things don’t affect you as much, and your head stays clearer. 

So enjoy your break, turn off to the world, and we wish you and your family every success and happiness in 2025.

Written by Chris Black

Chris is a self-confessed business nerd and the brains behind Purpa. He lives for helping businesses and businesspeople find their purpose, uncover their potential, and then provide the systems, processes, and accountability to make it happen.

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