Decking the Halls While Running Your Business

It's the holiday season, and, with all the decking of halls, jingling of bells and lighting of candles, it's getting harder and harder to keep your mind on work.

What to do when business still must move forward, but your heart is really on wrapping presents, holiday parties, and relaxing by a chestnut-roasting fire?

This is a time of year for reflecting, spending time with family, and taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays. I actually recommend that you do as much of that as possible. Yes, you must attend to your obligations, keep your business moving forward and do actual work, but you can have the best of both worlds. Here are five things you can do to get your work done and have a great holiday season.

1. Get up earlier. I know, that alarm clock already goes off way too soon. But, if you get up even 30 minutes earlier, you can get your day started and get more accomplished sooner. This will allow time in the middle or end of your day to take in the sites, get some shopping done, or just sit and enjoy your décor.

2. Attack your to-do list right away. As soon as you sit down at your desk, start ticking things off of your list. Check your e-mail later in the morning. This time of year, you're going to be getting notices of sales from your favorite web sites and stores, invitations and stories with a holiday theme. It is so easy to get lost in all of that... ask me how I know.

If you start working right away and save e-mail for later, you'll accomplish more earlier in your day. Also, don't leave your e-mail open during the day. It's too easy to see the e-mail alert. Only open your e-mail during set times. Check it 3 or 4 times per day, take care of what needs to be done and then leave the fun stuff for after your work is complete.

3. Take time off. You may have already scheduled some time off, but why not schedule a little more. Schedule a morning, afternoon, or evening off, but don't plan anything. Leave that time wide open and then do whatever strikes you. Sit and drink your favorite tea, peruse a magazine, plan holiday activities with the kids, call a friend, or roam around town and shop and take in the holiday sights. It's wonderful this time of year to have some unscheduled time to do whatever you want.

4. Say no to a few things. This time of year, there are so many parties to attend, there is so much shopping to do, there are so many activities to do, there is just so much of everything. It can be easy to get caught up in all of it and lose sight of what the season is really about. You don't have to attend every party, you don't have to do every single activity. Say no to a few things and take a breather. Remember - the season is not about running around like a maniac.

5. Don't beat yourself up if you feel like slacking off a little bit. With all the festivities, and all of the extra things in your schedule, it can be difficult to keep your full attention on work. Allow yourself this breathing space. Chances are good you work really hard all year long. Holidays are the perfect excuse to back off of work a little bit.

During the holidays, it's easy to become stressed if we feel we must do absolutely everything. Business does not stop during the holidays, and we want to spend time with family and friends. It is possible to get your work done and have a great holiday full of joy and wonder. Taking time to enjoy your holidays will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated to begin your New Year on the right foot!