Embracing Slow Living: A Coach’s Guide to Taking Time Off for the Holidays by Ruby McGuire

Originally Posted on The Coaching Tools Company as Embracing Slow Living: A Coach's Guide to Taking Time Off for the Holidays by Ruby McGuire

The holiday season can be chaotic! There are lots of events on, people want to meet up. There are presents and food to buy, and you have to run your business on top of all that.

It’s important that we, as coaches, take time off over the holiday season. We spend the whole year supporting clients and must take care of ourselves—which also allows us to be more present for our clients.

Here are 3 good reasons why coaches should take time off over the holidays:

1. Avoid burnout: There is always the danger of overworking and neglecting self-care.
2. Cultivate creativity: Time off gives us creative space for inspiration.
3. Build emotional resilience: This gives us the capacity to support our clients effectively.

Practice Slow Living

I like to practice what’s called Slow Living and I practice it even more diligently at this time of year. There are many definitions. For me, slow living is the following:

1. Living intentionally: Embracing each moment fully, practicing mindfulness.
2. Simplifying life: Decluttering our physical (and mental) space and streamlining commitments.
3. Deliberately slowing down: Aligning with the pace of nature, focusing on one task at a time and noticing when you’re rushing around.
4. Nurturing relationships: Creating meaningful connections, prioritising quality time, and setting boundaries.
5. Self-care and well-being: Prioritising rest and relaxation, nourishing your body, and cultivating inner peace.

How to Prepare Your Coaching Practice for Time Off

1. Set clear expectations. Tell your clients what your holiday schedule will be.
2. Park or delegate tasks. You don’t have to do everything before the year ends, despite what so many people will tell you. Every day is a ‘new year’ if you choose/want it to be!
3. Set boundaries. Protect your time and energy. Don’t check emails every two minutes. And set an out-of-office reply so people know when you’ll be back to work again.

And Why Not Bring Slow Living into Your Holiday Break?

1. Embrace mindfulness: Find moments of peace amidst the chaos. Even a 1-minute breathing exercise can bring some calm into your day.
2. Practice self-care: Prioritise your well-being during the holiday. For example, watch a holiday movie, bake some cookies, sit and read. Do whatever makes you happy.
3. Connect with others: Catch up with friends over a cuppa and enjoy the season.

Make the Most of Your Downtime

1. Reflect on your year: Celebrate successes, what worked, what didn’t, what did you learn?
2. Set intentions for the New Year: Forget New Year’s resolutions, set intentions instead. What would you like your business to look like next year?
3. Practice curiosity: Have fun exploring hobbies and passions outside of work. Read a book in a different genre, or go to a place you haven’t visited before.

Then Transition Yourself Back to Work

1. Ease back into routine: Slowly! You don’t need to clear your ‘backlog’ in one day. Take your time easing yourself back in gently.
2. Reconnect with clients: Check in and reaffirm your commitment to their growth.
3. Plan your first quarter: You’ll have a better start to the year if you have a plan!

Wrap-up

So will you embrace slow living, I wonder? I adopted it a few years ago and have been inspiring my friends to do it too. We are so much calmer as a result.

Here’s a quick recap of how to embrace Slow Living in your business:

1. Prepare your coaching practice for time off
2. Bring slow living into your holiday break
3. Make the most of your downtime
4. Transition back to work
   

Tis the season for coaches to embrace a slower pace! By taking time to recharge, reflect, and connect, you can return to your practice refreshed and ready to guide clients. So, grab a mug of cocoa and cosy up by the fire. Let the holiday spirit inspire a more relaxed and fun approach to coaching!

If you enjoyed this article about slow living, you may also like:

• Simplify to Thrive: How Slow Living Helps us Grow our Business & Find Balance by Ruby McGuire
• Slow Down & Calm with this Easy “Windshield Wiper” Mindfulness Exercise by Marcy Nelson-Garrison
• De-Stress Series: 10 Easy Ways to Help Find the Calm You Need by Emma-Louise