The holiday season is a fantastic time to take a well-earned break, unwind, and reconnect with family and friends.
But for many tradespeople, it can also feel like a ticking clock, with deadlines piling up as the year-end approaches. Add to that the busyness of festive gatherings and social commitments, and it’s easy to see how burnout can creep in—especially for small business owners.
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
Not all stress is bad! Understanding the difference between good stress and bad stress can help you manage your workload and avoid burnout.
Good Stress: This type of stress acts as a motivator. It drives you to hit deadlines, land new contracts, and feel accomplished in your work. Good stress gives you purpose and energy.
Bad Stress: On the flip side, bad stress makes you feel like you’re drowning in tasks. It overwhelms you, slows your productivity, and can leave you stuck in a negative cycle.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
Burnout looks different for everyone, but here are some common red flags to watch out for:
Irritability or constant frustration
Feeling drained or down most of the time
Headaches or frequent colds
Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
Difficulty concentrating or reduced productivity
Small Steps to Beat Stress
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to burnout, but small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Here are five ideas to try:
Get Moving: Regular exercise can work wonders for stress relief. Activities like walking, cycling, or even playing your favorite sport help burn off stress hormones, release mood-boosting endorphins, and improve sleep quality. Find an activity you enjoy so it feels like a break, not another chore.
Ease Into the Holidays: Don’t push yourself to the limit. Look for tasks you can delegate or eliminate to lighten your load as the holidays approach.
Eat Fresh: A little effort goes a long way. Prepping a quick, fresh lunch in the morning—like a salad or sandwich—saves money and keeps your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Take Better Breaks: Resist the urge to scroll through your phone during downtime. Instead, go for a walk, chat with a mate, or simply relax with some music.
Talk It Out: Sharing what you’re going through with someone you trust can make a huge difference. If stress feels overwhelming, professional therapy might be worth exploring—it’s an investment in your well-being.
Planning for Next Year
To keep stress from piling up again, consider these strategies for the new year:
Spot the Signs Early: Pay attention to your emotional and physical stress signals. Knowing your limits can help you manage challenges before they become overwhelming.
Streamline Your Business: Investing in tools like job management software can simplify your workload by automating invoicing, scheduling, and other tasks. It’s a great way to ease the pressure of running a business and free up time for the things that matter.
Prioritize Health: Make sleep, exercise, and good nutrition non-negotiable parts of your routine. Small, consistent habits create long-term benefits.
Set Boundaries: Not every job is worth the stress. If a client has unrealistic demands or a project feels like too much, it’s okay to say no. Protect your time and energy by setting clear boundaries.
By taking these steps, you can finish the year feeling more in control and set yourself up for a healthier, less stressful year ahead.