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Key Takeaways Entrepreneurs are rarely still. While others wind down for the holidays, founders often struggle to turn off their brains.
But the holidays offer a rare kind of stillness, the kind that can fuel your next wave of ideas if you let it. It’s not about doing nothing; it’s about doing less, with more intention.
These strategies will help you reset and come back clearer, calmer and ready for what’s next.
Even when I try to rest, I still think about business. When I’m in the sauna, out for a walk or just sitting quietly, ideas keep coming. I write things down, plan in my head, and my mind keeps moving. Most days, I do not really switch off. I know I am not the only one.
That is why Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be hard to enjoy fully. While the world slows down, our brains are still on. But rest does not mean becoming someone else. You can stay exactly who you are — focused, curious, full of ideas — and still enjoy a slower, more meaningful kind of day.
The truth is, most of us are dealing with some level of burnout, whether we admit it or not. According to Tailor Brands, 72% of entrepreneurs experience burnout at some point. That is nearly all of us. And it is easy to see why. We push through weekends, holidays and even rest days, thinking it will give us an edge. But it usually does the opposite. Slowing down for even a day or two helps more than we think. You come back clearer, sharper and more focused. It is not about doing nothing. It is about doing less, with more intention.
Related: 4 Tips for How Entrepreneurs Can Unplug and Recharge During the Holidays
Cut back on caffeine and energy drinks before the holidays
If you’re serious about recharging over the holidays, consider dialing down your caffeine and energy drink intake a few days before your break. According to research cited by Anker Huis, energy drinks and caffeine can lead to dependency by overstimulating dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical. That spike in stimulation keeps your brain on edge and makes true rest feel impossible. Gradually cutting back can reset your dopamine receptors and help you feel more relaxed, focused, and genuinely recharged during your time off. It’s not about quitting forever, just giving your brain a break so your body can actually rest.
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