For many entrepreneurs, the idea of taking a holiday can feel impossible. When you’re your own boss, you often wear every hat — CEO, marketer, client manager, accountant, and sometimes even cleaner. The thought of stepping away from your business for even a week can bring on anxiety: Will I lose clients? Will momentum stop? Will everything fall apart while I’m gone?
But here’s the truth: taking time off is not only possible, it’s essential. Rest and recovery are just as important for business growth as strategy and sales. For women in business, who often juggle professional demands with family and community commitments, planning holidays strategically ensures both you and your business thrive.
At Co-Women, we see first-hand the importance of balance. Our community of female founders and professionals remind each other daily that success isn’t just about hard work — it’s about sustainable rhythms of work, rest, and play. So, how can you take that well-earned holiday without losing your business momentum?
1. Plan Ahead — Early and Honestly
The sooner you decide when you’re taking time off, the easier it is to prepare. Mark your holiday dates in the diary, and work backwards. What projects need to be completed before you go? Which can wait until you return?
For entrepreneurs, it’s tempting to keep holidays vague “in case something comes up.” But clear boundaries help you communicate confidently with clients and collaborators. Be honest: let people know when you’ll be away, and when you’ll be back. Most will respect — even admire — your commitment to rest.
2. Automate and Delegate
Modern tools make stepping away far easier than it used to be. Schedule your social media in advance, automate invoices and payment reminders, and prepare an email out-of-office message.
If you’re part of a Business networking community like Co-Women, lean into the support around you. Ask a trusted contact to keep an eye on things, or set up accountability with fellow entrepreneurs to ensure your business keeps ticking along. Delegating doesn’t make you less capable — it makes your business more resilient.
3. Set Boundaries for Connection
Some entrepreneurs prefer to fully switch off; others feel more comfortable checking in lightly. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is setting boundaries that protect your holiday as rest time.
That might mean setting a 15-minute check-in window in the mornings, or choosing to be fully offline. Decide what feels restorative for you — and stick to it. Remember, holidays are for replenishing your energy, not just relocating your laptop.
4. Create a “Return Plan”
Often, the biggest worry isn’t the holiday itself, but the backlog waiting afterwards. To avoid overwhelm, create a simple return plan before you go. Block out a catch-up day with no meetings. Write yourself a clear to-do list of priorities.
This ensures you come back focused rather than frazzled, ready to carry momentum forward instead of scrambling to regain control.
5. Embrace the Bigger Picture
Finally, remember why you started your business. For many women in business, the drive is not just profit — it’s freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment. A holiday is not a luxury; it’s part of the reason you chose this path.
Taking time off sets an example to your clients, colleagues, and peers that well-being matters. It strengthens your ability to lead and grow sustainably. In fact, many entrepreneurs return from holidays with fresh insights, creative ideas, and renewed confidence.
In a nutshell
Taking a break doesn’t mean losing momentum. With careful planning, automation, and community support, your business can thrive while you rest. Co-Women is built on the principle that no entrepreneur has to do it alone. By leaning on your network, setting clear boundaries, and giving yourself permission to pause, you’ll come back stronger — and your business will thank you for it.
So, as you plan your next holiday, remember: switching off is not a weakness. It’s a strategy.
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