Once again, we have arrived at the most joyous time of the year. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time where all is good, families come together, and for a moment in time all your troubles are whisked away in a sea of parties and fun. Or so it seems.

For many business owners, including myself, this is a time of stress. It’s a time of dealing with responsibilities and tasks that only you, the owner, can understand. I know for me, after 20+ years of doing what I love to do, the holidays are a culmination of so many things both positive and negative. You’re planning events, dealing with clients who are stressing themselves out with end of the year activities, attending multiple events, buying gifts, arranging travel, and so many other things. Honestly, there are times when I sit in my office and ask myself “Do I really want to do this anymore?” Then I sink into my “Vat of Depression” and lose all motivation to do anything worthwhile, which then makes me even more depressed. It’s a negative downward spiral and I hate it. Have you ever been there before? 

So, how do we deal with this depression? I don’t have all the answers, but here is what I do to get myself out of my funk, and maybe it will work for you. 

• Get enough sleep: I know if I don’t get my 7-hours of sleep every night, I end up sluggish and unmotivated throughout the day. And no, coffee is NOT the solution (at least not several days in a row). Find a way to go to bed an hour earlier than you would normally would on a weeknight.
• Cut out the crap food: I’m soooo guilty of eating my way through the holidays. However, when I limit the amount of chips, candy, and other junk food served at parties, I find myself feeling better the next morning.
• Stop doing everything yourself: I have the advantage of a wonderful wife who does all our Christmas shopping, wraps presents far better than I do, and makes sure we have enough food in the house for our out-of-town guests. Who is going to help YOU do Christmas this year? Is it going to be an employee who loves to organize the Christmas party? Is a friend or family member who will do shopping for you?
• Think about what you are thinking about: When you get into your depressed funk, be aware of what you are thinking about and find a way to stop it. Sometimes we just need to realize we are creating our own problems and need to mentally attack the issue instead of giving in.
• Talk to someone about how you are feeling: Be open and vulnerable with what you are feeling and allow others to help you out. Be open with your Business Coach and allow him or her to work with you on this to get back on track. 

If you are still having problems with your depression, perhaps it’s time to see a counselor or a therapist to help you on a deeper level. 

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kevin Weir - 12/12/2022