How to Truly Relax In Your Business: Even When You Can't be Completely OOO.

"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." - Anne Lamott

Ah, the end of the year — the season when your business demands attention, family gatherings pull you in all directions, and suddenly you’re juggling the responsibilities of a circus performer. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be an exhausted, over-caffeinated entrepreneur to succeed. It's possible to run your business and take a breather. Yes, even when you can’t completely close shop.

This is where our 'Relaxed Genius' approach comes into play. Below is a version of it for times when you’re more in need of rest than a grind. It’s about finding space for rest and joy, even in the whirlwind of peak promotions, client wrap-ups, and family festivities. You deserve to rest, and it’s entirely possible to weave that in without shutting everything down. (Of course, if you can actually go silent for two weeks, doooo it! Many of the tips below will help you keep things alive while you're away -- and help avoid shocking your system when you do return.)

So, what's the Relaxed Genius Entrepreneur?

It’s a reminder that you can be successful without burning out. At Niche Up Digital, we’re big fans of creating flow without forcing it. We do it with three guiding pillars: Infuse Whole Self-Care, Embrace A.I. & Automations, and BYOA (Be Your Own Algorithm). These aren’t rigid rules, but guiding principles to help you tap into your entrepreneurial flow, even during times that call for slowing down, like doing 15 minutes of lunchtime yoga, but also setting up smart Zapier Zaps to automate workflows, or getting daily nature time to regulate your nervous system after spending hours on screens, while also using Meta advertising to stay connected to your audience without needing to be on your phone. These are all examples of how the Relaxed Genius Entrepreneur approach can integrate with your business to create the spaciousness and productivity you crave.

Let’s get into how to embrace this mindset, shall we?

1. Infuse Whole Self Care

The first pillar is all about taking care of your whole self — mind, body, and soul. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? Rest doesn’t have to come in the form of a week-long vacation. You can carve out moments to nurture yourself every day, even in the busiest seasons. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a few minutes of deep breathing, or a brisk walk around the block, these moments matter.

Practical Implementation Tips:

• Schedule regular "nano" breaks throughout the day for short walks or stretching. This works just as well for time away from working, as it does for time away from family!

• Have healthy snacks and meals on standby to enjoy during those breaks. There are so many sweets on-hand during the holidays that it's easy to grab something from the cookie jar or bowl of chocolate covered nuts on the table, but once your blood sugar crashes, you'll be a grump! Grab something that'll keep your mood elevated, and indulge in the treats after a meal.

• Hire someone to clean your home before and after guests -- it gives you more time to rest and supports the local economy!

• Use apps like Calm or Headspace for guided meditations to reset your mind -- especially if you've been triggered by last minute client asks or loaded family dynamics.

2. Embrace Automation, AI and SaaSy Tools

The second pillar is all about leveraging technology to streamline your business operations. As Tim Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Work Week advises, “eliminate, delegate, automate.” Just like hiring someone to clean your home, technology can play the role of a Virtual Assistant. Tools like Zapier, Asana, and Supernormal can handle the repetitive stuff so you can focus on being your creative genius. It’s not about eliminating work; it’s about eliminating the busywork that steals your energy.

Practical Implementation Tips:

• Use Zapier to automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry to your bookkeeping platform or email responses.

• Implement Asana for project management to keep your team organized and on track.

• Use Loom videos to show your staff how to do things while you're away. No more panicked evening texts and calls just as you're about to walk into the party or cosy up for a movie with the kids.

• Explore AI tools like Ada for customer service to handle inquiries efficiently.

3. Be Your Own Algorithm

The final pillar is about embracing your own rhythm and defining your social media strategy on your terms. Forget chasing the algorithm. By creating authentic, compelling content that resonates with your audience, you’ll attract the clients and opportunities that are aligned with your business goals. Plus, you don’t need to constantly be ‘on’ to get results.

Practical Implementation Tips:

• Schedule two weeks' worth of posts ahead of time. Just monitor social media for messages, or set up ManyChat to have a fun OOO response, promising to get back to them soon.

• If you are on social media, try just being in Stories for two weeks -- and maybe only every other day. Try a face-less Story share to keep it really low energy output. Go ahead and share other people's posts, as long as they are connected to your brand values somehow. Storytelling -- even this low output version -- keeps your relationships with customers and clients growing while you slow down.

• Leverage paid advertising to amplify successful organic content while you're enjoying being OOO.

Rest is a Revolution

So there you have it: rest isn’t just a luxury — it’s a revolutionary power move. By embracing the Relaxed Genius approach, you can keep your business thriving while enjoying the freedom to recharge. Because here’s the secret: slowing down isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength — of knowing that taking care of yourself is what enables you to show up as your best, most creative self.

So, if you’re feeling the pressure to “do it all” — don’t. Give yourself permission to rest, to automate, and to make space for what truly matters. Your business (and your well-being) will thank you for it.

Now go ahead, take that nap, do a little stretch, and remember: the world won’t end if your to-do list doesn’t get fully ticked off today. It’ll be there tomorrow — hopefully with a lot less stress and a lot more joy. Happy resting, Relaxed Genius. You’ve earned it. ✨