As 2023 winds to a close, for many entrepreneurs the holiday season is not only a time for celebration, but also a time for an increased workload. While the holidays are a season of joy and relaxation for many with a lot of vacation time banked, it’s typically crunch time for many small business owners. Balancing business demands with holiday preparations can be a drain on your energy sources (i.e., you).

Luckily, if you combine a semblance of vitality-boosting foods, invigorating exercises and productivity hacks, you can boost your energy levels and coast right on through the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year festivities. Here are some tips to give you that much-needed holiday energy boost. 

Supercharge with nutrient-packed foods

What you put in your body can make or break your energy levels, so be sure to… 

• Eat an energizing breakfast. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast that includes eggs, yogurt or lean meats. Add whole grains such as oatmeal or whole-wheat bread on the side to provide a steady energy release throughout the day. 

• Reach for healthy snacks. Nibble on snacks such as nuts, fruits or cottage cheese that can provide a quick yet efficient energy boost. Make sure you avoid fruits and snacks that are high in sugar, as those can lead to a severe energy crash later. 

• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water every day can greatly help your energy levels. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces. If water is too bland, try green teas or herbal infusions that help hydrate and also provide antioxidants.

Spark energy with quick exercises

It’s easy to wake up feeling lethargic or feel your energy drain throughout the day. To kick that tiredness to the curb, incorporate the following into your day.

• Energize your morning. Start your day with a quick set of exercises to get your blood pumping. Do a series of stretches or jumping jacks or take a brisk walk.

• Incorporate desk exercises. Doing desk exercises such as seated leg lifts, light dumbbells for your arms or chair squats can help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

• Take time to meditate. Clear some time on your schedule every day to concentrate on deep breathing or meditation to help reduce stress and kickstart your brain.

Boost productivity by working smarter

With the holiday season comes a flurry of excitement—and a jam-packed to-do list. Use these tips to make better use of your already crunched time.

• Prioritize your tasks. Take time at the end of each day to prioritize your top three tasks for the next day. Those are the tasks you want to strive to complete; anything else is just icing on top.

• Schedule your breaks. Make sure you’re scheduling several frequent breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout. Use the time to stretch, grab a healthy snack or take a quick walk to help refresh your mind.

• Use helpful technology. There are several time-hacking apps out there that can help you get organized. Use only the tools that will streamline your workload and help you manage tasks, appointments and reminders.

• Delegate tasks. It’s OK to delegate tasks to trusted team members. It helps share your workload, helps your team get more done and shows your team that you trust them.

Embrace the holiday spirit

Don’t let your holiday schedule turn you into the next Ebenezer Scrooge. Get into the holiday spirit by…

• Decorating your office or business. Decking the halls for the holiday season—no matter what you celebrate—is sure to lift your spirits and boost your energy.

• Celebrating achievements. Take some time to celebrate your team and the milestones you’ve met throughout the year. Not only does it boost morale, but it can also provide a fresh surge of energy as you approach the end of the year.

• Getting involved in your community. Participate in community events or volunteer when you can. Engaging with your community can give you a sense of accomplishment, boost your serotonin (and energy!) and help you spread holiday cheer.

As the holiday season approaches, embrace these energy boosters to keep you, your team, and your business vibrant and thriving—and to set yourselves up for a prosperous new year.