Guilt-free annual leave: A small business owner's guide

Running a small business often feels like an all-consuming commitment. For many founders, the idea of taking time off can feel not just indulgent, but downright impossible.

Yet failing to step away now and then can lead to burnout, poor decision-making and, ultimately, a less successful business.

In a Lunch and Learn webinar hosted by Enterprise Nation, Dr Gracie McLaven, clinical psychologist and founder of Brain Body Wealth, tackled this very issue.

Drawing from her psychological expertise and personal experience as a business owner, she laid out a simple, practical roadmap for how to take time off effectively – without sabotaging your business or your sanity.

Here's how you can actually take annual leave as a small business owner, without everything falling apart.

1. Understand why time off matters

Taking time away from your business protects your mental and physical health, prevents burnout and gives you space to come back with greater creativity and clarity.

In fact, research shows that well-rested business leaders are more productive, make better decisions and lead with more energy and empathy.

Skipping annual leave might seem like a money-saving or time-saving move, but the cost to your long-term performance – and your health – is likely far higher.

2. Get clear on what you need from your time off

People take leave for different reasons. Some need full disconnection, while others may feel better with a light check-in once a day.

Dr Gracie encourages business owners to ask: what do I truly need from this break?

To guide this, she uses three wellbeing pillars:

1. Connect: Do you need quality time with friends, family or your community?

2. Play: Could you benefit from fun, creativity or light-hearted moments?

3. Nurture: Are you craving rest, sleep, healthy food or quiet time?

Tailor your time off to include a mix of what you're missing. For example, if your break is full of social gatherings but you're feeling run down, carve out solo time to recharge.

3. Set clear boundaries – and communicate them

Ambiguity around when you're available leads to stress and guilt. Clarity is key.

Define your boundaries and communicate them to clients, collaborators and loved ones.

Ask yourself:

• Will I be completely offline or available at set times?

• What types of messages (if any) will I respond to?

• Who needs to know my schedule in advance?

A great phrase Dr Gracie uses, inspired by Brené Brown, is “clear is kind, unclear is unkind”. You're not letting anyone down by setting boundaries – you're setting expectations.

4. Use automation and planning to protect your time off

There's no shame in preparing ahead. Here are some smart, simple strategies:

• Set up an out-of-office message that includes your return date and FAQs (for example, delivery timelines, pricing etc.).

• Pre-schedule social posts or marketing emails for key periods like Christmas or summer holidays.

• Prepare financially by saving for time off throughout the year. Include "holiday pay "in your pricing to build in coverage, if you need to.

• Tell clients early that you'll be away, and wrap up tasks ahead of time or schedule future appointments.

Planning ahead not only makes your time off smoother – it also helps calm the anxiety that can creep in when you're away.

5. Reframe the guilt and give yourself permission

It's completely normal to feel a pang of guilt or worry while you're on leave. But guilt doesn't mean you've done something wrong.

Remind yourself that:

• taking leave is not a sign of weakness

• the business won't collapse if you've planned well

• resting now helps you show up better later

When intrusive thoughts or worries pop up (like "I should just do a quick check"), try grounding yourself.

Take deep breaths, plant your feet, drop your shoulders and repeat your "why".

6. Build a rhythm of rest into your year

Don't wait until you're on the brink of burnout to book time off. Instead:

• review your year in advance to mark potential quiet periods

• schedule regular, shorter breaks throughout the year – not just one long holiday

• integrate rest and wellbeing habits (like quality connections, playful moments and self-care) into your weekly routine – not just during leave

Think of rest as maintenance, not a luxury.

Final thoughts

You can take time off as a small business owner – but it takes intention.

Being honest about what you need, setting clear boundaries, preparing your business and giving yourself permission are the keys to making it work.

You and your business deserve rest. Not just because you've earned it, but because it's one of the best investments you can make in yourself and your future.

Relevant resources

• Why small business founders must look after themselves and their wellbeing

• Prioritising self-care: Essential strategies for business owners

• Lunch and Learn: How prioritising your health and happiness can influence your productivity