How to Switch Off During the Holidays: A Guide for Freelancers

For freelancers, knowing how to switch off during the holidays can be a very tricky thing to deal with. You need to balance having time away whilst also staying on top of any ongoing, or incoming, projects.

At the time of writing this, it’s currently the last week of November, which means we’re all starting to think about the Christmas period and how we’re going to handle it.

In the position that we’re in as freelancers, any form of downtime, regardless of whether or not it’s much needed, can run the risk of feeling like wasted time. It’s all too easy to get into the mindset of thinking that if you’re not working, you’re losing money. This is obviously the wrong way of looking at the holidays, but it’s unfortunately something that many of us – especially freelancers – deal with.

In this article, we’ll be looking at some different strategies and techniques that you can make the most of to ensure that you’re not feeling guilty on your much-deserved break!

Plan Ahead

The key to enjoying a stress-free holiday as a freelancer is proper planning. Start by communicating with your clients well in advance about your holiday schedule. Let them know when you'll be unavailable and set clear expectations regarding project timelines.

Informing clients ahead of time can reduce last-minute requests and alleviate the pressure to work during the holidays. If possible, also work ahead. If they have projects that they’ll need delivered early in the new year, and you know the requirements, start putting in the groundwork before you leave for the holidays.

This is to ensure that you’re not greeted with a mountain of work when you return.

Create an Out-of-Office Response

As well as informing your clients of your holiday schedule, it’s a great idea to also set up an out-of-office email response that clearly communicates your availability to clients, both current and prospective.

If you have the capacity to do so, include an alternative contact for urgent matters or emergencies, such as a colleague or a virtual assistant. This way, clients can reach out if necessary, but you won't feel compelled to check your email constantly.

Set Realistic Deadlines

Before taking time off, assess your workload and set realistic deadlines for ongoing projects. When a client first speaks to you about working on a project, you’ll have already seen whether or not it’ll run into the Christmas period.

But if you didn’t take that into account, now’s the time. Avoid overcommitting and consider the time you'll be away. Factor in buffer time for unexpected delays or revisions that may be needed upon your return.

Prioritize and Delegate

Identify critical tasks that must be completed before your holiday break and prioritize them. You should be aiming to maximise the time before your break to focus on the most important tasks by tackling those as the priority.

And if you’re in a position to do so, you can consider delegating less important tasks to trusted colleagues or freelancers. Outsourcing work can ensure that projects continue to progress while you're away.

Again, not everyone is in a position to do this, so your best course of action is to tell yourself that you’ll need to tackle every task at some point. This will ensure that you’re accounting for each one when planning your time.

Wrap Up Loose Ends

In the days leading up to your holiday, aim to complete as much work as possible. Finish drafts, respond to client feedback, and address pending tasks. Closing off projects will allow you to enjoy your time off without the burden of looming work.

Remember, as we saw in the previous point, you should prioritise the most important things. If you finish those, then by all means move into other work to make your life easier when you get back!

Unplug from Technology

One of the most challenging aspects of switching off as a freelancer is detaching from your digital devices. We’re so used to our home and work lives being intertwined that picking up our phones to scroll through email has become second nature.

But this needs to be limited during your time off. Do this by setting boundaries: Turn off notifications, silence work-related apps, and avoid the constant email checking (more on this later).

All of this will help you truly disconnect and recharge. You should make unplugging from technology a regular part of your routine. If you’re looking for more ways to improve your work/life balance, these mindfulness practices are a great place to start.

Communicate Boundaries to Loved Ones

One of the trickiest things about working freelance is explaining to your friends and family that you don’t necessarily have traditional office hours. Whilst they may have two weeks completely free of work, for many of us freelancers, this isn’t a luxury we have.

So, when planning your holiday, explain your work schedule and commitments to your family and loved ones so they understand when you'll be available and when you need uninterrupted time to work.

Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings, and allow you to truly enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

Plan Digital Detox Activities

Use your holiday break as an opportunity to indulge in activities that don't involve screens. The more time that you can spend away from your phone or laptop the better!

Read a book, go for nature walks, engage in creative hobbies, or spend quality time with family and friends. These activities can help you relax and recharge.

Daily Hour to Check In

I don’t personally recommend you do this by default, but if you really can’t keep yourself from checking your email and messages, limit yourself to just one hour a day.

Think about the average day during your time off, there’s a good chance that somewhere in there, you’ll be able to make room for a single hour to check in on how things are going with your clients.

Again, I don’t recommend this, as I think your time off should be for exactly that, time off. But if you really feel the need to check in, the dedicated hour per day can be a good compromise between working and enjoying your time off. It’ll scratch your itch, so to speak.

Conclusion

As hard as it can sometimes feel, switching off during the holidays is essential for freelancers to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and return to work with a fresh perspective.

By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively with clients and family, you can enjoy a well-deserved break without the stress of work constantly looming over you.

Remember that selfcare and balance are crucial for long-term success in the design industry. So, embrace the holiday spirit and make the most of your time off to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for a successful year ahead.

If you do get the itch to be creative on your break, but want to avoid working on client projects, here are six project ideas to help you develop your design skills!

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