The holiday season has always been a stressful time. But for those in the service industry, there is a whole other level of stress that takes place. For salon professionals especially, the holidays are a time brimming with long, busy days, crowded salons, and a mass of people trying to get it for their services, likely last minute.
So how do you make sure you’re able to handle the extra load and come out the other side with your health, not to mention your sanity intact? Below are five tips to help you prepare and survive the holiday season:
Tip #1: Prepare
Think through what you might need during the busy season, both personally and professionally. On the personal side, make sure your car or other transportation is in good working order, you have help for any family activities, maybe even plan your wardrobe ahead of time to make getting ready each morning that much more streamlined.
Professionally, get your salon and team in order—Double-check supplies, cleaning arrangements, provisions for towels, back bar, etc. Revisit your staff schedules and have a backup plan in place should anyone get sick. Basically, take advantage of the calm before the storm!
Tip #2: Take Care of You
Start by eating healthfully and exercising regularly, as a balanced diet and physical activity can help you manage stress better.
Work hard to nourish your body with nutritious food and plenty of water before and during the holidays. It’s so easy to just go the fast-food route and gobble down your entire meal in the two minutes you really don’t have between clients. Instead, order or pack a healthy meal and tuck away a few easy but nutritious snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
Also, you may not be able to make the gym as much as you’d like, but consider doing a lighter workout if needed or take a brisk walk instead, even practice yoga at home.
Schedule some time every week for a massage, bubble bath, or meditation. Whatever your self-care go-to, practice them regularly during the holidays, and don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself.
Tip #3: Prioritize
Trim and prioritize your to-do list this holiday season. Now is not the time to start a new project, change policies, hire new staff, or run out of supplies. Push new projects and changes off for the new year, make sure your current team is thoroughly trained and ready for the masses, and stock up, so there are no last-minute orders or mad dashes to your local beauty supply.
Tip #4: Be Ready for the Unexpected
Whatever comes your way this holiday season, step back and remind yourself that you are only one person and can do only so much in the time you have. No matter how busy the salon is or stressed your clients or staff may be, focus on the task at hand and do the best possible job with what you have in front of you.
Tip #5: Breathe
This is an important one! When stressed, breathing can become shallower. Simply taking a deep breath is calming and can lower your blood pressure at the same time. When feeling stressed or anxious, try taking in a deep breath through your nose for a count of four, holding your breath for a count of four, and then exhaling through your mouth for a count of at least four.
Remember that it’s essential to be gentle with yourself and others during any time of stress, and the holidays are no different.
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