At the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), we know that the lead-up to the summer holidays can be a period of heightened pressure and stress for entrepreneurs. Often times, the urge to pack laptops alongside bathing suits and sunscreen can get the better of diligent small business owners.

CFIB recommends a few ways to help ensure the only business you attend to while on vacation is the matter of rest and relaxation:

Plan your holiday and your business – The summer holidays are often planned many months in advance. This preparation time can also be used to minimize any worries relating to your business.

Start by listing the basic functions of your business such as accounting, advertising and quality control. List what will be necessary for each function prior to your break, clearly indicating expectations and responsibilities.

When we write actions down and have them become part of a plan, they can quickly diminish as a cause of anxiety.

Finish unfinished business – Compile a list of incomplete tasks such as computer upgrades and follow-up letters and plan steps to tackle them. Put them into priority order and be realistic about what you can and cannot do before your break.

 Security check – Have you backed up your computer? Is your office as secure as it could be? Where are you most vulnerable and how can you combat this weakness? When it comes to peace of mind, erring on the side of caution cannot be overdone.

Plan your homecoming – It might seem counterintuitive, but the last part of preparing for a holiday is preparing for your return.

Organize and clean your office from top to bottom before you leave — there’s nothing like walking into a fresh office after a holiday.

Enjoy your break!

CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses. Encouraging the development of good public policy at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, CFIB represents more than 105,000 business owners, who collectively employ 1.25 million Canadians and account for $75 billion in GDP.