Taking time off as a business owner isn’t always easy. You’ve worked hard to build something meaningful, and the idea of stepping away can bring up a lot of questions. You might be worried that things will fall through the cracks, that your clients will need you, or that you won’t actually be able to unplug.

Whether you’re heading out for a family vacation or just taking a long weekend to recharge, it is possible to step away without stress when your business has the right support in place.

Here are five simple ways to prepare your business so you can enjoy your time off and return feeling refreshed, not frazzled.

1. Start Planning Earlier Than You Think

The earlier you start prepping, the more breathing room you give yourself to wrap things up with ease. About 2–4 weeks before your break, review any open client projects or deliverables. Make a list of any content that needs to be created and scheduled in advance, and use this time to let your clients know you’ll be out of the office.

As you plan your time, give yourself a little buffer for last-minute tasks or delays. Future you will be glad you did. And don’t forget to block off a slower re-entry day once you're back. No one wants a packed calendar on their first day post-vacation.

2. Set Clear Communication Expectations

Make it easy for clients to know what to expect while you’re away.

Send a quick email 3–4 weeks ahead of time with the dates you’ll be out of the office. Follow up with a reminder the week prior, because we all know how fast time flies.

Set up an autoresponder that includes your return date. I recommend building in an extra “buffer” day so you can get caught up before jumping into new requests or meetings.

Clear communication shows professionalism and helps you protect your boundaries with confidence.

3. Automate What You Can

Let tech take some of the pressure off while you’re away! Pre-schedule newsletters, blog posts, or social content so you can stay visible without actively showing up. You can also set up automated email sequences or workflows to handle client inquiries or onboarding while you’re offline.

Even small automations go a long way in creating a consistent, smooth experience for your audience and clients, without you needing to lift a finger during your break.

4. Delegate (Even Just a Little)

If you have a VA or team member, consider handing off light check-ins, inbox monitoring, or time-sensitive follow-ups. Even if you're a team of one, you can prep simple SOPs or Loom videos, just in case someone needs to step in.

You don’t need to do it all yourself, especially when you’re supposed to be resting. A little support goes a long way.

5. Protect Your Time Off With Boundaries

This may be the hardest step, but it’s also the most important.

Set real, non-negotiable boundaries for your time off. That might look like:

• Turning off notifications or setting Focus Modes on your phone

• Deciding in advance if (and when) you’ll check in—and sticking to it

• Resisting the urge to “just peek” at your inbox or client chat

Your time away is a reset for you and your business. If you don’t protect your boundaries, it’s hard to expect others to. And most importantly, you deserve to rest without guilt or pressure.

You Can Step Away and Still Run a Professional Business

Taking time off doesn’t make you flaky or uncommitted. It makes you intentional.
And the systems you build to support your time off? They'll keep serving you long after vacation ends.

Want to make stepping away feel easier?

My Workflow & Automation Strategy Call is a great first step if you're ready to simplify your business behind the scenes, so it runs more smoothly, whether you're on or off the clock.