What a year. We’ve seen natural disasters, economic conditions both good and bad, political ructions, collapses, a global tech bubble inflate and then deflate, as well as the emergence of a new group of vibrant, flexible, fast growth companies.

The SmartCompany team has absolutely loved riding the ups and downs with you. We’ve loved meeting the entrepreneurs and experts behind the stories. Most of all, we’ve loved extracting the lessons that you can use in your business.
 
We’ll start publishing again from January 3 and we look forward to another exciting year.
 
But before we get there, we all need a rest.
 
Taking a proper break is not something entrepreneurs should try to do – it is something they must do.
 
An entrepreneur who is rested and recharged is an entrepreneur who can remain sharp and make good decisions.
 
It’s good for you and it’s good for your business. 
 
But we know entrepreneurs can struggle to unwind, so here are five tasks to complete over the break:

1) Disconnect from your business

Turn of the phone, stay away from the email and stay off the web, at least for a few days. Clear your head and get some proper distance. Not only will this be good for you, but it will also be good for those around you, such as family and friends. 

2) Read a book

It doesn’t have to be the latest business book – it might be the novel you’ve been dying to read all year, or that biography you’ve been trying to finish. Reading is great in that it helps you focus on something other than your business and (depending on what you read) can also broaden your horizons. Michael Lewis’ new book on the sovereign debt crisis is on the top of my list, along with a few crime novels.  

3) Exercise

While everyone indulges a bit over the festive season, the break provides a great opportunity to start the New Year in a healthy way. Go for some long walks with your family or friends. Take a bike ride. Go swimming. You don’t have to go hard like you’re training for a marathon, but a bit of gentle physical activity is good for the soul.

4) Talk to people

OK, I know there will be plenty of entrepreneurs starting to get a little stir crazy after completing those three tasks, so let’s combine business and pleasure. Talking with friends, family and acquaintances about their lives and their world isn’t all about catching up – you’ll also pick up some great insights into how consumers and other parts of the economy are travelling. 

5) Think big

If you have to think about your business – and I know plenty of you will – then don’t sweat the small stuff, like how you’ll structure the kitchen roster in January. Think strategy. Think about your position in a changing market. Think about trends that could affect your business. Think about where you want to be a Christmas 2012. 

Best wishes for the holidays and have a great break.