Big flower industry holidays, like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, as well as busy summer wedding and event seasons, are wonderful for business, but they can also be depleting for a florist's body, mind, and creative spirit. 

 

After any big effort or output, we need ways to restore our physical and mental vitality, as well as our spirit and sense of inspiration. Here is a simple guide to relaxing, restoring, and replenishing after a busy creative holiday or event season:

 

 

 

01 PHYSICAL RECOVERY

 

Epsom Salt Bath

Soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation with a warm bath, adding Epsom salts, and sensual delights like essential oils or organic flower petals, to soothe sore muscles and help your body rebalance.

 

Massage

Treat yourself to a professional massage, or try self-massage with oils on your hands, wrists, shoulders, and feet. Use a foam roller to help release tension in the legs and back.

 

Hydration & Nourishment 

Replenish with nourishing, warm, and easy-to-digest meals like a hearty soup or stew; and hydrate with water, herbal teas, and fresh juices to restore your energy. 

 

Gentle Movement & Stretching

Roll out your mat for a simple yoga practice or a few stretches to relieve tension from standing and arranging for long hours. Try forward folds where you let your upper body hang over slightly bent knees, kneeling cat-cow postures, child's pose with your arms extended in front of you, or gentle twists.

 

 

02 MENTAL & EMOTIONAL RESET

 

Rest & Sleep 

Prioritize deep, restorative sleep without an alarm. Go to bed early to optimize your body's natural circadian rhythms, and make it a goal to get 8 hours of sleep regularly.

 

Journaling & Reflection

Write about lessons learned, what went well, and what can be improved for next year. Be gentle and supportive with yourself.

 

Digital Detox 

Take a break from emails and social media to clear your mind. Turn off notifications, and keep a day or window of time free of screens or personal expectations. You will return fresh having stepped away.

 

Creative Expression (Without Pressure)

Once you've rested, give yourself time to play with flowers just for fun. If you are burnt out on flowers, let yourself draw, color, paint, or explore another hobby that nourishes your creativity.

 

 

03 CREATIVE SPACE & STUDIO RESET

 

Take a Deep Breath & Tidy Up 

Tidy up the studio or workspace to create a fresh start when you return to your normal work routine. This helps you process and release the energy from the busy push too.

 

Compost & Recycle 

Dispose of leftover flowers and materials sustainably. Recycle any cardboard or paper packaging you can from your flower orders and imports, and stuff plastic flower sleeves that can't be recycled into a bag to reuse as packaging for your next event.

 

Reorganize Tools & Supplies 

Reorganize tool boxes and event kits, clean vessels and return them to storage organized and ready for their next use (you will be so grateful to yourself for this — also, hire someone to help you!!), restock any florist tapes or bind wire or ribbons you may need to replace, and assess anything else that may need replenishing.

 

 

04 SELF-CARE & CELEBRATIONS

 

Put Your Feet Up

Actually though, put a yoga mat, blanket, and/or pillows on the floor, and put your legs up the wall. Listen to a relaxing guided meditation or healing frequencies track while you breathe and enjoy the restful and balancing inversion.

 

Take a Mini "Retreat"

Take an intentional walk in nature, plan a spa visit, or simply block off a cozy day with a book.

 

Connect with Friends & Family 

Make a date or have a phone call with people you love who you may have missed during the rush.

 

Celebrate the Wins

Treat yourself to something special — a nice meal, a new tool or a pair of jeans, a fun class with a friend, or just a quiet afternoon with your favorite tea. When you celebrate your wins, you feel more encouraged and motivated to return (plus life just feels more abundant, fun, and balanced).

 

 

05 GENTLE, GROWTH-CENTERED BUSINESS REFLECTION

 

Review Sales & Trends 

Look over at what went well or sold well and any customer feedback. Make notes for the next holiday or event push to be even better.

 

Update Pricing & Inventory 

Note any adjustments needed for future holidays or events based on your sales, profit margins, and earning goals. 

 

Schedule a Marketing Pause

Take a short break from planning content and promotions. It's tempting once you've been in "go mode" to keep going at that rate, but it can be depleting for you and a problem of diminishing returns. Let yourself unwind, and then return do some planning and building.

 

 

May this guide provide you with the encouragement and support you need to take a little time now to breathe, reflect, refresh, and restore. You deserve it, your body deserves it, and your creativity deserves it too. Choose what resonates from these options, and enjoy the gift of space and care for the one and only you.

 

Keep blooming,

 

XX 

 

 

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Connect with Jen and our community of like-minded creatives and floral artists @nectar_and_bloom.

 

Image credits: Cover image & final image captured by Sposto Photography. Body images captured by Ariel Min Photography.