Recovery Guide for Overworked Florists

Recovery Guide for Overworked Florists

Big flower industry holidays, like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, as well as busy wedding and event seasons, are wonderful for business, but they're also 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 physically and mentally, 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

  • 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.
  • Epsom Salt Bath
    • Soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation with a warm bath, adding Epsom salts and essential oils or organic flower petals.
  • Massage or Self-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 soups, herbal teas, and fresh juices to restore your energy. 

 

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

  • Declutter & Clean Up 
    • Tidy up the 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 
    • Sharpen shears, restock ribbons, and assess what needs replenishing.

 

 

04 SELF-CARE & CELEBRATING

  • Plan 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 
    • Reconnect 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 pair of jeans, a fun class with a friend, or a quiet afternoon with your favorite tea.

 

05 GENTLE, GROWTH-CENTERED BUSINESS REFLECTION

  • Review Sales & Trends 
    • Look over at what sold well and any customer feedback. Make notes for the next holiday 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 or Refresh
    • Plan upcoming content or take a short break from promotions. It's tempting once you've been in "go mode" to keep going at that rate, but it's depleting for you and a problem of diminishing returns. Let yourself unwind, and then do some planning and rebuilding.

 

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 that keeps giving 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.

First & second images captured by Ariel Min Photography.

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