The 3 Phases of My holiday break Reset routine
For years, I’ve been taking off work from December 24th until January 2nd. This 10 day break has been my saving grace. Here’s how I spend my holiday break and the 3 phases of it that allow me to feel reset and rejuvenated for the year ahead:
Phase 1: Decompress
This usually takes at least 3 days. I wake up without an alarm. I don’t work out, I don’t clean house, I try not to think about work. I lounge hard. I catch up on shows and movies that are on my list. I usually don’t even venture out into public. This is my time to veg out and give my brain a break from as many tasks as possible.
Phase 2: Organize
After I’ve caught up on sleep and rest, I usually have the energy and motivation to tackle a few things I’ve been meaning to do for a while, like running errands I’ve been avoiding or organizing a room/closet in the house (usually while sipping a cocktail and playing a movie in the background). These projects usually don’t take long, but I feel like I can never get them done when I have somewhere to be later or a million other things on my mind. It’s this phase where I may even ditch the sweats and slippers to venture out to meet friends for a movie or lunch.
Phase 3: Rejuvenate
Now that I’m rested and feel like I’m halfway back to having at least some of my s*** together, my mind is freed enough to make progress on a couple things to set me up for the new year. I usually clean up my Christmas decorations, look at finances (which allows me to update my budget), fill out my New Year Journal, and start making plans for the upcoming year. Again, these things seem like so much less of a hassle to do when there’s no time limit and brain has capacity for it again. I may also start to read a new book and move again with a long walk or hike.
You gotta rest to reset:
Only after I’ve had all this time to rest, do leisurely stuff, and tick a couple small things off my to-do list, do I start to feel inspired. I start getting new ideas, I’m excited about things I want to do in the upcoming year, and I get to feeling like myself again. It’s a nice contrast from chaos of the holiday season and a great way to wrap up the year.
I highly recommend some of version of this for yourself if you feel like you need a little reset. Give your body and brain time a little time wind down and you’ll be amazed at how you feel after.
Caveat:
I’m self-employed and don’t have children, which makes this whole thing an easier possibility for me. I realize that. Each person is different in their needs and their lifestyle, so remember I’m not telling anybody what they should do, but I am saying this little routine is what helps me mentally, emotionally, and physically every year and it, or parts of it, may be something you may enjoy or benefit from as well.
I hope you all have a great year ahead! And maybe go ahead and block off the last week of the year for yourself now…