I’m quite sure that this time between Christmas and New Year is everyone’s favourite time – the perfect opportunity for us to relax and reset. Its been a challenging year (and continues to be) but it’s important to take time out of our hectic lives and prioritise ourselves. It’s easy to forget that this is an opportunity to calm the mind and nourish the soul when we feel overwhelmed by what life throws our way. Using this time also to try and do a bit of preparation for the year ahead helps us to make the most of the downtime without work and obligations.
The end of the year can often feel overwhelming (and I’ve definitely had my fair share of non-event Christmases) so here are some tips to hopefully gently ease in to 2023.
Planning The Important Dates
I love sitting down with an empty calendar or diary to make sure I’m keeping on top of anything for the year ahead. In 2022 we had so many postponed events after the pandemic it was completely chaotic at times so hopefully 2023 will be a bit calmer. It’s definitely a good idea to know when important celebrations are taking place, especially for family and cultural celebrations. Look for an online Saint of the Day Catholic calendar that will give you better insight into the upcoming holidays, as standard calendars don’t always include all of the information. Afterward, you can proceed with meal planning and shopping.
Making a list of all the things that need to get accomplished before the year begins is an easy first step. We’ve already made a list of what we want to try and achieve with the house next year and writing down the to-do items helps to prioritise and focus on what needs to get done. Going through each task can help identify any potential delays or hurdles that might happen, allowing you enough time to make adjustments, especially with planning renovations. Having a plan in place will also help keep projects moving forward as efficiently as possible, freeing up plenty of time for fun because that’s important too!
Remember To Take Breaks And Have A Good Night’s Sleep
There’s always a temptation during this time to try and make the most of not working by filling the days with projects but taking breaks is an important part of any task, large or small. Trying to do large amounts of work can become overwhelming, causing stress and loss of focus. Taking a break helps bring clarity and perspective to the task by allowing yourself the time to re-evaluate and reset. Breaks can take many forms, ranging from simply stepping away for a few minutes to grabbing a snack and watching a TV show.
Catching up on sleep is always a good idea without those pesky early morning alarms. If you haven’t already, consider investing in adjustable beds for you and any guests who may be coming to stay. You’ll notice how well-rested you are first thing in the morning. Allowing yourself the flexibility and freedom to rest ensures that you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
The Sooner You Start, The Less Stressed You’ll Be
We are definitely a couple of procrastinators and therefore often our own worst enemies. Starting early on any task can be key to avoiding feeling stressed or rushed. Without a clear plan and timeline, tasks can grow increasingly more daunting as the deadline approaches (yep, that’s us almost at year 9 in our home and still no extension!) It’s always a good idea to plan ahead where possible and set smaller goals and deadlines to help keep things on track.
Ask Family And Friends For Help
When you are juggling a full plate of work and responsibilities, it can be difficult to find the time and energy for all the little tasks that need to get done. One great way to give yourself some breathing room is to delegate tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping by asking others for help. This could be family members if they live nearby or why not bring in a cleaner/outsource other projects if you have budget.
Not only can this allow you to take a break from your duties and prioritise what’s important, but if it’s friends and family helping, it can also be a great opportunity for bonding with those closest to you. Whether it’s getting together in the kitchen to prepare a meal or running errands together on the weekend, asking family and friends for assistance will keep you productive and share the load.
Remember That This Time Should Be Fun And Relaxing, Too
The holidays are a great time to make wonderful memories, so why not try something new this year? There are countless activities that groups can do together during the holiday season, from building gingerbread houses to going ice skating. If you prefer to stay in, plan a movie marathon complete with popcorn and hot chocolate. Whatever activity you choose to do, the important thing is to remember to take some time for yourself and enjoy the season.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be very stressful. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, just take a step back and follow these tips for staying organised and enjoying the holidays whilst planning for the year ahead. Make a list of everything you need to do, start early so you don’t get too stressed, delegate tasks to family and friends, take breaks when you need them, and most importantly, remember to have fun!
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