Without killing your productivity …
Although this time of year is typically touted as exciting and fun, the constant go, go, go of the holiday season can be exhausting. Instead of feeling that festive joy, endless to-do lists and the culmination of another year of uncertainties and lockdowns might end up making you feel zapped of energy.
That’s why we put together a list of things that can help you slow down as you wind down for the end of the year.
1. Do nothing for fifteen minutes after waking up
Start the day on a positive note. It’s so easy to reach for your phone or laptop before your alarm has even stopped ringing. Instead of waking up and scrolling Instagram or replying to emails, take a few moments to lay with your thoughts. Allow them to roll in without judgement (or converting them into a ten mile long to-do list). This will allow you to ease into your day slowly with a clear mind.
2. Write Parkinson’s Law somewhere you can see it often: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion”
How often do you catch yourself saying: “I’m so busy” ? Society associates so many positive things with busyness but it’s so easy to fill our time with busyness and not actual productivity. This saying is a good reminder to focus on getting your work done so you can then focus on other things.
3. Schedule time to do nothing on purpose
It’s so hard to disconnect from our always-on world, but it’s important to carve out time and give yourself permission to just be. Time management is a skill, of course, but the more you build out your calendar to have moments of no commitments, you’ll find you have more time to think and focus on what matters most.
4. Practice random acts of kindness
For some, the holiday season might already feel like an exercise in constantly doing things for others, like buying presents and making time to catch up with friends. And while these are things we want to do, they can begin to feel a little obligatory at this time of year.
Small of acts of kindness throughout the day like paying someone a compliment or helping a friend do the dishes don’t require large investments or grand gestures and will make both you and the person receiving the kind act feel a little bit better.
5. Turn the little things into a moment of meditation
Takeaway coffee and food is convenient, but eating on the go or while your scrolling on your phone stops you from appreciating the small things.
Try eating your food slowly, gazing out the window and watching the birds, or our personal favourite, really take time to do your morning skincare ritual.
Feel every sensation, savour every taste, take the things you do every single day and turn them into a sacred moment of meditation in your busy life. You’ll feel more connected to yourself and the world around you and come out the other side with more gratitude for the small things.
Remember: the world doesn’t end on the 31st of December
All those things you didn’t quite get to will still be there waiting for you in 2022.
Be gentle on yourself. These small changes can help you slow down and take a moment to breathe without robbing you of productivity. In fact, all these little moments can help lift you from a panicked state of stress and into a more peaceful process, which, in the long run will make you happier AND more effective.
Although this time of year is typically touted as exciting and fun, the constant go, go, go of the holiday season can be exhausting. Instead of feeling that festive joy, endless to-do lists and the culmination of another year of uncertainties and lockdowns might end up making you feel zapped of energy.
That’s why we put together a list of things that can help you slow down as you wind down for the end of the year.
1. Do nothing for fifteen minutes after waking up
Start the day on a positive note. It’s so easy to reach for your phone or laptop before your alarm has even stopped ringing. Instead of waking up and scrolling Instagram or replying to emails, take a few moments to lay with your thoughts. Allow them to roll in without judgement (or converting them into a ten mile long to-do list). This will allow you to ease into your day slowly with a clear mind.
2. Write Parkinson’s Law somewhere you can see it often: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion”
How often do you catch yourself saying: “I’m so busy” ? Society associates so many positive things with busyness but it’s so easy to fill our time with busyness and not actual productivity. This saying is a good reminder to focus on getting your work done so you can then focus on other things.
3. Schedule time to do nothing on purpose
It’s so hard to disconnect from our always-on world, but it’s important to carve out time and give yourself permission to just be. Time management is a skill, of course, but the more you build out your calendar to have moments of no commitments, you’ll find you have more time to think and focus on what matters most.
4. Practice random acts of kindness
For some, the holiday season might already feel like an exercise in constantly doing things for others, like buying presents and making time to catch up with friends. And while these are things we want to do, they can begin to feel a little obligatory at this time of year.
Small of acts of kindness throughout the day like paying someone a compliment or helping a friend do the dishes don’t require large investments or grand gestures and will make both you and the person receiving the kind act feel a little bit better.
5. Turn the little things into a moment of meditation
Takeaway coffee and food is convenient, but eating on the go or while your scrolling on your phone stops you from appreciating the small things.
Try eating your food slowly, gazing out the window and watching the birds, or our personal favourite, really take time to do your morning skincare ritual.
Feel every sensation, savour every taste, take the things you do every single day and turn them into a sacred moment of meditation in your busy life. You’ll feel more connected to yourself and the world around you and come out the other side with more gratitude for the small things.
Remember: the world doesn’t end on the 31st of December
All those things you didn’t quite get to will still be there waiting for you in 2022.
Be gentle on yourself. These small changes can help you slow down and take a moment to breathe without robbing you of productivity. In fact, all these little moments can help lift you from a panicked state of stress and into a more peaceful process, which, in the long run will make you happier AND more effective.
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