Even Elves Need a Nap!
As we enter the holiday season, which is marked by pleasure, celebration, and often a frenzy of activity, it is critical to pause and think on a saying that resonates strongly with this time of year: “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” This profound advice, attributed to Mark Black, is a calming salve for the soul, encouraging us to take a step back, breathe, and give ourselves permission to relax.
While the holiday season is full of warmth and happiness, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. We are frequently caught up in the hustle and bustle, attempting to satisfy expectations while juggling multiple duties. However, rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It’s about recharging our batteries, refuelling our spirits, and being ready for the goals and objectives that lie ahead.
In a world that frequently promotes the hustle, it’s easy to mistake rest for lethargy. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Relaxation is like to recharging a phone battery; you cannot work at 1% and expect to shine brilliantly. Allowing ourselves to relax restores our energy and allows us to be our best selves, especially when it’s time to dream big and plan for an incredible 2025.
Consider relaxing as filling your own cup first, then pouring into others’. Research has demonstrated that relaxation promotes focus, creativity, and decision-making. These are precisely the qualities we require when we plan our objectives and goals for the coming year. Relaxation can be the foundation of your ideal life, offering the clarity and energy need to accomplish your goals.
So, how can we include relaxation into our life over the holiday season? Here are a few easy yet effective strategies to embrace calm despite the holiday hustle:
1. Create Sacred Moments: Begin by setting aside five minutes per day for yourself. Whether it’s making a cup of tea, lighting a candle, or going for a brief walk in nature, these moments can serve as a sacred respite in your day. A quick walk in nature can leave us feeling refreshed and more connected to the world around us.
2. Practice Gratitude: Every evening, write down three things you are grateful for. This technique changes your focus away from worry and towards abundance, grounding you in happiness and thankfulness.
3. Practice Mindful Breathing: Breathing is a great instrument that we frequently take for granted. The five-five-five breathing pattern involves inhaling for five seconds, holding for five, and exhaling for five. This technique soothes your nervous system and creates mental space for relaxation.
4. Disconnect to Reconnect: Consider scheduling device-free evenings during the holiday season. Engage in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, journaling, or simply being with loved ones. Stepping away from screens can help you recharge your mental and emotional energy.
5. Journaling for Reflection: Use this time to reflect on the previous year and fantasise about the future. Journaling helps you digest your ideas and inspires you to take the next step on your journey. Allow your thoughts to roam into the future while you relax. Imagine the best version of yourself in 2025. What does your ideal life look like? What ambitions thrill you? How are you going to show up?
Relaxation is more than just unwinding; it’s about laying the groundwork for a productive new year. When you relax, your mind becomes more open and creative. Stress limits creativity and problem-solving abilities, so it’s critical to establish a level of serenity in which great, beautiful visions for 2025 can begin to take shape.
Here’s an idea: when you rest, let your mind to stray to the future. Imagine the best version of yourself in 2025. What does your ideal life look like? What ambitions thrill you? How are you going to show up? Perhaps you’ll try writing, or you’ll just sit with a cup of coffee or tea and observe the world go by. Make whatever you’re doing intentional.
One practice I value is taking five minutes each morning, after the hustle of getting the kids ready for school, to sit quietly with a coffee. No diary, phone, or book—just sitting silently. It’s one of my favourite periods of the day, a pleasant respite in a hectic schedule. Maybe you’ll try it.
As you rest, write down a great dream for 2025. It could be personal, professional, or completely out of the ordinary. Start with a single dream to get you started. Allowing yourself to relax and fantasise lays the groundwork for a rewarding and successful year ahead.
Finally, while we traverse the holiday season and prepare for the new year, remember that relaxing is a necessity, not a luxury. By embracing rest, we may replenish our spirits, stimulate our creativity, and lay the groundwork for the aspirations and goals that will characterise our 2025. So, take a deep breath, relax, and allow the magic of the season to unfold.
Thanks, Past Me: The Awkward Hero of My Glow-Up. From Blunders to Wonders — A Comedy of Me
Be Inspired..!! 
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