‘Tis the Season to Slow Down

Fill in the blank: It’s the most ________ time of the year. What’d you put? I’ll tell you what I inserted: busy. Because it is, indeed, the busiest time of the year. I’m feeling especially busy this holiday season because I just moved houses. Not only am I trying to accomplish all things holiday, but I’m also working to settle into a new home. So I’m constantly reminding myself that, though it may seem counterintuitive, it is productive to slow down. If you’re feeling the way I am this season, keep reading. There are some strategies we can employ to ensure that, despite all the busyness, this can be the most wonderful time of the year.

Frazzled and Harried Won’t Lead to Productivity

When we’re frazzled, we can’t think clearly to organize our goals and plan our actions. The mind is less efficient when it’s in overdrive. So, my first piece of advice to ensure a wonderful holiday season is to remember to slow down. As I unpack my seemingly endless stash of moving boxes, I’m reminding myself that, though it may seem counterintuitive, I’ll be more productive if I ease off the gas.

Slow Down Productively

What might this look like? For starters, schedule some downtime. Downtime doesn’t mean doing something on your to-do list that is outside of “work.” Rather, it’s time set aside to do something you enjoy. Maybe it’s taking an hour or two to drive around and look at holiday lights with your kids or watch a classic holiday movie with loved ones. Perhaps it’s reading a book for an hour or catching up with a friend on the phone.

Saying “No” is Slowing Down

This time of year especially, slowing down might include saying “no.” You don’t have to attend every holiday event you’re invited to. (And you don’t have to bring home-cooked food to a potluck; ready-made dishes are just as special as homemade ones.) You don’t have to say yes to a last-minute project that is the result of someone else’s poor planning. Managing expectations, remind the project-asker of the likely diminished output tied to rushed execution.

Saying “no” might also be making a change. You don’t have to drag out every holiday decoration you own just because you have in the past; festive comes in many forms. You don’t have to host a gathering that never brings you joy simply because you’ve hosted it in the past. And if you do host, there’s no reason not to delegate this year. Most people like to be asked to help with prep work and to contribute food and other items.

Get Back to the Basics

Now, maybe you’re thinking: slowing down isn’t going to enable me to cross items off my to-do list, Sara. Are you going to send me an elf? You don’t need an elf. Once you’ve regulated yourself by slowing down, you’ll have the mind space to plan and organize your time. Fall back to the basics: goal planning and time management.

Identify the What and the When

Develop a comprehensive list of what you need to accomplish and then schedule the time to complete your tasks. I’m talking about calendar blocking. Assign the task space in your day. Consider breaking up large projects into chunks. For example, I set the goal of wrapping five presents each night, starting now, so I’m not swamped right before Christmas.

As you fine-tune your to-do list, hone in on your values. What is important to you? Is time spent with family more valuable than logging hours in the kitchen? Is locating the elusive perfect present for someone really the goal, or is it showing them that you care? Gift cards are always appreciated. Is giving back important to you? If so, ensure volunteering lands on your calendar.

Finally, once you’ve prioritized your obligations, consider what you might delegate. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Things can be outsourced. People can be resourced. Having a buddy can turn an obligation into a bonding activity.

Tap Into Gratitude

I want to close with one last tidbit. When we’re harried, we’re less likely to tap into gratitude, a powerful emotion that fuels our output. As you navigate the next couple of weeks, I encourage you to take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for. I’ll go first. I’m thankful for my family and the time we’ll have together over the holidays. I’m thankful for my new home and for my health. And I’m grateful for you, my community.

So, slow down. Take a breath. Count your blessings. Then make your list and schedule the time so you can focus on what’s important to you this most wonderful time of year.

Happy Holidays!

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