Holiday Hustle, Bustle & Rush
When approaching any kind of busy season, I create small ways to ensure I’ll still be present to life and the people around me. It’s always been important for me to experience the magic and wonder that I believe can be found in each day. I love a good rush, but I also know that I can’t run the entire time. I need margin, creativity and whimsy.
These are five things that I do intentionally when I know I’ll be going from one thing to the next for a good hot second.
#1 Take one picture a day.
I make it my goal to take one picture every day. This endeavor challenges me to slow down and notice the details around me. Whether it’s a candid setting amongst friends, a sunrise reflected in the coffee shop windows or random pipes that reflect the light in a cool way, I know that when I take that picture, I’ve slowed down to capture something sentimental and of value to me.
#2 Sleep schedule is key – specifically what time I’ll be waking up.
I plan out my wake-up schedule. I make it clear what days I’ll get up extra early to get things done and which days I can get away with sleeping in a little bit. This keeps me balanced in my morning routine. I build in margin for high impact days but also plan for a little catch-up rest, and I don’t feel bad when I actually take that extra 30 minutes to sleep more on those designated mornings.
#3 Delays are okay!
I do my best to see delays as a chance to look outside of myself. When there’s a longer line at the store, I try to notice those around me and encourage people when I can. If traffic is stopped because the lanes are going from three lanes to one, I let people in and take my time. It’s best to slow down when things are forcing you to slow down. And any chance to look beyond yourself is usually healthy and good.
#4 Don’t stop drinking water.
Don’t stop drinking water. That’s all I have to say to that.
#5 Don’t be afraid to rattle your old routine for a new one.
This season may not look like the last one. Be kind to yourself and adjust according to your priorities. If you need to get up at 5 a.m. for your own sanity, get up at 5 a.m. If currently you can’t lift your head off the bed to save your life in the mornings, trust your body. Try going to bed earlier… adjust, but also let it be what it is to a point.
These are just a few of my tried-and-true methods. Figure out what works best for you and go with it! The biggest thing I’d suggest is don’t run until you can’t breathe. The one thing I can’t stand on a run is the side cramp. It’s much easier to breathe deeply and pace yourself so you never get the side cramp. Once you get a side cramp, things can get miserable pretty fast.
Of course, there are definitely things that I continue to work on. I’m still trying to figure out how to have a good night routine. All I want to do is stay up all night working on things. Or the fact that no matter how well I plan things out, the rush to get out the door can be a little chaotic.
All this to say, I’d love to hear what you do when you’re in the midst of a full schedule and an endless list of to do’s. How do you anticipate your needs? And what do you do to enjoy your life when you’re busy?
