Slowing Down During the Holidays

Holiday weeks can be a real challenge when it comes to maintaining routines. Everyone wants to relax, take it easy, and enjoy a slower pace — and that’s perfectly fine. These holiday reflections reminded me of how essential it is to pause and give our minds and bodies the rest they truly need.

Progress in society is wonderful, but it often makes us rush through life. We drag ourselves forward, juggling work, obligations, and constant activity. Holidays give us a chance to slow down, not just physically, but mentally — to really rest, reflect, and recharge.

Redefining Rest

By “rest,” I don’t mean lying in bed all day scrolling on your phone. True rest involves:

• Listening to your body and getting the sleep it needs
• Letting your mind take a break from work and worries
• Engaging in leisure activities that genuinely bring joy, like hiking, reading, or simply sitting outside in nature

During these holidays, I made a conscious effort to rest in this meaningful way. I allowed myself to enjoy simple pleasures while still staying productive, creating a balance between relaxation and accomplishment.

Finding Joy in Meaningful Work

Even on days when no one else felt like working, I still managed to write, read, and continue my 75 Hard challenge. And I realized something important: when you find work you truly love, it stops feeling like work and becomes a form of leisure.

Holidays make this especially clear. Even though my schedule is flexible and I don’t need to work on any specific day, the world feels slower during holidays. It’s a subtle reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up productivity — it means approaching work with a refreshed mindset.

Mindset Shifts During Holiday Reflections

One surprising change I noticed in myself is how I feel about working late at night. Previously, opening my laptop after a long day felt like overwork. But now, I genuinely enjoy sitting down at night to work on my blog, reflecting on my thoughts, and pursuing my goals.

These holiday reflections showed me that mindset matters more than the clock. Work, when approached with joy and purpose, doesn’t drain energy — it fuels it. This shift in thinking has been one of the most meaningful lessons of the week.

Embracing Balance and Renewal

Holidays offer more than a break from daily routines; they provide perspective. They remind us to:

• Slow down and rest
• Approach work with intention and joy
• Appreciate the balance between productivity and leisure

Through these holiday reflections, I’ve realized that balance isn’t a destination — it’s a practice. It’s about learning to integrate meaningful work, genuine rest, and mindful joy into our everyday lives.

Final Thoughts

I could write endlessly about holidays and reflections, but the key takeaway this week is simple: slowing down, resting meaningfully, and approaching work with joy brings balance and renewal.

Thank you for reading, and I hope these reflections inspire you to find your own balance and joy, even during the busiest weeks.