5 Ways To Get Into A Positive Mindset This Holiday

by Marielle Reussink

Only a few weeks left till Christmas! Usually around this time of year, I would be busy packing my bags to travel and spend time with family. The realization that I won’t be able to do so this year hit me hard recently. I knew this was going to be the case for a while but I guess I’ve been pushing the thought out my mind, safely burying it somewhere in my subconscious to deal with another day. Well, the day is here.

It’s been an intense year for most of us. It’s easy to dwell on what we can’t do, but, if you’ve been following my blog, you know I like to look forward and make the best of things.

So, I asked myself, how can I make this better? How can I make Christmas and the holidays special for my family this year? What does downtime even look like when you’re just meters away from your desk and laptop?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself similar questions…

So, for my last post of the year, I would like to share five things I am doing to get into the festive mood and into a positive mindset for next year:

#1 Getting into the Festive Spirit

There’s nothing quite like decorating your home for Christmas - and this year we’re going all out! With our Christmas tree and wreath already ordered some time in November, my son and I have been enjoying buying new ornaments and other decorations for around the house.

Our tree went up on 1 December and although it’s artificial, the wonderful wreath I bought is spreading an amazing fresh Christmassy smell around the house. We’re getting so much joy from just these little touches and on weekends we make sure to go out to see the Christmas lights and decorations all across town. It’s really becoming a blend of new and old traditions.

So, if you’re not feeling festive yet, why not buy yourself some new ornaments, sign up for a wreath workshop, go see the Christmas lights or bake your favourite cookies? I find it’s the little things that really make a difference.

#2 Buy Feel Good Gifts

It’s the season of giving, and you can make it feel even more special and meaningful by seeking out really thoughtful, unique gifts for your loved ones and clients. This year I’ve bought all of my gifts from local, small businesses and I can’t wait for my family and friends to open them!

While you’re at it, why not treat yourself to something special too. You do deserve it!

#3 Book a Vacation from Work

What’s the best thing you can do for your business in the last weeks of the year? Take a well deserved break! (And I need to do that too!)

This is such an important time to give yourself a chance to recharge your batteries and get inspired to dive into the new year refreshed. Just because you’re not going anywhere doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take vacation days.

Book time off - literally block it off on your calendar and let your clients and team know that you’ll be unavailable on those days (or if you can’t completely check out, at least at a much reduced rate). This can be particularly hard for entrepreneurs, but it’s so important!

#4 Plan an Exciting Vacation at Home

Break out of your ordinary routine by scheduling activities - just like you would for a normal vacation!

After all, part of the fun of going on holidays is doing your research and making plans. Even if you can’t leave the island, you can fill your schedule with fun things to do and spend quality time with your family and friends.

Make a list of your favourite things to do, and some things you’ve been meaning to try, and put them on the calendar throughout the holidays.

#5 Start Dreaming About the New Year

If you feel like starting to think a little ahead and imagining the new year, it might be nice to start playing with your thoughts and exploring what you might want to do for your business in the new year.

I find a good first step is always to take some time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this year, and start imagining the possibilities for the year ahead.

You don’t need to do a deep dive, but instead let your thoughts wonder and see what comes up for you. If you have a spark of brilliance, jot it down and save it for the new year. I like to do this in my notes on my phone.

If you’ve been feeling really burnt out and just not feeling it this year, I hope this has given you some ideas to find some joy and to get into a positive mindset for the new year.

However you decide to celebrate the holidays, I wish you a wonderful December and new year!

See you next year!