This month’s question comes from Mark:
Hi Kate, Usually, I look forward to returning to work in September because I enjoy the structure and routine it provides, especially after a more relaxed summer. However, I’m anticipating that the period from September to December will be quite intense, and I often find myself just trying to push through until the Christmas break. All of my summer relaxation totally evaporates…and I am often ill at Christmas due to exhaustion. Do you have any tips or strategies for making the last quarter of the year more enjoyable and less of a grind?
My answer:
Hi Mark,
It’s great that you’re aware of the potential intensity of the September to December period and are now starting to think proactively about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The key to making this busy season more manageable and enjoyable is to incorporate regular breaks and strategic, intentional planning into your routine.
1. Embrace Regular Breaks
During your workday, make a conscious effort to take short, regular breaks. Research has shown that brief breaks can boost productivity and creativity while reducing stress. For example, taking a five-minute walk around the block, practising deep breathing exercises, or simply stepping away from your desk can provide a quick but effective mental reset. These breaks help prevent burnout by reducing stress hormones, allowing you a moment to recharge, which then means you can approach tasks with more energy and a fresh perspective.
If you are the kind of person who gets absorbed in your work, consider setting a timer to remind yourself to take these breaks, or use apps that prompt you to step away from your work periodically.
Remember, it’s when you are the most busy that you need to prioritise breaks and they don’t have to involve lots of ‘time off’. In fact, I would argue that you’ll get more done when you take small breaks, because you return to your work refreshed and overall, achieve more in less time.
2. Plan Future Breaks and Holidays
Having said you don’t need to take ‘time off’, ensuring you have something to look forward to can significantly improve your outlook over the busy months ahead.
Schedule some time off in advance, even if it’s just a long weekend or a day here and there. If you can, time it after a big deadline or an intense period. This means you can relax after a stressful time and without worry. You also know you have the break coming up which can help you push through the tough times.
Research shows that the anticipation of a break or holiday can reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing. By planning these breaks, you create milestones throughout the quarter that will help break up the work routine and give you something to look forward to – rather than just aiming for the Christmas holidays, which can often be stressful and busy and not a relaxing break at all for many people!
3. Balance Your Weekends
Avoid overloading your weekends with commitments. While it’s tempting to use weekends to catch up on chores or social events, it’s really important that you balance this with time for relaxation. Plan some weekends with no set agenda to allow yourself time to unwind. These ‘lazy weekends’ can be incredibly restorative and help you maintain a sense of balance.
With children, this may not seem so easy, however, so do take a read of my blog series on childcare and parenting support.
Depending on how much downtime you need, you could consider planning day trips that offer a change of scenery without the stress of extensive travel. These can be perfect for recharging because they naturally get you in a more mindful state and create a mental break from your regular routine.
Take a read of this blog post on The Stress Cycle – the best tool for managing stress, which elaborates further on how and why to intentionally cycle in and out of periods of stress.
4. Make Time for Personal Interests
In addition to the above strategies, try and make time for activities that you find personally fulfilling. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply enjoying a good book, regular self-care can prevent burnout and contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
Check back to my previous blog about routines which can help you to include these kinds of small self-care activities every day.
Maintaining balance to be at your best in Q4 2024
Let’s not wish the end of 2024 away.
Maintaining a balance has to be an intentional and ongoing process, so you can adapt to your needs depending on how you’re feeling and what you need at any given moment.
By integrating these practices into your routine, you can better navigate the demands of the final quarter of the year while preserving your well-being and enthusiasm for both work and your personal life.
If you like the sound of this advice, but worry about how you could implement it on your own, do get in touch. I’d be really happy to help you navigate Q4.
Kate x
