5 tips for a Zen festive season

1. Keep your connections strong
2. Make plans and get your life back on track
3.  Find joy in the little things
4. Get ‘high’ on life in the great outdoors
5. Give yourself a break

As the year draws to an end and the promise of vacation days are on the horizon, it’s time to think of how we can relax and recharge before that final push. Many are eagerly awaiting the year-end break. Although the time of festivity and fun is almost here, it can also leave you feeling rushed off your feet.

Here are a few short tips on how you can keep those spirits up and put the pep back in your step, just before that final home run to 2025. 

1.Keep your connections strong

You know how you schedule all your work meetings like clockwork? Well, maybe it’s time to start scheduling your downtime with loved ones too. Do you have relatives that you haven’t seen in ages? Tap into the benefits to spending time with loved ones and family and make the time to catch up and reconnect. For the more far-flung friends and relatives, top up on airtime and data and get onto that much-needed WhatsApp call asap.

Time out: Connecting with people builds relationships, reduces stress and can have a positive impact on your mental health. There’s nothing better than those warm, fuzzy feelings when you’re having good times with your people!

2. Make plans and get your life back on track

When you zoom out on your year, what were the highs and the lows? Is there anything you’d do differently? Do you need to adjust your goals or plans? Celebrate the things that did go well and reflect on your journey through journalling. Being realistic while creating a contingency plan will give you peace of mind and have you feeling more Zen about your way forward.

3. Find joy in the little things

This one sounds like a no-brainer, but often we forget to take the time to do the  things we REALLY want to do.

Whatever it may be, simple pleasure like long walks at sunset, regular coffee and catch-up dates with your besties, dancing like no one’s watching… if it brings you joy, keep doing it. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to unleash your creative side and want to start blogging or vlogging. Now’s the time to invest in a good internet plan to always stay connected with your audience.

Top tip: Fill up your cup by doing things that make you happy.

4. Get ‘high’ on life in the great outdoors

It isn’t called the ‘runners high’ for nothing. Ok, running isn’t for everyone, but getting your heart rate up (in a healthy way) is a proven mood booster. Your activity of choice can be beginner, intermediate or advanced. Movement and time in nature boosts feel-good hormones like serotonin and can improve your cognitive function.

5. Give yourself a break

With our devices pinging and the continuous demands on our time, it helps to take time out to feel centered – even if you only have 10 minutes a day. Make a conscious effort to take a break from work, studies or chores and step away from your screens. Practise deep breathing exercises, journal, sketch or step outside for some fresh air or whatever will help you bring you back to yourself. Focus on your senses. Eating a meal? Savour the flavours, aroma and textures of your food and how they all come together to nourish you.

Other ways to find your Zen:

• Block out time in your diary to take breaks.
• If you feel like text and email communications are preventing you from having a genuine connection with someone, give them a call instead.
• Try deep breathing techniques or even power naps in times of stress.

No one wants to end (or start) the year on an empty tank. Unwind, refresh and recharge before the year is over, so that you can find your Zen and embrace the ideal that possible begins here in 2025.