The holidays are fast approaching, and for many of us, the demands of life are about to intensify. Navigating this busy season can be made a bit easier by simplifying the routine details of life. Here are seven ways to streamline the regular stuff to make way for the festive.
Daily and Weekly Routines
Now is the time to rein in your family’s daily and weekly routines. School, work, household chores, extracurriculars, meal times, bedtimes, and everything in between should be running like a well-oiled machine. Identify any habits that tend to throw things off, such as watching television too late at night or waiting until too late in the afternoon to begin preparing dinner. Look for opportunities to simplify and streamline routines wherever possible.Sleep
A solid night’s sleep each night is essential to thriving when life gets demanding, but it’s often the first thing to slip under such circumstances. Recognize that you’ll be far more effective and jolly this holiday season if you maintain excellent sleep habits throughout. Do what you can now to foster good bedtime habits for yourself and your family, and aim to maintain diligence no matter how busy life gets.Outsourcing
We can all use a helping hand, especially this time of year. Look for opportunities to outsource some of what’s on your plate. For example, help at home could be a landscaper or house cleaner. Friends or family might be willing to help with babysitting or running errands. Or use online tools for things such as grocery shopping and holiday purchases. These are all simple ways to outsource the tasks at hand.Meal Planning
Taking a few minutes once a week to plot out your family’s dinners can work wonders to streamline mealtime and reduce decision fatigue. Rather than staring blankly into your fridge each afternoon wondering what you should make for dinner, have a plan for each night and purchase your groceries accordingly. You’ll avoid wasting time running to the store for ingredients and free up your mental energy to work on other things.Calendar
When it comes to your calendar, now’s the time to keep the highest standards for your time. Holiday time tends to present copious opportunities for fun and gathering and activity. While that can be quite delightful, it can also add up quickly, leaving no room for rest and responsibilities. Say yes to those activities and obligations that align with your priorities and bring you joy or meaning but not to every invitation that comes your way.Digital
Our digital lives can demand a great deal of our attention. Before the holidays are in full swing, declutter your digital inputs and files. It’s a great time to delete apps from your phone, clear out email inboxes, unsubscribe from digital services, organize your files, and move toward closing out the year.New Year Plans
Once the holidays are in full swing, there will be little time for defining plans and goals for the new year ahead. Take time now to consider what your goals for next year might be and consider any immediate plans you’d like to have in place for the first quarter.A little foresight before the bells start jingling can ensure a smooth holiday season with room to rejoice in the spirit of the season. Simplify now for a jolly holiday.
