A different take on holiday productivity

I want to share some ways that I’ve gathered to help stay productive and lower stress during the holiday season.

The holidays should be enjoyable, but too often we find ourselves snapping at a loved one or feeling overwhelmed.

The key is taking proactive steps now to reduce our workload, communicate our needs clearly, and create strategies for handling inevitable holiday pressures.

Let’s check out some of the specific ways we can make this happen.

The Holiday Pressure Cooker

The reality is that our normal routines collide head-on with holiday expectations. We're trying to close out year-end projects, attend celebrations, shop for gifts, and maybe even travel - all while maintaining our regular responsibilities.

I've learned that the solution isn't about working harder or faster.

It's about making intentional choices before the holiday chaos begins. This isn't just about managing time - it's about managing our energy and expectations.

What surprised me most was discovering that small changes in how I approach the holiday season could make a dramatic difference.

The best part? These changes don't require superhuman organization skills or saying no to everything fun.

The secret lies in a simple but powerful shift in how we prepare for the season. And I'm not talking about shopping early or making lists (though those things help).

This Week’s Favorite

The Holiday Personal Plan

Here's my proven approach to staying sane and productive during the holidays. I break it down into three manageable focus areas.

First, I take a hard look at what can be eliminated or simplified.

I scan my calendar and task list for meetings that could become email updates instead. I look for recurring responsibilities that could be paused or automated.

Next, I create "work boundaries in the wild." When I need to work during family time, I've learned that clear communication prevents most problems. I simply tell those around me, "I need two hours this morning to wrap up an important project."

Being upfront about my needs works better than trying to sneak in work time and hoping people can read my mind. Bonus points if you can tell people this stuff before the moment arrives…

Here's my practical toolkit for when work can't wait:

• I pack noise-canceling headphones in case of loud places

• I scout out quiet spaces ahead of time (local libraries can be great)

• I front-load important tasks before the holiday rush hits

• I keep my first day back after the holidays meeting-free if possible

Third, I mentally go over the fact that no matter what, there will be challenging situations - like airport delays or family tensions - and think through how I want to react. When I feel my stress rising, I remind myself that everyone around me is probably feeling it too.

The beauty of this system is its flexibility. You can adapt these strategies whether you're dealing with a few days off or an extended holiday break. The key is putting these pieces in place before you're in the middle of it all.

One quick question 👋

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P.S. Looking for resources to improve your productivity? Check out the tools I use right here.