Banish the post-holiday blues! How to settle back into routine after the festive laziness
Gear up for the new year with these nifty tips.
It’s all over now, the Christmas cheer has come and gone, the New Year’s Eve countdown was just as we expected and the hangovers were as real as the ones we endured last year. But now it’s time to get back to normal, a step back into reality where the car horns serenade your mornings and evenings and the school lunches never seem to make themselves.
Getting back into routine is hard - it’s far easier to sit back and relax, watching the day go by with a glass of red in your hand - but someone needs to pay the bills, so off to work you go. Taking things with a pinch of salt and altering your attitude in the way you see things can make a world of difference.
Gearing back up
Psych yourself out! Just like Rocky worked to get his butt in shape with a series of vigorous routines, you can do the same; but it’s not only about your physical wellbeing. Becoming more goal-driven is a great way to keep you on track for the new year. Setting targets and gearing up to achieve your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional goals is what every year should be about.
Set yourself up with a planner
This needn’t be a fancy diary that you carry around with you wherever you go; your smartphone calendar can do the job pretty well, especially if you’ve got it synced with all your other devices. Prepare for the unexpected - clear one to two hours per day; just in case something crops up. You’ll never be overwhelmed this way.
Early wake ups mean more productivity
Wake up before the rest of the island does - the sun usually rises at around 7am in January - now wouldn’t it be nice to beat the sun and watch as it emerges from the darkness to grant us a new day? Get up and get a good healthy breakfast in your belly; think local, think fresh!
Look forward to work, study and play
My grandmother always said, “If you can get something done today; get it done!” Wise as she was, the never ending lists and responsibilities were far different in her heyday - but these words of wisdom follow me through the day: thankfully, I keep two hours of my day for the unexpected; allowing me to catch up on work and clear up my weekends.
Find a buddy to get active with you
If your plan is to get fit, get back into shape and shed a few mince pies, Malta’s promenades are beautifully equipped with beautiful scenery and a great couple of spots for your morning jog! Meet up with your mate at some iconic monument on the St Julian’s promenade and make your morning sesh a physical and emotional means of therapy - talk your heart out while you get your cardio on!
Do something for YOU
Although all the above can give you a sense of achievement and ultimately are there to brighten your day; a few spontaneously planned spa or pampering sessions never hurt either! Book yourself that weekend break in Gozo, get that new pair of shoes and go for the expensive bottle of wine if you think you need it. Life’s there to be enjoyed and guess what, you deserve it!
Self-care is the best way to keep your 2019 on track, and get over the post-holiday slump. Still, it's always good to remember - the season will soon be amidst us again… 350 days to go!