Personal Development

Decompress this December

December 16, 2022
by
Tracel Lockhart
Cozy blanket, pillow, tea and candle.

It’s the most wonderful… and potentially stressful time of the year. Happy Holidays from TLock! From parties and celebrations to end-of-year reports and reviews - December is full. Set yourself up for success by slowing down. Take the time to decompress and truly ease into the year ahead for optimal results. There is always more to do, people to see, and events to attend. But you typically only get one time a year when the world around you stands still. This is your reminder to take that time and do something valuable for you. Read more from our Founder, Tracel Lockhart on how to make the most of this holiday season 

  1. Plan for Rest
  • It seems counterintuitive because it is. When given any spare moment or day out of the office, many of us naturally fill it with all the other things we would be doing if we didn’t have to work. One of the most productive things you can do for your future self is intentional rest. This holiday season, in between all the obligations and future planning, give yourself an hour, a day, or even a week, if you can, of total rest. 

  1. Move Your Body 
  • After a year on the go, it’s important to take an extended time to move your body. With fewer excuses and more calories coming in during the holidays, small intentional changes to your daily happens will guarantee you start the new year with your best foot forward. If you aren’t into rigorous routines, just more often. Twice a day for 30 minutes each makes all the difference.

  1. Screens Down
  • All of the time you spend answering emails, on calls, and video chatting can now be spent offline. Take advantage of the time that you have to do nothing. That includes screen time. Your eyes, your head, and the people around you will all appreciate it. You can ensure as little screentime as possible by creating a unique Do Not Disturb setting on your iOS devices, setting your email accounts with an Out of Office autoresponse, and adding screentime allowance or timers to your social apps and devices. 

  1. Reconnect 
  • Think of the last interaction that left you feeling warm, loved, and seen. Schedule a time to see, call or reconnect with that person while you have some downtime. Not only is it important to foster healthy relationships, but the mind and body respond to meaningful interactions as well. You might learn something new or discover an opportunity that you wouldn't have otherwise! 

  1. Eat Well 
  • When we’re constantly working and caring for others it can be hard to properly nourish our bodies. Your energy and overall well-being are determined by what you eat. You don’t have to diet or restrict yourself either, just make space to cook intentionally and eat more of the foods that your body needs. You can choose to be mindful of just one aspect of healthy eating including timing, not eating fast food or takeout, and incorporating more whole foods.

Thank you for your work in the Behavioral Health community. You made it through another year and you have so much to celebrate!  If this inspired you to prioritize yourself, please share it with your staff, supervisor, or friend for accountability. From our team to yours we wish you a happy, restorative holiday and a prosperous New Year!