There’s no doubt about it, December can be a busier time than usual for many of us. It can be a lot, whether it’s the extra end-of-year networking events, adding in more social catch-ups, Christmas parties galore and additional end-of-year school activities.
Not to mention try to wrap up all your work if you plan to down tools over the Christmas/New Year period.
If you’re starting to feel the pinch even though the finish line is still weeks away, you’re not alone. Many people already feel weary, stretched too thin, overly busy and stressed out.
If that’s you, here’s what I want you to focus on:
What does that mean?
Think about what small routines and rituals you could introduce or continue with at the beginning and end of your day, as a high priority.
I want you to think about very achievable and easy-to-tick-off things. For me, I love putting my essential oils diffuser on first thing in the morning, loaded up with energising oils (think citrus). Then applying calming oils as part of my bedtime routine, to help me to wind down and sleep well. These things only take a few seconds but can make a big difference.
I also commit to going to Pilates three times a week, and even though I have some later nights at the moment, getting to these as a non-negotiable is essential to me feeling good.
And thirdly, when I walk my dog I’ve ditched listening to a podcast and I take in the sounds of nature instead. It helps me to feel more relaxed and connected to nature, instead of trying to cram more information into my already full brain.
What healthy routine would you like to adopt right now to keep you on track over the silly season?
These can be very short and simple rituals. Here are some great examples:
- Connect with nature.
- Exercise, even if it’s just a short walk with your headphones off and the sounds in your ears
- Say no to a few things that will prevent you from doing these or doing feel good to you (if you can! Some you can’t).
- Keep your commitments when it comes to mini routines that will support you
We can take this one step deeper and look at what’s happening in the Human Design system right now. The Sun moves into a different gate approximately every 6 days. This creates a particular energy that we collectively experience, depending on where that gate is located on the Human Design bodygraph (chart).
The Sun is currently in Gate 5 – the gate of Ritual in the Sacral centre. This gives a collective energy of leaning on supportive routines and rituals.
This is true for you whether or not this is defined (shaded) on your chart, because this is a collective energy that affects us all.
Here are some boundaries you can tap into to ensure you stay grounded, connected and aligned:
1. Lean into your routines and rituals to support you: Exercise, meditation, journaling, a mindful cup of tea or coffee, bedtime, essential oils, massaging in some moisturiser, affirmations, taking your makeup off before bed, reading before bed.
– Be mindful of getting SO busy that you have to abandon all your regular routines. Late night? You might want to skip a morning workout. My advice is: don’t.
– Be prepared to say no to things that aren’t essential so that you can stick to your routines and healthy habits. You’ll feel so much better for it.
2. Embrace nature – get out into nature! Whether that’s first thing in the morning to ground your feet on the earth, get some sunshine in your eyes (very early morning only) or take a walk along the beach, walking track, park or street. Look up and notice what’s around you. Consider leaving your headphones off and listen to nature’s sounds.
3. If you have a team, Gate 5 relates to the culture of your team. How can you improve your team culture right now with little micro-actions?
4. If you’re feeling challenged, ask yourself if you’ve abandoned your usual routines and rituals. (Let’s be honest, it’s so easy at this time of year! Don’t beat yourself up for it if you have. And consider what you could introduce or revisit to support you).
I have lots of regular practices. I’ve learnt over time that these are essential for me. (I have Gate 5 defined [shaded] in my Human Design chart. I’ve learnt (sometimes the hard way) what happens when I don’t stick to these. #DoNotRecommend 😉
So, what 3 things can you commit to that will be simple, effective and achievable? Write them down and get started today.
If you’d like to dive deeper into your Human Design, you can look up your Chart here.
Or book a 1:1 Human Design session. You’ll learn how to prioritise your wellbeing without guilt; create sustainable boundaries; attract high-quality dream clients and run a business that aligns with your values.