December Challenge: Making Space for What Matters Most

Below are 6 ways to make space for what matters most this holiday season. Choose one category to focus on for the next few weeks.

Find ways to put down your device. Consider taking a social media sabbatical one day each week, one week this month, or take the month off entirely! You can also set tighter boundaries around your devices by creating “no device” windows. That could be for the first and last hour of the day, or choose one day a week to leave your device off for the entire day. Get the whole family involved!

Find ways to savor the season by intentionally stepping away from your to-do list. Set aside an afternoon a week to focus on a holiday activity you enjoy. Or, if you work nights and weekends, you can use this season to set a boundary and use that time to slow down for what matters most. If possible, consider extending your holiday break to rest and recharge before the new year.

Take some time to reflect on the past year, take inventory of the present, and create a vision for the new year by dedicating 5-10 minutes each day to contemplation. You can meditate, sit in silence, journal, breathe, write a gratitude list, listen to a soothing song or engage in whatever practice you use to slow the mind.

Release stress and nurture your wellbeing with movement that brings you joy. Do a daily mid-afternoon dance break, take a weekly online yoga class or Sunday morning walk through your neighborhood. Involve the whole family with a game of tag or frisbee or a living room dance party. Take that online hip-hop or bollywood class you’ve wanted to try - in the world of zoom - now’s the time!

Take time to connect with the loved ones you won’t be able to spend time with this season. Write a letter, send a text, start a Marco Polo conversation, or make an old-fashioned phone call. With each individual, share some of your favorite memories with them from holiday seasons past.

Embrace mealtimes as an opportunity to slow down. If you normally eat on the go or while multitasking, commit to sitting down for meals and eliminating distractions (even if just for 15 minutes!). Practice a pre-meal pause - this could be taking 3 deep breaths, acknowledging gratitudes, or engaging all of your senses to notice different aspects of what you are eating. Choose one meal a week to prepare together as a family - add ambiance with candles and music and savor the process.

Remember, the purpose of this challenge is to be supportive to you. Not to add another thing to the to-do list.

Give your self grace with whichever practice you choose and remember progress over perfection!

This challenge was created in collaboration with the Slow Entrepreneur Movement.