Why It's OK to Choose Hibernating Over Hustling

It feels like it's always the season to do more. Shop more. Spend more. Eat more. More, more, more.

But what if we tried doing less?

Whether you’re wrapping up neverending to-do lists, or working through your goals, the hustle never seems to stop.

I tend to catch myself operating in only one gear: go, go, go. I like to think the Energizer Bunny has nothing on me. I keep going and going and going from the moment I wake up until the moment I crash late at night. I mean, my therapist once scolded me for rushing through my self-care morning routine of journaling, meditating, and reading my devotional like I’m the Tasmanian Devil.

Turns out, you’re kind of missing the whole point when you’re just trying to check your self-care off a list. Who knew?

Turns out, you’re kind of missing the whole point when you’re just trying to check your self-care off a list.

For example, during the holiday season, I make a conscious effort to choose hibernating over hustling. I’m fortunate to work for an organization that pretty much shuts down the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day—and I try to use the time to intentionally wind down and reset.

Whether you similarly get the week off or you just get a long weekend to yourself, here are a few ways you can unplug, unwind, and recharge your batteries. It’s all about managing expectations and giving yourself permission to just be.

Curl Up With a Good Book

Personally I can’t wait for the weekends when I get a chance to tackle some of my to-be-read list. Is there anything cozier than cuddling up in your favorite PJs, reading blanket, and a cup of tea while devouring Michelle Obama's Becoming? I don’t think so.

Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

Spend some quality, focused, uninterrupted time with your loved ones—whether they're biologically related to you or the family you selected for yourself.

Putting your phone on airplane mode can help you make this happen. Why: It removes the distraction entirely, and it makes it easier to actually look into your dad’s eyes instead of the hypnotic glow of your phone.

Catch Up With a Good Friend

If you’re traveling, use the opportunity to reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen for a while IRL. Few things recharge me more than brunch or happy hour with my best friends. There’s nothing like a classic girls’ night out (or in!) to make me forget the stress of everyday life and truly let down my hair (literally and figuratively).

Get Your Hygge On

Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this Danish way of living is all about the coziness, baby.

Defined as “to cherish oneself; to keep or make oneself snug,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary, this is the excuse you’ve been waiting for to get cozy, whether that means splurging on that throw from West Elm, rounding up all the candles in your house to create a calm environment, or even sticking those PJs in the dryer before popping them on for a movie night (extra toasty!). Make coziness a priority to help you decompress.

Show Yourself Some Love

With all of the year-end madness, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. Take some time to reflect on what you’re grateful for this month and what you’re hoping for next month.

Take some time to reflect on what you’re grateful for this month and what you’re hoping for next month.

There’s no point in beating yourself up to “get it all done” before a deadline. Put yourself at the top of your to-do list this week and next, and I promise your 2020 self will thank you.