Tips for recharging after Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving week is often a mix of joy and confusion. Between work deadlines, holiday preparations, and family commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Balancing productivity and personal happiness is difficult, but not impossible if you start being considerate.

In my upcoming book, I introduce five basic principles that help professionals manage their time more effectively: timeboxing, focus, flow, closure, and compassion. While each principle provides practical solutions to common time management challenges, compassion is especially relevant this holiday season.

Why consideration is important in time management

Passion drives many of us to excel in our careers and personal lives, but it can also lead to overcommitment and burnout. The principle of compassion urges us to respect our limits, be aware of our own needs, and approach time management with a sense of balance and self-care.

While writing this book, I reached a point where I felt completely stuck. I knew exactly what I wanted to write, but I couldn’t find the time or motivation to finish it. It was frustrating. I kept thinking, “As the author of a time management book, I should be better at managing my time!” That was true, but as a coach, I also knew there was more going on. Truth be told, I was exhausted. I was so focused on finishing the book that I pushed myself beyond my limits and didn’t take the time to check in with my true feelings. At the time, I was tired, stressed, and overwhelmed with everything going on in my life.

That’s when I realized I needed to practice what I preach and focus on self-compassion. This experience formed the basis for one of the most important parts of this book: the Principle of Compassion. It reminded me that productivity isn’t just about working hard or fast, it’s also about respecting your limits and making room for balance.

How to apply compassion

Passion, in particular, acts as a powerful motivator, inspiring individuals to pursue their goals with enthusiasm and determination. But not balancing passion and self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and feelings of helplessness, especially when obstacles arise. This is where self-compassion becomes essential.

Self-compassion is therefore a balancer. Treating yourself with kindness and understanding in moments of failure or difficulty will help you maintain your passion without being overly self-critical. When you show self-compassion, you’re more likely to bounce back and bounce back from setbacks, rather than letting the fear of setbacks and failure fuel your passion or abandon it.

Self-compassion guru Kristin Neff emphasizes that self-compassion helps people maintain a healthy relationship with their passions. Self-compassion means recognizing your own limitations and being okay with taking a break, adjusting your goals, and asking for help, rather than pushing yourself to perfection or being overwhelmed by external expectations. It helps to acknowledge that.

Self-compassion allows us to cultivate our passions without judgment, leading to sustainable growth and creativity. This helps individuals realize that failures and struggles are not a reflection of their worth, but are part of the journey, allowing them to maintain their passion without draining their mental or emotional energy. You can.

Sustaining passion through compassion

Here’s how to apply mercy to recharge and reset after Thanksgiving.

Check your energy levels: Before you get back to work, stop and reflect on how you’re feeling. Are you resting or still recovering? This awareness will help you decide how to structure your week. Make it easier to get back into your routine: Avoid over-scheduling in the first few days after your vacation. Use tools like timeboxing to set manageable goals so you don’t push yourself too hard. Practice self-compassion: If you’re feeling behind or unmotivated, remind yourself that it’s okay to give yourself grace. Progress is more important than perfection. Prioritize rest and recharge: Build moments of downtime into your day, whether it’s a short walk, a nap, or simply stepping away from your screen. You can schedule buffers like daily gratitude moments into your calendar, block out time for your favorite hobbies, and use scheduling apps to help you prioritize “me” time.

Recharge, Refocus, Reignite

As you return to your normal schedule from Thanksgiving, remember to lead with compassion. By taking time to recharge and regain your productivity, you’ll not only feel more balanced, but you’ll also be better prepared to finish this year stronger.