Hey, Prod Team!

The holidays are officially here! By now, hopefully, you’re well prepared for the break and are all set for some well-deserved downtime. But let’s be real for a sec—actually switching off from work during the holidays can be a struggle. We’ve all been there, right? You’re supposed to be relaxing, but that nagging feeling of unfinished tasks and looming deadlines creeps in.

Well, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Today, I’m sharing 9 super simple (yet effective) tips to help you actually unplug, enjoy your break, and recharge without any of that work guilt hanging over you. You deserve it!

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1. Make It Official: Celebrate the Break

The first step in getting into holiday mode is to declare it. Create a moment to kick off your time off—something that signals, “Okay, work is officially done.” Whether it’s slamming your laptop shut, having a nice dinner, or lighting a candle, do something that mentally cues your brain to switch into relaxation mode. Think of it as a little ceremony: “Work is over—holiday mode, ON!”

2. Log Off, Sign Out, Stay Offline

I cannot stress this one enough. The holiday season is one of the few times when everyone is off the clock, so guess what? You’re not missing out on anything by signing out. Seriously, nothing is happening that requires your immediate attention. Log off from your work emails, chats, or any other work-related apps, and take a break from all things digital. The peace and quiet are priceless.

3. Create a Non-Work To-Do List

Now, I know it’s tough to just sit still. Our brains are wired for constant hustle, and it can feel like there’s always something else to do. But here’s the trick: make a to-do list that has nothing to do with work! Whether it’s binging your favorite show, trying new recipes, or organizing your closet—fill your day with things that are purely for your enjoyment. Trust me, your mind will appreciate it.

4. Set a No-Work-Chat Rule with Friends & Family

Family gatherings are full of fun, but let’s be honest—how often does the conversation slip into work? My advice: set a clear “no work talk” rule! There are so many other cool topics to explore. Ask about their holiday plans, share funny (or scary!) stories, or chat about hobbies. You’ll be amazed how refreshing it is to have a conversation that doesn’t revolve around the daily grind. (Talking about movies is fine—just keep the pipeline talk out for now.)

5. Steer Clear of Industry News

This is another big one. It’s so tempting to scroll through LinkedIn or check out the latest industry news, but I promise you—you don’t need to! The world of work will still be there when you get back, and you won’t be missing anything major in just a week or two. The best part? Taking a true break from work means you won’t be stressing over what’s trending or the latest updates that may not even impact you right now.

6. Dive into a New Hobby

Here’s a fun one! Find something that takes you completely away from work. Pick up a new hobby, try a new craft, or dive into something you’ve always wanted to learn. Whether it’s knitting, making art, writing, or reading a book that has nothing to do with your career—immerse yourself in something new. You’d be surprised how easily you can lose track of time when you’re learning or creating something fresh!

7. Get Moving!

Physical activity is a game-changer when it comes to clearing your mind and relieving stress. Even a simple walk, a hike, or an online workout class can work wonders. Remember that Peloton you got last year? Time to dust it off and get moving! Movement doesn’t just help your body; it helps your mind focus on something other than work. Trust me, your body (and brain) will thank you!

8. Practice Mindfulness or Meditate

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the flood of work thoughts? Try mindfulness or meditation to stay present. It’s an excellent way to keep yourself grounded and avoid slipping into work-mode. Just breathe and focus on the here and now. The holiday break is for YOU, so give yourself permission to relax and let go of stress.

9. Journal Your Work Thoughts

Finally, here’s my personal favorite: journal those work thoughts. When your brain starts buzzing with ideas for work, just jot them down! When I write things down, my brain quiets down almost as if I had taken the busy thoughts right out of my head and put them onto paper so I can set them aside for later. Whether it’s on a sticky note or in a notebook, writing it out can be incredibly freeing and allow you to move on from work for the time being.

Bonus Advice: Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Here’s my personal tip to wrap things up: give yourself permission to rest. I get it—we’re all used to the hustle, and it can be hard to truly step away. But trust me—no amount of catching up during the holidays will ever make you feel less stressed when work resumes. So, don’t guilt-trip yourself for not being “productive.” Work will be there when you get back, but you need this time to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

Take a moment to look around you. What are you missing out on if you keep working? Is it really worth it? This is the time to enjoy life, not stress about deadlines.

So, I hope this post is the last thing you read related to work. Step away, unwind, and let yourself enjoy the holidays. Your mind and soul will thank you when you return to work recharged and ready to crush it.

Happy holidays, and take care of YOU! 🎁