The holiday season can be magical—but it can also be overwhelming. Between cleaning, shopping, cooking, and trying to make the holidays special for your family, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. This past holiday season, I found myself on the edge of burnout, but I also learned valuable lessons about balancing productivity and self-care.
If you’re someone who juggles a busy life, here’s how you can intentionally create space to rest, recharge, and take breaks—even during the most chaotic seasons.

1. Build Self-Care Into Your Routines
Finding time for yourself rarely happens on its own. That’s why it’s essential to intentionally build self-care into your systems and routines. Whether it’s a morning ritual with your coffee or a quick skincare routine before bed, carving out small moments for yourself can make a world of difference.
For me, setting aside 15 minutes in the morning to enjoy a quiet coffee (and maybe some journaling) helped me recharge and approach the day with a clearer mind. The key is to make these moments non-negotiable—treat them like appointments with yourself.
2. Use Your Tech to Stay Organized
Stress often comes from feeling like you have too much to manage, and that’s where technology can be a lifesaver. I rely on reminders, calendar apps, and task lists to keep everything organized.
Here’s how I use them:
- Reminders: Set up recurring reminders for tasks like picking up groceries, paying bills, or even taking a midday stretch break.
- Calendars: Time-block important activities and appointments so you’re not overwhelmed by forgotten obligations.
- To-Do Lists: Use apps to prioritize tasks, focusing on what’s essential while leaving room for flexibility.
Freeing up mental space with these tools allows me to focus on what truly matters—and that includes making time for myself.
3. Create Intentional Moments for Rest and Goals
Once you’ve cleared some mental bandwidth, use it to create intentional moments for yourself. This could mean working on a personal goal, like crafting, journaling, or planning your next big achievement. Or, it could mean giving yourself permission to relax with a cup of tea and a favorite book.
During the holidays, I made time to sit quietly and reflect on my goals for the new year. Those peaceful moments helped me reset and find clarity amid the chaos.
4. Time-Block (Without Over-Scheduling)
Time-blocking doesn’t have to feel like running your life on a military schedule. For me, it’s more about setting small, manageable chunks of time to tackle specific tasks. Here are some examples:
- Set a 15-minute timer to tidy up a room or fold laundry.
- Dedicate 10 minutes to planning tomorrow’s meals or activities.
- Use 20 minutes to sit and relax without distractions.
This approach keeps you productive without feeling overwhelmed, and it leaves room for rest and flexibility.
5. Give Yourself Grace
It’s easy to feel guilty about taking breaks, but rest is essential, not indulgent. During the holidays, I learned to let go of perfection and focus on what truly mattered: spending time with loved ones and staying present. Giving yourself grace to pause, recharge, and reset can prevent burnout and help you be more effective when you’re back in action.
6. Delegate When You Can
Sometimes, the best way to create time for yourself is to ask for help. Whether it’s assigning chores to your kids, enlisting your partner’s help, or outsourcing tasks like grocery delivery, delegating can make your life more manageable. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Final Thoughts
Taking breaks isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about giving yourself the space to thrive. By building self-care into your routines, using tech to stay organized, and creating intentional moments for rest, you can find balance even during the busiest seasons.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that productivity and self-care go hand in hand. So, as you plan your next busy week or holiday season, don’t forget to prioritize you.
What’s your favorite way to take a break or recharge? Share your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!