Twixmas is a weird ‘dead’ zone of time between Christmas and New Year’s Day, often spent slumped on the sofa, finishing off Christmas leftovers and watching TV repeats.

There’s nothing wrong with resting – we all need it – but there is opportunity for moments of productivity that can make January less of a shock to the system.

Whether it’s starting a habit you’ve been struggling to make time for – such as yoga or journalling, or visualising the goals you want to achieve this year – there are small steps you can take to make the most of Twixmas.

Jacqueline Hirst, a life coach and author of How To Do You, agrees there is potential to capitalise on here – within reason.

Relaxation

It’s important the steps you take are small, so you go back to work feeling refreshed.

So before you come up with a big plan, factor in time for this.

Jacqueline says: ‘Twixmas is the absolute perfect time to switch off. We always tell ourselves we will but we hardly ever do.

‘Using this time to step away from the daily hustle and bustle, chores and routines and even if you can, technology is really healthy for you.

‘Using this space and time to look after yourself mentally, physically and emotionally is a wonderful gift to give yourself.’

She believes the more you relax the easier it is to get prepared for new year ahead, in a mindset that’s calm and peaceful not overwhelmed and stressed out.

Schedule

Create a schedule and stick to it.

What do you need to get done, and what would be an added bonus?

Jacqueline says: ‘I’m a big believer of scheduling so take a look at one thing you want to do or achieve.

‘Find a way to schedule that thing, or time towards it, into your diary one to three times a week in January. Remember also small steps lead to great change.’

Visual reminders

The new year is typically a time of self-reinvention, so if there’s a resolution you want to stick to, put visual cues around your home so it stays in mind – even once you’re back at work and busy again.

She says: ‘Ask yourself how you would feel at the end of January if you had completed the one thing you want to do.

‘Write that down and stick it on your fridge, and in other places at home you frequent, as a way to propel you into getting it done.’

You could even create notes of encouragement.

Need versus want

January is often a broke and bleak month, so it’s good to take stock of wants versus needs – especially when sales are rife.

Jacqueline says this can also be a nourishing activity that helps promote feelings of gratitude, by recalling the things you already have.

She says to ‘list them down’ to return to and you’ll ‘be amazed’ at just how much you already have.

Find a new group activity

Progress doesn’t always need to happen in isolation.

Jacqueline says: ‘Research things you enjoy or find a group or a class to sign up to to feed your brain with things you love.

‘If you enjoy running but don’t want to run alone find a group near you and get moving.’

It can give you something fun to look forward to, and might even push you outside of your comfort zone.

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