The holidays are upon us. Colder weather (in some places), busy schedules, long to-do lists—and a gentle reminder that time really does fly. It’s an exciting time, though. And if we’ve learned anything as a tiny start-up team, it’s that there’s a way to do things so you can enjoy more, stress less, and make the most of your time. The key lies in one word: Pause. 

To us, a “pause” is intentional and done with purpose. You’re not just stopping in your tracks. You’re mindfully, with careful awareness, putting a hold on the things that occupy your everyday schedule. You’re stepping back, if only momentarily, from the things that wear on you. At your busiest, it can feel like taking time for yourself is selfish, but consider this: a brief pause refills your cup, so you can return as your best self in everything else.

Think of pausing as a gift. You can fill it with whatever makes you happiest—a pause won’t look the same for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite exercises to practice during this holiday season: 

 - Take 15-30 minutes once a week to reflect on all of your favorite memories from the year. You can split up the year into seasons (winter, summer, fall) to help organize your thoughts

 - Add a simple breathwork exercise to your morning ritual by taking 10-15 mindful inhalations and exhalations. Breathe in through your nose deeply, and out through your mouth

 - Practice a personal mantra that you repeat to yourself throughout the holidays—try something like, “by showing up for myself, I am showing up as my best version for everyone else” 

 - Remember always to take your time, to reflect, and to pause

Christian Krohg, 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘢, 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘶𝘮 (1885)