Without the extra holiday tasks, you can make room for your needs. Drink the water, take a walk, eat the food you prefer. For me this includes getting back to doing the physical therapy exercises that help. It is nice to slow down and take care of me, myself and I. 

As the decorations are put away, and the house is re-set to normal usual routines fall back into place. The favorite coffee mug, the comfy clothes, the everyday rhythm requires less decision making and planning. Time feels less compressed.

I say this a lot, but I need to remind myself. Right now, it is winter in Ohio and the view outside is bare branches against a grey sky. Not very inspiring… until I take time to watch the birds flying to the top of the tree where they are silhouetted against the sky. Stepping outside or focusing out the window to connect with nature is grounding. 

After the holidays I experience a sense of “now where was I?” Without the holiday events, I have more space in my calendar and my head to my longer-term goals. I can focus more clearly on what I am wanting to move toward. This year one of my goals is to redo my home office. Now I can do a little each day, or set aside a block of time to make definitive progress.

Routine tasks free your mind to wander. Daydream about past joys or future plans. Let your mind savor your favorite scene from a movie or a book.  Quiet delights for a simple day. Daydreaming allows your brain to consolidate memories and create new connections.