$pent Millennial

As the holiday season inches closer, life seems to double its pace. Deadlines loom at work, social calendars fill up, and the pressure to make everything picture-perfect—both professionally and personally—can feel overwhelming. This past week, I experienced that firsthand. Between long hours at my desk and the creeping holiday to-dos waiting in the wings, it was one of those weeks where every moment felt spoken for.

Despite the chaos, I found small ways to take care of myself. It wasn’t perfect or elaborate, but it was enough to help me navigate a demanding week. Here’s what that looked like:

1. Letting Go of My Morning Routine

Normally, my mornings include a run or walk to get fresh air and clear my head. It’s my mental health anchor. But this week, I just didn’t have the time. While skipping it isn’t something I want to make a habit, I gave myself grace for letting it go. Sometimes, taking care of yourself means recognizing that routines can bend when life gets busy.

2. Prioritizing Mental Breaks

Amidst 15-hour workdays, I carved out 30- to 45-minute breaks to walk my dog. This little ritual wasn’t negotiable. The fresh air, a podcast episode, and my pup’s happy energy gave me a much-needed reset. Even in the busiest moments, pausing for small joys made a huge difference.

3. Treating Myself (Within Budget!)

When motivation flagged, I turned to my treat budget for a few special lattes. Working from a café with a venti iced pecan latte gave me a change of scenery and a much-needed energy boost. It felt like a tiny holiday indulgence and helped me push through the crunch.

4. Finding Mission Moments

Despite the desk work piling up, I made time for mission moments at work—the parts of my job that connect me to its purpose. It was a good reminder that even during the busiest weeks, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the “why” behind all the effort.

5. Giving Myself Grace

I embraced small acts of kindness toward myself this week. Whether it was staying in bed a few extra minutes, taking five minutes to meditate, or phoning in dinner with a pizza night, I made peace with not being perfect. My boyfriend even joined me for a work-through-dinner moment at the desk. It wasn’t ideal, but we made it work.

6. Indulging in Early Christmas Movies

Yes, I went there—Christmas movies in November. While tackling less mentally demanding tasks, I had some holiday classics playing in the background. They were just the mindless comfort I needed to keep going without feeling completely overwhelmed.

7. Resetting on Saturday

When the deadlines were behind me, I dedicated Saturday to resetting. My dog and I took a long walk, I lounged in bed with coffee and a cozy movie, and even snuck in a nap. To wrap it all up, I washed my bedding and cleaned out the fridge—a little pre-holiday reset to feel fresh for the coming week.

The Takeaway

This time of year can be chaotic, with professional demands colliding with the pressures of holiday expectations. The good news? Self-care doesn’t have to wait until after the holidays or your busiest season. It’s about weaving in little moments of kindness toward yourself—even if it’s a latte, a dog walk, or a festive movie playing in the background.

As we head into the whirlwind of the season, let’s remember: we can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of ourselves along the way, we set ourselves up to enjoy the holidays and all they bring, instead of just surviving them.