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Making the most of the holiday season: Rest, Recharge and Restart

By Kristy O'Connor

The holiday season is an exciting and special time of year. It can also be a challenging one with the added expectations that so often come along with it. Amidst the busyness it’s easy to forget to prioritise time for ourselves. This challenge is even greater for those of us who work in allied health, where more-often-than-not caring for others is more than a job, but a way of life. We are so good at practicing compassion for others, but less so at practicing it for ourselves.  

That’s why it’s crucial we use the holiday period to rest, recharge and prepare ourselves to hit that restart button once we commence work again in the new year. By doing what we love, giving ourselves permission to truly relax, and thoughtfully planning for the year ahead, we can set ourselves up for continued success, personally and professionally. 

I realise not everyone has a break over the holiday period.  Working in the community space we’re often the lucky ones at this time of year. For those fortunate enough to have a break, I’ve put together some tips to help you make the most of your downtime in what is an often-busy period. 

Rest and enjoy yourself

  • Be honest with yourself about the resources, time and energy you have to dedicate to events and celebrations, and, when necessary, communicate these clearly with others. Don’t feel like you need to keep up with others’ schedules and expectations, and if you need to, say no.
  • Intentionally incorporate some me-time into your schedule and dedicate it to the activities you love doing. Think of the things you’ve wanted to do all year but haven’t had the time for- now’s the time to enjoy them.

    Recharge and maintain healthy habits

    • Keep some balance in your routine and don’t completely let go of health and wellbeing routines. While it’s nice to enjoy a few more drinks, a few more desserts, and a few more lazy couch days throughout the holiday period, set a limit to these for yourself. Continuing to eat well, be mindful, and get regular exercise (mostly) throughout the holiday period will energise your best self to fully enjoy this time. 
    • Use the holiday period to establish or reinforce healthy habits you want to carry forward into the new year that are going to help you thrive. It takes a minimum 30 days to form a new habit, so why not get started while you’ve got the extra time and energy to dedicate to it?  

    Reflect and set goals for the new year restart

    • Take the time to celebrate your achievements over the past year and think about ways you can set yourself up for success for the year ahead. Ask yourself, “What personal and professional goals have I achieved throughout the year? What have I learnt from the last year and what can I improve on to help me achieve my goals ongoing? What are my goals for the year ahead?”
    • Set professional goals for yourself that align with your interests and passion. Be sure to have a clear outline of what is required to achieve your goals, and ensure your goals are achievable and realistic. At KEO Care, we use competency frameworks to guide professional development. It may be worth exploring similar tools to help you develop clear and actionable career milestones.
    • Personal goals are just as important as professional ones for the fulfillment, balance and happiness they bring to our lives. Maybe you’d like to start a new hobby, learn a new skill, or prioritise spending more time with family and friends. Whatever it is, don’t forget to include activities that are going to fill your cup and contribute to your personal development within your new year plan.
    • Drawing again on the fact that, as therapists, we are far more inclined to show compassion towards others than to ourselves, the holiday period may be a good time to brainstorm ways you can better practice self-compassion. Identify three non-negotiables you could use as boundaries in the coming year to help you balance your professional and personal goals, and map out a plan of how you will apply these. For example, if you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed in the past with after-hours note-writing, develop a schedule that will allow you to take notes as you’re working with participants so that time outside of work can be spent on refuelling and achieving personal growth and goals.

    The common thread across many of these tips involves practicing self-awareness, compassion, and accountability. It is ok to be kind to yourself. It is also imperative you hold yourself accountable to the commitments you’ve made to yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Remember these words whenever you feel a tinge of guilt coming on this holiday period or anytime throughout the new year.

    Kristy O’Connor


    Kristy is the visionary force behind KEO Care, serving as the Clinical Director and founder. With over 15 years of industry experience as a dedicated physiotherapist, Kristy’s journey led her across multiple settings, including hospitals and private practices, before finding her true calling in community and aged care.

    At KEO Care, Kristy drives our commitment to clinical excellence, imparting invaluable leadership and guidance. Her passion for forging genuine connections extends beyond her team to encompass a profound understanding of individual goals, nurturing the full potential of her colleagues and ensuring the best outcomes for our participants.

    Kristy is passionate about forging genuine connections with her team to wholly understand their goals, foster their full potential, and support them to achieve the best participant outcomes.