[Competition] Wrike's Holiday Countdown 2023 - Day 1

To unwind and recharge, I set my space up to create a relaxing atmosphere-- low lighting, lavender oil, a heated blanket, and a meditation class. Doing this after putting away all my electronics helps me reset my thinking to move into relax mode!

I'm lucky enough to work in the middle of a large city park, so standing up, going outside, and taking a brief walk can work wonders for not only the mind but the body as well. Even when its cold or rainy outside, getting up from the desk and talking a short walk around the office can be beneficial!

Waiting for Berlin and revisit Money heist to prepare myself...

A few years ago, my favorite break at work was walking with a few co-workers down the street to a nearby Dairy Queen for afternoon "Blizzards!" Haha! That was in my 20s and I can't afford those calories anymore (lol!) Now in my 40s, I feel energized when I take stretch breaks or do mini-workouts in my office. Just getting up and stretching, walking around a little bit, maybe going to the downstairs kitchen (instead of the one closest to me) for a water bottle refill to get a few extra steps in ... it all helps. I just feel better when I take those breaks. Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas, everyone! 

Spending some time with family and friends, and dedicate time to personal hobbies is always a great way of unwind and recharge your energy!

Spending time with family and friends and dedicate all my time to that. Do different arts & crafts that keep me in the present moment. Yoga time! And cuddle with my dogs while watching a holiday movie. 

I like to take a walk on my lunch break and listen to some nice audio book or just bask in the sun and recharge for the rest of the day. It is fairly easy in our South Florida weather.

My husband and I both work from home, and I make it a point to sync up our lunch breaks whenever possible. Sharing a meal together brings a comforting connection to our day. If that's not possible, we still manage a short coffee break to chat and vent a little about our day. It's these moments that make the home 'office' feel less lonely, and I cherish them.

Grab a beer at the end of the day as I check and respond to the last of my notifications. 

When I'm fully OOO, I turn off notifications using the "personal" focus on my iphone. I leave my computer at home when on vacation. Reassign crucial tasks to other members of my team so the work can continue in my absence!

I take three deep breaths (in through the nose and out through the mouth) and repeat the mantra "one step at a time, all i can do is all I can do." If I am in the office, I get up and walk around to reset my energy and if I'm at home I get up and dance it off to a happy song. 

I enjoy writing to unwind, so when I get a quick break, I turn on my noise cancelling headphones and jot down some ideas. Those quick 5-10 minute brainstorm/planning sessions really do wonders for me. It's a different world for me and something that makes me happy in an instant. 

I would first block off on the calendar the time when I'll be away. Then I'd try to take care of as many loose ends as possible but avoid deploying any major changes the day before I leave. Then I should be clear to go.

I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and knowing when I'm no longer being productive. I commit to my schedule and plan any overtime when necessary.

Physically stepping away from my desk (and leaving my phone) for even just a few minutes to move my body and focus on non work-related thoughts helps me reset and return fresh.

Doing a jigsaw puzzle - no screens or electronics involved!

I like to get away from the office for a break. I'll either go for a walk or a drive (depending on the weather). 

Once work is taken care of and my review queue is empty, my favorite de-stress is to take the dog for a long walk. It makes him happy and gives us both fresh air and time to clear our heads. Yes, theoretically the dog has fewer worries than I do, but he's a rescue so he has anxiety to work out too so it's a win-win.

The Holidays are an especially busy time of year for both my personal and professional life, so I have to be extra meaningful when it comes to unwinding. 

📧 First thing I do is set a charming away message and email OOO, something like "I am out of the office, any emails will be sent to Mount Crumpit."

🔌Next, I unplug my whole computer from the wall and put on my tinfoil hat, so that no wifi signals can access my brain while I am away.

📴 Third, I throw my work phone into the pond outside and watch it sink to the bottom of the abyss.

🐶 Lastly, I pet my dog Max and drink menacingly from my favorite hot coco mug and stair into the eternal flames of the hearth. 

I might also bake so cookies🍪!  But who knows, the world is an oyster when you are off work! Merry Crisis!

Mute all notifications is the #1 step. When its time for a break, its time for a true break which means ensuring that I fully disconnect from all aspects of work. If I happen to be traveling, I also lock my phone up in the safe for the day and only take 10 min each night to check it. This enables me to live "in the moment."

The 1984 Shuffle release:  I throw on some Pointer Sisters and start dancing like Hugh Grant in Love Actually.  I transport myself back to 1984 where I had no worries at all.  No iphone yet and very slow internet. I just go back to the simple days when chatting with friends was actually a physical and uplifting act.  No cares in the world!  

FAMILY: My go-to for recharging! Since they're not nearby, I'm the one who travels to be with them. When away from the office, I update my signature and ensure timely task completion. In Winnipeg, I recharge by turning off my phone, enjoying winter walks, connecting with friends, calling mom, and indulging in activities like cooking, music, and watching documentaries or movies.

When it comes to the mid-day break, I walk away from the computer and head outside for a lap around the building. Unfortunately I'm always tied to my work phone, so is it a true break? :-)

I'm a serial email-labeler, categorizer and sweeper. Every single read email in my inbox is color coded, labeled by category and unless tended to (like waiting on approval, waiting on answers, etc.), is moved to its respective category folder. If an email is not labeled, it is either un-read, is going to be swept into trash or is left as a reminder to revisit. As a result, I usually only have between 20-50 emails in my inbox at any time. Every Friday or before going on break, I skim through the inbox and check on individual active projects and sweep the tended or unlabeled emails. I also check on all corresponding outstanding tasks and deadlines in Wrike and @mention team members related to given projects to check on any updates. This passive system of communication and task management allows me to confidently disconnect and not worry about missing something on my end.

For recharging, I like reading, illustrating and learning a new recipe. 

Whenever there's a break during the week, drive to the beach (it's 15 minutes away), get my feet wet and listen to the waves. At home, I go out to the balcony to soak up some sun and get some fresh air. I like watching nature too.

I take a break from work, walk outside, and get some fresh air and sunlight to recharge.

Spend time with family, work out, meditate, and watch shows!

For a short break ,I'll lock down my laptop and go for a walk or even for a short run.

If on christmas holiday mode, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.

Typically, my time off, especially holiday's, is packed with things to do, see, get done and then back to work.  Family time and making memories are a priority, but sometimes... the recliner, pet snuggles and netflix call my name. A beach and a sunset are nice too.  Balancing the work/life scales can be a bit tricky sometimes but the rewards for both are worth it.

A walk around the block to get some fresh air.  Or I try to get in a quick workout in my garage. Sometimes it's just me taking a minute longer to prepare a meal and actually sit down and eat it at the table.  

Sunset beach runs!

My husband and I enjoy taking our two rescue dogs on a long day trip (puppy ride) and having a nice dinner including pup cups or pup burgers. We only use our devices for directions and music.