Silent Nights, Rested Days: Rest and Recharge Before the New Year
I’m writing this note to you this morning on the last day of the last full workweek of the year, and I’m sipping coffee out of my favorite holiday mug that says: “All Mama Wants is a Silent Night.” It’s a playful reminder of what so many of us crave at the end of a busy season - peace, quiet, and a little breathing room.
For lawyers and legal professionals, the end of the year often feels like a race to the finish line, with deals closing, budgets finalizing, and holiday commitments piling on top of it all. It’s tempting to push through and tell ourselves we’ll rest “later,” but research shows that breaking up stress with moments of restoration and rest isn’t just nice: it’s critical for our well-being and what we bring to our work.
Here’s why taking a break matters:
Improved Decision-Making: Chronic stress impacts cognitive function, making it harder to focus, think clearly, and solve problems effectively. Even small breaks help reset your brain, so you can return to tasks sharper and more efficient.
Emotional Resilience: Rest doesn’t just recharge your body; it also refuels your emotional energy. Moments of quiet and calm allow us to process stress, regulate our emotions, and approach challenges with greater perspective.
Better Relationships: Whether with clients, colleagues, or loved ones, we show up better when we’re not running on empty. Restorative breaks help us be more present and less reactive.
Sustainable Success: Pushing to the point of burnout is counterproductive. Regular rest helps you sustain your energy and focus over the long term, rather than running yourself into the ground.
So, as you head into the holidays, here are a few practical ways to find moments of peace and restoration:
Bookend Your Day with Quiet: Start and end your day with five minutes of stillness. In the morning, savor your coffee or tea without distractions. At night, try journaling or reading instead of reaching for your phone.
Say No Without Guilt: Not every holiday invitation or last-minute request needs your “yes.” Practice setting boundaries that protect your time and energy. For example, “I’d love to, but I’m at capacity right now. Thank you for understanding.”
Take a "Silent Night" Break: Carve out time—even if it’s just an hour—to unplug and recharge. Dim the lights, turn off your devices, and do something calming, like meditating, stretching, or just sitting quietly.
Reflect and Reset: Before diving into the new year, take a moment to look back on 2024. What brought you joy? What drained you? Use that insight to make small, meaningful changes for 2025.
As we close out this week and prepare for the holiday season and a new year, I hope you’ll find time to give yourself the gift of a silent night - a moment to breathe, recharge, and reflect.
Because when we prioritize our own well-being, we don’t just feel better - we show up better, for our work and for the people who matter most.
