Christmas: a time for twinkling lights, sugar-laden joy, and... spreadsheets?

If this describes your current reality, my friend, know that you are not alone.

As Christmas looms just days away, I find myself, rather unsurprisingly, tethered to my computer. The click-clack of the keyboard under my fingers marked the completion of yet another report, a submission against the relentless ticking of the clock. I remember, yesterday's dawn saw me awake at 4:00 a.m., the silent darkness of early morning my sole companion as I raced against another deadline. It has become a bittersweet dance – the thrill of the chase juxtaposed with the nagging doubt: "Do I love working, or have I simply forgotten how to stop?"

In this festive season, I had envisaged crafting something light-hearted, perhaps sharing thoughts on how to relax and embrace the holiday cheer. Yet, upon reflection, a fundamental question troubles me: do I truly grasp the essence of unwinding? My life seems to blend continuously with my professional endeavours, prompting me to wonder if I find genuine pleasure in this ceaseless work or if I am simply caught in its constant stream.

Spending more hours at my workstation than anywhere else, I often ponder whether I relish this or if I am merely accustomed to the rhythm. The distinction between enjoyment and routine blurs. Frequently, I am utterly worn out, but I have never completely run on empty, which fuels my ongoing perseverance.

The crisp, early mornings often find me hunched over my desk, the pale glow of my screen casting long shadows, while emails and reports summon my attention. Outside, the world lies in tranquil silence, families nestled in the warmth of their homes, and there I sit, captivated by the artificial light, the festive spirit a mere distant echo.

I recall, decorating the Christmas tree was once a family highlight when the children were younger. They would eagerly inquire, “Maman, when are we decorating the tree?” Now, as they have grown older, their excitement for Christmas has waned, leaving the task to my husband and me. We had postponed this for more than a week, but yesterday, we could delay it no longer. My husband retrieved the decorations from storage. He repeatedly called for my assistance, and I kept responding, “Let me finish this report and submit it; then I will join you.” Thankfully, we learned the importance of storing lights neatly years ago, sparing us the hassle of untangling metres of lights. Our youngest son lent a hand briefly before vanishing. My husband, holding our family traditions in high regard, completed the task himself. As you can see, he did a commendable job.

My friends and family often remind me about the risks of burnout, a reality I have personally experienced in my consulting career. The relentless rush of deadlines often blurs the distinction between day and night, and weekends slip by unnoticed. As the boundaries between work and rest fade, I find myself constantly tired yet persistently pushing forward. It is in these moments, when the lines between professional commitment and personal well-being blur, that the warnings of my friends and family resonate the loudest. Their voices become a reminder of the need for balance, a call to step back and re-evaluate the pace at which I am living my life. It is a reminder that even in the midst of professional success, one must not lose sight of the importance of rest and recuperation.

It is ironic, is it not? Throughout my career, I have advocated for the importance of self-care and work-life balance. I have assisted organisations in creating policies that support flexible working hours, discourage overtime, prohibit weekend work, and encourage remote working, even before the pandemic struck. In doing so, I have been arming others with the strategies necessary to avoid the very pitfalls I frequently encounter. Yet, here I am, known as the 'queen of deadlines', dispensing advice from a desk littered with empty coffee mugs. How I wish I could send a Christmas Eve message back to my younger, tirelessly hard-working self – perhaps a message hidden inside a gingerbread cookie, imbued with the wisdom I have only recently come to appreciate. I have taught others the value of self-love and care, yet, in a twist of irony, I often overlooked these lessons in my own life. If I had the means to journey back in time, I would eagerly share the insights I now possess with my younger self.

Establishing boundaries, especially when your home doubles as your office, is essential to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life. In spite of knowing this, I often catch myself immersed in work emails during periods meant for relaxation or family time, blurring the lines between work and leisure.

Reflecting on this, I recognise the critical importance of these boundaries. They are crucial not only for ensuring productivity but also for protecting mental and emotional well-being. It is a realisation that underscores the value of downtime, a concept often overlooked in the hustle of work.

If I were to offer a piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to value the quiet moments of life. Embracing the tranquillity of doing nothing can be surprisingly rejuvenating. It is essential to appreciate that sometimes, the most productive action is to pause and simply exist in the moment. Allowing oneself the freedom to rest and recharge is not an indulgence but a necessity for sustained personal and professional well-being.

As Christmas draws near, I am consciously stepping away from the screen to soak in the laughter and love that fills my home. This is a modest step towards a larger ambition – achieving a harmonious balance between work and life, where each complements rather than overshadows the other. I encourage you, my readers, to embark on this journey of rebalancing – to seek that fine equilibrium where work enhances life, and life in return, infuses joy into work.

Here is your holiday gift from a seasoned warrior of the grind:

1. Reclaim your calendar:  Deadlines can feel like insistent intruders, relentlessly claiming your minutes and hours. However, it is crucial to remember that you are in control. Organise your holidays with the same precision as your meetings – set aside time for eggnog-infused laughter, invigorating walks in the crisp air, and leisurely afternoons indulging in festive movies. Prioritise personal time with the same regard you would a professional commitment.

2. Embrace the "off" switch: While technology might be our constant companion, it need not dominate every moment. Establish limits – turn off the computer, mute notifications, and create a haven free from the intrusion of emails. Rediscover the enchantment of technology-free evenings, where the only glowing screens are those of crackling fireplaces, and the only pressing deadlines are those for winding down at night.

3. Connect with your "why": Recall the reasons that motivated you to embark on your career path. Was it the thrill of achievement, the satisfaction of completing tasks, or the aspiration to create something impactful? Reconnect with that initial drive, that fundamental reason that propelled your early starts and late finishes. Let this original passion guide you towards work that invigorates, rather than depletes, your energy.

Concluding Reflections from NITE TANZARN IntellectNest

This holiday season, let us embrace the spirit of digital detox, shedding the relentless demand to be 'always on'. Exchange your spreadsheet ballet shoes for a pair of comfortable slippers, and swap your power lunch for a leisurely picnic beneath the glistening Christmas lights. Remember, rest is not merely a reward – it is the vital essence that fuels our creativity, sharpens our concentration, and enriches our roles as friends, colleagues, and indeed, as festive elves.

I urge you, dear reader, to fully embrace this period of downtime. Let the festive season be a reminder that life is more than a series of deadlines and tasks. It is about slowing down, appreciating each moment, and rediscovering the joy of simply being present – away from the glow of screens and the buzz of notifications.

At NITE TANZARN IntellectNest, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with the joys of a true digital detox. May your holidays overflow with more laughter than emails, more eggnog than spreadsheets, and above all, the delightful serenity of unplugged, absolute relaxation. Cheers!

#HappyHolidays #WorkLifeBalance #MerryChristmas #FestiveCheer #MindfulLiving #DigitalDetox #JoyfulMoments #NITETANZARNIntellectNest

About the Author

Nite Tanzarn, renowned for her expertise in sustainable transport, is a staunch advocate for gender equality and actively combats gender-based violence. Her work, pivotal in integrating transport with socio-economic development, focuses on developing inclusive systems that cater to women’s unique challenges. Nite's relentless pursuit of gender-responsive policies significantly influences societal issues, especially in developing regions. As a seasoned speaker and author, she draws upon her rich experience in sustainable transport and her passionate commitment to reducing gender disparities. Her expertise extends to leadership development and advocacy for women's rights in the professional sphere, making her a key influencer in both academic research and policy development. Nite's collaborative efforts with various organisations strive to promote diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles, driving impactful change.