The holiday season is a unique time for Pilates, Yoga, and Dance teachers. By the time Christmas break arrives, many of us are running on empty, completely depleted from months of teaching, supporting our students, and managing the day-to-day operations of our work. The holidays are a vital time to rest and recharge. But what we often overlook is that this same period is also key to planning for the new year. January is typically a month of fresh starts—new clients, new classes, and renewed energy—making it essential to strike a balance between rest and preparation.
So how do you find that balance? How can you make space for the rest you so deeply need while also setting yourself up for a smooth and successful start to the new year?
This is where intention-setting becomes a powerful tool. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and consciously decide how you will spend your festive break can make all the difference. Below are some tips to help you plan and set meaningful intentions for your holiday season.
1. Prioritise Time with Family and Friends
The holidays are a special time for connection, so get clear on how you wish to spend time with loved ones. Whether it’s attending gatherings, enjoying quiet moments at home, or planning outings, set boundaries to protect this time. Once you’ve identified your priorities, communicate them clearly—both to yourself and others.
2. Organise Your Admin Tasks for January
Take a moment to list all the administrative tasks you need to complete before the new year kicks off. These might include:
- Updating your class schedules
- Reaching out to potential or existing clients
- Refreshing marketing materials
- Getting your tax return done
Once you’ve created your list, categorise each task into one of the following:
- Urgent: Must be completed before January begins.
- Important: Would make a big impact but isn’t time-critical.
- Nice to Have: Can be done if you have extra time.
This categorisation will help you focus your energy where it’s needed most.
3. Identify Your Productivity Style
Understanding how and when you work best can make your task list far less daunting. Reflect on the following questions:
- Are you more productive after a good rest, or do you need to tackle tasks first to feel like you’ve earned your downtime?
- Do you work better with longer, focused blocks of time, or in shorter, manageable chunks?
- Do you prefer to alternate between work and play, or to finish all your tasks before fully relaxing?
Knowing your natural rhythm will help you approach tasks in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.
4. Plan Your Days with Intention
With your task list and productivity style in mind, grab your diary or digital planner and start plotting your days. Schedule time for rest, family, and self-care first—these are non-negotiable. Then, allocate dedicated slots for your admin and planning tasks.
It can be helpful to:
- Pair certain tasks with specific times of day when you’re most energized.
- Break larger tasks into smaller steps and spread them out over multiple days.
- Leave some buffer time for the unexpected—because things often take longer (or shorter) than we anticipate.
5. Be Realistic and Flexible
Remember, not all tasks are created equal. Some will require more focus and time, while others can be knocked out quickly. Adjust your plans as needed and give yourself grace if everything doesn’t go perfectly. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to create a holiday season that feels fulfilling and prepares you for success in the new year.
Final Thoughts
The festive break is a golden opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, but also to set yourself up for a thriving January. By approaching your time with intention and balance, you can enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready to embrace all the opportunities it brings.
So this holiday season, take a moment to reflect, plan, and prioritise what matters most—both in your personal life and in your teaching practice. You’ve earned it!