5 Tips to Manage Your Energy During the Holidays

The holidays are days away, and if you're already feeling anxiety creeping in, you're not alone.

As lawyers, many of us face this same scenario every year:

You're already overwhelmed at work, but now you're trying to work faster and get ahead to make space for holiday obligations.

Your mind is racing with an endless checklist – Who's hosting dinner? What needs to be done? What do family members expect?

And somehow, even though you manage to get it all done every year, you miss the joy of the season because you're busy making everyone else happy.

Sound familiar?

Then you'll want to keep reading.

In this week's Be a Better Lawyer, I'm sharing five powerful ways to manage your energy during the holidays (and beyond).

TIP #1: Stop Keeping Everything in Your Head

One of the biggest energy drains we face as lawyers is trying to hold everything in our head. This creates constant anxiety as we cycle through our mental checklist again and again, afraid we'll forget something important.

The solution?

Take 10 minutes to write down everything your brain is telling you that needs to get done.

Then when your brain wants to worry about forgetting something, remind yourself that it's all written down.

When we get it out of our heads and onto paper, we give ourselves permission to stop the mental spinning.

TIP #2: Define What You Want

Before getting caught in the whirlwind of obligations, ask yourself: "What do I want the holidays to look like?"

Remember this truth: Celebrating holidays – and how we celebrate them – is a choice.

Yes, family may have expectations.

Yes, they might feel disappointed if you don't meet them.

But living by other people's expectations is a no-win scenario that leaves you drained and resentful.

Remind yourself that it's okay if people are disappointed.

What do you want?

I had a client tell me that she was tired of organizing Thanksgiving for her family each year, and no one helped her. So she decided that was not what she wanted anymore.

Now, each year, she and her husband go out of town for Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday so much more.

You don't have to leave the state to enjoy the holidays more either.

You can make simple decisions that will make your life easier. Do you really want to put up lights on the house this year? No? Then you don't have to.

Check in with what YOU want, then make decisions based on that.

TIP #3: Master Saying "No"

Before committing to anything, ask yourself: "What am I willing to give up to do this?"

Every "yes" means saying "no" to something else – whether that's time planning your holiday meal, getting gifts for your kids, or taking care of yourself.

You don't have to say "no" to everything for this to be effective. It's about being intentional with your energy and making sure your commitments align with your holiday goals.

TIP #4: Put Yourself on Your Calendar

In the rush to get everything done, we often forget about ourselves. But here's the truth: Making time for yourself is the least selfish thing you can do.

When you're recharged, you show up as your best self for others. Whether it's:

• Getting to bed earlier
• Taking a yoga class
• Having 30 minutes of quiet time with your coffee

Schedule it. Protect it. Make it a non-negotiable.

TIP #5: Master Your Energy around Family

Picture this: You're at dinner with Uncle Bob, who always wants to debate politics. You're getting tense, trying not to engage, silently fuming as the conversation derails.

Instead of letting this drain your energy, try this reframe:

Everyone is on their own path, learning different lessons at different times.

When you catch yourself judging others for their behavior, remember – that judgment is what's actually draining your energy.

Try observing situations like you're watching a TV show instead of being involved in it.

Take a breath and ask yourself: "Will this matter to you in a month?"

Probably not.

Let him be him and you be you.

You aren't going to convince anyone of anything they don't want to believe.

Focus on what you can control: how you show up in the situation.

Your Next Steps:

Managing your energy during the holidays isn't about controlling others or circumstances – it's about choosing how you want to show up.

If you're ready to create more peace in your practice and life, I invite you to join me in Time Peace for Lawyers?.

When you sign up for the interest list right now, you'll also get my Guide, "3 Sneaky Problems Stealing Your Time and Productivity (and How to Fix Them Now!)."

?? You can sign up for the interest list and get the Guide at dinacataldo.com/timepeace.

What's one holiday energy drain you're ready to release this year?

Share in the comments below – your experience might be exactly what another lawyer needs to hear.

??

Dina

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How Dina Can Help You

Dina Cataldo is a leading legal industry expert, master certified coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast “Be a Better Lawyer.”

She helps lawyers take control of their lives and law practices by helping them remove obstacles to growth and create time freedom and peace. These skills allow lawyers to build their practices with more ease than they ever imagined possible.

Dina's insights and advice have been featured on various prominent platforms. She's spoken at the Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting, on podcasts like “Law Firm Autopilot” and “Maximum Lawyer Podcast,” and more.

Through her coaching and speaking, Dina has positively impacted the lives of thousands of lawyers, helping them manage their time, overcome overwhelm, boost self-confidence, and find fulfillment in their legal careers.

Her empathetic and strategic approach has made her a sought-after coach among partners, solo practitioners, and boutique firm owners.

Dina Cataldo is a trailblazer in the legal industry, and she continues to inspire and empower big hearted female lawyers, to achieve professional success and personal fulfillment.

To book a call with her to learn more about working with her one-on-one to build your practice with ease instead of overwhelm, go to dinacataldo.com/strategysession.