Gearing up for the holidays and the new year.

I can't believe we're already at the end of this crazy time of 2020.

It may sound cliche and everyone is saying it, but it's true. This year has been every adjective in the book: unprecedented, difficult, eye-opening, etc.

But with Christmas just a few days away and the new year around the corner, it can be tough to stay on track or even to re-invent or improve your life as the page turns on another year.

So here are some tips for staying on top of things and preparing for 2021.

5. Get your things done ahead of time.

- This helped me so much this year. I got my Christmas shopping done all throughout November into December. Having them done took a lot of stress off of me and I felt it was easier to budget out money to make sure I got everyone everything they wanted.

- This also applies for your New Years Resolutions. Giving yourself more time to reflect on what you want and what you'll work towards. And it also will help you make those goals more attainable by giving yourself more time to think about it.

4. Hold yourself accountable and stay focused by keeping current and easy to accomplish to-do lists.

- It's so easy to get distracted around the holidays and it makes it very convenient to slack off. Between days off and get-togethers, you're enjoying your time off (which you should!). But there's always things to get done and for the most part, still work to do. I think it helps to make smaller, easier-to-accomplish lists to get done. You'll feel productive and still check things off.

3. Keep a balance in your diet and workout when you can.

- Some of the best things around the holidays are the great food and fun drinks. And there's no reason you shouldn't let yourself enjoy those things! That's what this time of year is all about. But at the same time, you should continue to fuel your body with good and healthy food. Everything is always best in moderation. So have your fun but on the non-holidays keep up the healthy lifestyle.

- This also applies to working out and getting to the gym. Do it when you can as much as you can, but don't let it interfere with your celebrations and the time you get to spend with loved ones.

2. Take time to get outside.

- I know it's cold and snowy, but anytime you can get outside, do it! This time of year, you're usually stuck inside and it gets dark so early. Taking a walk, going on a hike, and even sitting outside (which a lot of us are doing with the current restrictions for dining) can boost your mood so much. Many of us are also working from home so any quick breather can be beneficial.

1. Make time for yourself.

- Just because the holidays are here doesn't mean you should slack on your self-care routine! You will be busier, surrounded by people, and probably a little stressed out, so it's important, probably now more than ever, to give yourself some time to yourself. Book that manicure, get a massage, take a bubblebath, go for a drive by yourself, whatever your favorite thing is. Time to recharge is so important and extremely helpful as you get ready to tackle new goals in the new year!

I hope this helps and I hope all of you enjoy the holidays the best way you can in this crazy time!