Have You Lost Your Mojo? How to Get it Back Within Weeks!

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For me, the holiday season starts in early October, with a string of family birthdays that go on right through Halloween and into mid-November, at which point it’s time to plan for Thanksgiving.

And then there are the holidays that we celebrate — Chanukah for me, Christmas for my husband and Kwanza for my foster son — which take on a whole other level of preparation. Believe me, I’m not complaining — well, not exactly. For many years as a singleton, I longed for family and traditions. But now that I have them, in spades, I’ve had to learn how to pace myself.

Between gatherings, gift shopping, scheduling, stressing, cooking and the general chaos that comes with these celebrations, it's easy to lose your spark. Your mojo — that inner drive and positive energy that usually propels you forward — might feel buried under a pile of to-do lists. But I’ve learned that you can reclaim it and not just survive the holidays — but actually enjoy them. Here's how.

Reclaim Your Morning Ritual

I don’t meditate, but before I even open my emails, I spend half an hour in bed every morning playing Wordle and another game called Spelling Bee, both in The New York Times. Maybe your own morning ritual involves taking a stroll around the park to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, or maybe it’s sipping a cup of coffee while reading a book that has nothing to do with holiday planning. Whatever it is, protect this “Me Time” — small acts of self-preservation that can be the foundation giving you steady energy throughout the increasingly hectic days.

Set Intentions for the Season

Before diving into holiday plans, take a moment to reflect on what this time means to you. Setting clear intentions can help ground your holidays in purpose rather than obligation. Whether you seek connection with family, a chance to reflect or a time to relax, write down your goals. Journaling can also be a powerful tool, allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings. Having this roadmap can guide your decisions, encouraging you to prioritize what truly matters –and not get lost in the holiday hoopla.

Master the Art of Saying No

This took me years to learn, but your mojo gets depleted when you're spread too thin. Practice saying, "Let me check my calendar and get back to you" instead of automatically saying “yes” to every holiday party, volunteer opportunity or family event. This isn't being antisocial; it's being intentional about where you invest your limited energy.

Implement the Two-Minute Rule for Holiday Tasks

Holiday burnout often comes from the mental load of everything you need to do. Combat this by tackling any holiday-related task immediately that takes less than five minutes. Order that gift online right now. Send that quick text to coordinate dinner plans. RSVP to that party invitation sitting in your email. These micro-actions prevent the buildup of clutter that can drain your enthusiasm.

Create Meaningful Traditions

Traditions can offer comfort during the holidays, so consider introducing new ones or reviving old ones that resonate with you. This could be anything from family game nights to themed movie marathons, or even a nightly reading ritual of holiday stories. Engaging in shared traditions fosters a sense of belonging and connection, reinforcing the joy of the season. If you enjoy cooking or baking, consider making it a family affair. Choose recipes that carry sentimental value or try something new together. The act of preparing food can have therapeutic effects, and sharing meals reinforces connections. Plus, the delicious smells wafting through the house will certainly uplift spirits.

Create Boundaries Around Holiday Perfectionism

I had to learn this one the hard way. Every year, I would start wrapping presents right after Thanksgiving (yes, I’m an early shopper!). I would create hand-stenciled papers, add brightly colored ribbons and for the children, I’d create holiday “scenes” right on top of their packages with small plastic dolls and artifacts like miniature trees. These presents looked beautiful for the five minutes before the kids (and even the adults) ripped open their gifts, and the beautiful wrappings I’d created went flying around the room.

Once I shifted my focus and realized that present wrapping took back seat to other things I might enjoy more (catching up on The Real Housewives or taking a long walk in nature), I reclaimed a ton of time and my sanity. Your mojo thrives when you give yourself permission to be human. The cookies can be store-bought. The wrapping paper can be mismatched. The house doesn't need to look like a magazine spread. This shift from perfectionism to "good enough" frees up enormous amounts of mental and emotional energy.

Build Energy Through Movement

Physical movement is one of the fastest ways to shift your mental state. It doesn't have to be an hour at the gym. Dance to your favorite 70s songs while wrapping presents. Take a brisk walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks in your living room while waiting for the oven to preheat. Move!

Fill Your Time With Pleasurable Tasks

Maybe you feel you don’t have enough to do over the holidays. At some point in our lives, this happens to most of us. Children and friends are scattered, and you’re feeling adrift. Try to fill your time with some simple, pleasurable tasks. Maybe it's watching a favorite movie with hot chocolate, calling an old friend who always makes you laugh, or inviting a neighbor over to help decorate a tree or simply share a glass of eggnog. Then, too, one of the most fulfilling ways to regain your mojo during the holidays is by helping others. Seek out local charities or community events where you can volunteer your time. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter, organizing donations, or participating in a toy drive, giving back reminds you of the season's spirit and diverts your focus away from personal stresses.

Create Micro-Adventures

You don't need a week in Bali to reset your spirit. Build tiny adventures into your regular routine. Take a different route home from work and notice three things you've never seen before. Try that Vietnamese restaurant you've been curious about instead of hitting your usual eateries. Visit an art gallery for an hour on a Saturday morning instead of engaging in the pre-holiday rush. These small departures from routine can spark creativity and peace and remind you that life has texture beyond the obligations that start mounting come November.

However, wherever or with whoever you celebrate, Happy Holidays!

What holidays do YOU celebrate, and does it stress you out? Or do you love the holidays? Let us know in the comments below.