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I’m hearing this more and more recently. Not that it’s ever a surprise. It’s the end of the year and everyone is tired. I’m tired, you’re tired. I have a few solutions on how to work through this slump. More on that later.
It’s a recurring theme that’s generally marked with a post or tweet calling out one or other business that’s already put up a Christmas tree, thrown some tinsel about the place or started stocking mince pies.
Personally I find it very easy to ignore these triggers. I’m from a family who celebrated most holidays but never placed the kind of importance on them that would put any kind of pressure on us.
But I digress. Back to feeling tired. I read an article recently from Quartz that confirms that according to a Twitter analysis on sentiments around happiness, Mondays are the worst day in the week. How many do we have left until Christmas? Only 9!
And for those who go on leave earlier, you have even fewer. I’ve always found that the best way to get through a down swing when it comes to mental and physical energy is to plan something to look forward to in the near future.
I’ve compiled a list of 9 things to keep me going. It’s my short-term vision board. Even if I can’t afford something particular, I’m going to use it simply as inspiration.
1. UPDATE YOUR FESTIVE WARDROBE
Erdem x H&M is launching 2 November. Less than two weeks to go! I'm going to beat the queues by asking a dear friend of mine to go shopping for me. She's happy to go and loves the associated buzz. What's on my must-have list? These two frocks are perfect for the party season. I can see myself spinning some sexy tunes in one of these. As long as something is in your budget, retail therapy is a real thing.
2. TRY A LITTLE PROTECTION
The future's so bright, right? Not only a great fashion accessory, sunnies shield your skin and eyes. Yes, use sunscreen but it's a great way to enjoy your favourite designer house.
Marisa, our fashion and beauty editor and I spent a few hours in Camps Bay at La Parada del Mar, bubbly in hand and phones on the ready. Luxottica invited us to preview their new eyewear collections with many of my favourite brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana and Ray Ban. Check us out trying on a few pairs.
3. EXPERIENCE SOME ART-HOPPING
I'm based in Joburg but luckily get to travel regularly between Egoli and iKapa. I'm sure you've seen pics on the gram of the Zeitz Mocca museum that opened recently in Cape Town? Whatever your thoughts are about it's significance and value, it's an incredible piece of architecture, with an incredible collection of African art.
I took the team to go check it out and we still can't stop talking about it. There's so much to take in and we'll definitely pop in as much as we can to experience it fully. Entry is free for all African citizens every Wednesday between 10am and 1pm.
This is what it looks like from the outside.
In Joburg, my favourites are new and old spaces like the JAG in Joubert Park, WAM and Kalashnikovv in Braamfontein, Circa Gallery in Rosebank.
4. MAKE A PLAYLIST
I use music as a destresser and I find melancholic tunes very relaxing and a great way to re-energise myself. I'm always on Soundcloud and you can follow me here to listen to what I'm adding to my playlists. No need to spend any money. Well, except the data of course.
Take a listen to this beautiful new track by Sampha and Syd. The video is quite mesmerising too.
5. PLAN A TRIP
An international escape takes a while to save up for and plan but it's definitely one of the best ways to keep motivated about work. It's a great reward and I regularly click on Travelstart to find out what specials they have on offer. Just the other day I saw an offer where you could fly to NYC - return - for under R5 000. On my wanderlust wishlist is Morocco and New York.
I've been to the Big Apple twice but the city really gets under your skin enough to pull you back.
I also need to complete my tour of Ivy league schools in the state. So far I've only ticked off Princeton (where former first lady Michelle Obama studied). The University's art collection is impressive and the town is so quaint especially in autumn.
Of course, a more budget-friendly plan is to take a roadtrip somewhere a few hours away from home. I'm a big fan of Airbnb and have used them often to book great places to stay.
