Let’s be honest, the festive season is exciting but also chaotic. Deadlines pile up at work, gifts need buying, dinners have to be planned, and somehow, the house still needs decorating. It’s easy to feel like the day is slipping through your fingers. But the good news? A little planning, a few smart habits, and some self-compassion can make a huge difference.

Related story: Sharing The Load With Your Partner: 5 Steps To Ease Off The Pressure During Festivals

1. Pick Your Must-Do Tasks

You begin your workday hopeful: by evening, you’ll have ticked off many items. Yet when you glance at your phone around 7 p.m., you realise many tasks remain. Where did the hours slip away? That’s because our brains aren’t made for endless multitasking. Instead, identify one or two tasks that matter most, your anchor tasks. Finish them first, and the rest of the day feels more manageable.

Chris Bailey, a productivity author and researcher based in Canada, emphasises that focusing on impact rather than busyness helps you make real progress. His work shows that success isn’t measured by being overloaded; it’s measured by doing what matters most.

2. Work With Your Energy, Not Against It

Notice how some hours feel sharper than others? Use that to your advantage. Mornings can be your deep work time for reports, strategy, or creative tasks. Afternoons can be for replying to emails or lighter chores. Even at home, handle mentally demanding tasks when you’re fresh, and leave repetitive or simpler ones for later.

Managing attention rather than just time is key to productivity.

Related story: 10 Wellness Tips For The Festive Season Glow

3. Batch Similar Tasks

Switching between unrelated tasks slows you down more than you realise. Group similar tasks together: answer all emails at once, wrap gifts in one go, or make all phone calls in a single session. Harvard Business Review points out that batching reduces mental fatigue and helps you focus.

4. Use a Simple Prioritisation Hack

The Ivy Lee Method dates back to the early 20th century and was popularised by Ivy Lee, a productivity consultant. The routine is simple: each evening, write the six most important things you must do the next day, arranged in your priority order. The next morning, you tackle the first item before moving on to the next. This method helps curb mental clutter and decision overload.

Related story: Decluttering Your Space For The Festive Season

5. Set Gentle Boundaries

It’s tempting to say yes to everything, help with office last-minute requests or family decorations, but that’s a quick path to burnout. Politely set limits: “I’d love to help after I finish this report.” Boundaries protect your focus without creating tension.

6. Share the Load

Delegating isn’t shirking responsibility. At home, kids can wrap gifts, cousins can help decorate, or partners can prep meals. At work, assign tasks where possible. Delegation not only eases your load but also involves others and makes the process smoother.

Related story: 5 Step Guide for Your Complete Festive Season Self-Care

7. Work in Focused Bursts

Try the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of focused work, 5 minutes of break. University College London research shows that short, regular breaks actually boost mental stamina.

8. Plan Celebration Time

It sounds counterintuitive, but scheduling festive fun actually helps productivity. Short celebrations, lighting diyas, singing carols, or quick family calls, recharge your brain. A 2021 study on Indian workers shows that holiday leisure improves well-being, which in turn improves output.

Related story: A Working Mom’s Guide To Navigate the Festive Season With Kids

9. Clear the Clutter

Your to-do list often balloons during festivals with low-priority ghost tasks. Every evening, ask: what’s essential and what can wait? Dropping non-critical items keeps your day realistic and your mind clear.

10. Keep a Buffer for the Unexpected

The festive season comes with surprises: traffic, surprise guests, and extra meetings. Leave 30–60 minutes of free time daily to handle anything unplanned. It prevents small issues from derailing your day completely.

11. Reflect Each Night

Spend five minutes reflecting:

• What went well today?
• What didn’t go as planned?
• What one adjustment can I make tomorrow?

This simple routine improves self-awareness and gradually makes your workflow smoother.

Related story: Corporate Gifting Guide: Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Employees

The festive season doesn’t have to mean a productivity crash. By focusing on key tasks, managing energy wisely, creating space for celebration, and protecting your time with boundaries and buffers, you can enjoy both work and festivities. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s a balance that keeps you effective and joyful.

Related story: Self-care Rituals To Bring In The Festive Cheer

Mindfulness 101:Bring calm into your day with these daily tips. Sign up here.