December is a time to think of family, gifts, fun, food and travel. It's like an automatic switch goes on the moment we start the month when the festive atmosphere kicks in.
This sherehe mood allows us to relax and unwind after a long year. And this year we have been through major challenges like election tension, Covid scares and financial stress so everyone just wants to enjoy these last few weeks.
But before we take a pose, there are still a couple of things we need to take care of so that the New Year can start with a bang. We shouldn't get too caught up in the fun that we neglect the day-to-day things. Some of these things you need to remember to add to your to-do list are here below:
Expense trackingIt's actually true that many of us often overspend in December. There is just something about this month that makes us spend money we can't afford to spend and ignore important habits like expense tracking.
Keep Reading
- Keep your home warm with these tips
- What to do if you feel dizzy after a meal
- Are you unhappy?
- The changing face of families
Tracking your expenses is one way you can avoid being flat-broke or in debt in January. It might seem like a bit of a buzz-kill to pause that fun and keep track of your spending but, you will thank yourself for doing that later. To make things easier, you could use an app and have an accountability partner to keep you on track.
Upcoming school budgetsSchool budgets often give people a huge headache at the beginning of every year. Part of the reason why this happens is neglecting the need for proper financial planning in December.
To escape this cycle of inefficiency when it comes to school fees and other essentials, start planning early. This will greatly help you be more prepared whether you have school-going kids, or if you're planning your own school year.
Healthy eatingThis is another big thing that is often forgotten when the festive season starts. We know that eating healthy should be an everyday thing whether it's the holiday season or not but, December is a special case.
Remember that your health doesn't go on hiatus in December. In fact, this is when you need to be careful about what you put in your body because it's quite easy to go overboard with snacks.
Sleep schedulesWe also sometimes forget that getting enough sleep is still important. People spend this time out with family and friends, which then means there isn't enough time for enough rest at night.
Ensuring that you have healthy sleeping habits will positively impact your health, mood and looks as well. You will look and feel refreshed as you prepare to hop into a brand-new year.
Goal trackingLastly, let's talk about tracking goals. We all had plans we hoped to achieve or progress in this year, and the best time to reflect in December.
This is extremely important to do before the New Year starts because it will give you a head start and avoid any confusion.
You need to write down in your journal where you were at the beginning of the year, where you're at now, and what you need to work on.