Does anyone else feel like the week between Christmas and the New Year feels like those old Cheeto stained sweats you wore to literally ever class in college? Kind of familiar and cozy, but by the end of it you hate yourself and feel totally disgusted and wonder what the heck you were even thinking?
Ever since college I have spent this week in the exact same clothes every day and night, eating wayyy to many cookies and cheese covered snacks; and when I finally move from my bed where I've been binging whatever fall hit show I fell behind on, I look in the mirror and wonder, “what the heck am I doing with my life?”
Every year I swear I am going to use this week to “get my sh*t together.”
I am going to…
– Create and schedule my workout routine
– Write out my meal plan
– Finalllyyyy clean my apartment and clean out my closet…
– Take down my Christmas tree before April (no joke, ever since I was 20 I have left my tree up until April).
– and basically just do ANYTHING that resembles being a “responsible adult”
But every year my week always ends up looking more like this:
– Staring at the pile of returns I “should” do but never get around too
– Eating my body weight in popcorn, chocolate, pizza, nachos, and Chinese food. every. damn. day.
– Staring at the grout build up in my sink and shower, wondering how people even clean that stuff off
Spoiler Alert: Here are 5 Cleaning Hacks For Confused Millennials that will help you with that!
– Meeting minimal hygiene requirements…*Sniff sniff* is that smell me — or the sheets — when was the last time I washed those?
– Watching 10-14 hours of TV every single day.
– Avoiding calling back any family members who may have reached out – because #drama and this is my gluttonous week before I finally get this #adulting thing down in the new year. amiright?!?
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But not this year.
This year I am officially in my mid-late twenties (it's a thing) and I am a wife and I am going to get my ish together. So here is my adulting game plan to channel my inner Bey and not turn into a total sloth who hates myself by January 1st:
– Set a date to take my Christmas tree down and actually take it down
– Write out a list of three “emergency” healthy meals that I can make in thirty minutes or less and always have the ingredients on hand.
– Actually schedule my workout routine in my calendar
– Keep a list in my phone for all the random thoughts about #adulting I have: like how do you clean shower and sink grout?
– Limit my TV watching to no more than 8 hours a day because I am an adult. And I have responsibilities. And this sh*t needs to stop.
I don't know about you – but just saying I am going to do a bunch of stuff doesn't usually hold me accountable. So I am setting up this negative reinforcement plan:
Infraction 1: 10 burpees
Infraction 2: 10 burpee + 15 push ups
Infraction 3: 10 burpees + 15 push ups + return one person's phone call or text I've been avoiding
Basically, I need negative consequences during this week to actually get my ass out of bed and put down the french toast casserole –> which you would've seen if you're following my on Instagram or Snapchat!
How are you spending this week? Do you typically sloth it up or do you actually ring in the new year by killin' the game? If it's the latter, HOW?!?
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This post was originally published on 12/26/17.
It really takes writing it down and saying it out loud to get down to it! Haha! Merry Christmas and may you check everything off your To-Do List!
Agreed! I am still eating cheese everyday and staring at my to-do list. But hey, at least I still have 5 more days? haha
What I great post! I chuckled a bit at the infractions bit! And your “typical week” looks just like mine! Hahah you’re just so relatable… maybe I have to make goals a little like yours for this week. So far I have, set a workout routine, schedule blog posts for two weeks, finish my econ homework and take my exam (winter class, yikes), and study for an hour each day for my upcoming GMAT!
Haha thanks girl! and you sound like you are literally killin it! I can’t believe how much you already got done! Good luck with the GMAT!
I love these tips, and I love how honest you are! This is great! I’m a bit older than you but I totally know the feeling! I am in a totally different spot this year than I was two years ago (and even last year) – two years ago, I pretty much slept the whole week between Christmas and New Year’s and then slept on through New Year’s. This year I’m launching a healthy habits challenge January 1st which means this week is a whole lotta of organizing to make sure I’m ready to go. It takes a little bit of a push to get yourself going but once you’re moving it feels awesome getting ready for the New Year! Great post, I’m so glad you shared!
Oh dang! Talk about a 180! Congrats to you! and good luck with the upcoming challenge! So exciting!
These are all great goals, and I like how you set those reinforcements! I need to keep myself accountable this year too!
-Anna | http://www.fivefootandfabulous.com
Haha thank you Anna!
I used to think negative reinforcement would work, but then I turned it into justification. Night cheese? Totally worth the burpees. I’ll do them while eating the night cheese, and then I can double consumption. My math never lies.
HAHA Yes! I agree it does turn into a justification – totally worth the burpees. – but hey then I am tackling another beast I was avoiding by actually working out haha
I can totally relate! Thankfully, I’m working every day this week until the 30th, so that will give an excuse to get ready and actually do something! However, I am kind of sad because that means I won’t be able to catch up on TV shows, watch movies, or read books in one sitting. 🙁
Awe man! Well now I feel guilty for not reading the book on my table that I keep saying I am going to read. I am going to read it for you now! 🙂 Hope work treats you well this week!
This is great. Lol! Love this post!! I actually took the 11 days off work this year in hopes of getting extra stuff done. We’ll see if that happens.
Haha “we’ll see if that happens” <– that pretty much describes this week every year for me. I am all "take time off" and then I don't do anything to get ahead with that time #SMH I will learn some day. enjoy your vacation! Happy Holidays!
Haha.. great post! I can totally relate. As a teacher, I’ve always had that week off and made big plans… which I would never accomplish.
Haha so happy I am not alone! I
I really enjoyed this post! I love your idea of emergency healthy meals. I’m planning to spend this week packing for my next move and re-vamping my resume!
Thank you! Where are you moving too? Good luck with the resume revamp and I’m assuming search?
Haha, I totally feel you with this post! I hope you had an amazing Christmas 🙂
Thank you Jessica!
Haha I realized when I passed my “mid-20s” that you never really learn how to adult properly!
Ain’t that the truth!
I need to do all of these things… My goals are to take down Christmas decor and work out. I ate waayyyyy too much over Christmas.
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Good luck! I am still no where with all of this haha
OMG this really is the weirdest week of the year! I’m always at home with my parents and living out of suitcases so it’s doubly weird haha. This post made me smile!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Haha I am so happy I am not the only one who thinks that! Hope you get some relaxation in!
Love this, Rachel! I love this week in between Christmas and New Years – it’s always a relaxing one!
Thanks Summer! Loving the new looks and focus on your blog btw! <3 Enjoy your travels this week!
This is so real lol. I have been doing a lot of chilling and wearing the same outfits for the whole day but I have been getting a lot of stuff done too! This is such a great time of year!
Haha thank you! Yeah I fluctuate between getting 15 tasks done, then starring at the stain on my shirt for 15 hours haha
Unfortunately, I have to go to work this week! But I still love this week, and I’m still trying to make the most out of it. I can’t wait to relax soon! This post made my day. 🙂
AWE man! I love this week too. Happy you enjoyed the post and hope you get some relaxation in stat!
Literally LOLed when you said you kept your tree up once until April. Sounds like me!!! hahahahaha
Haha I am really convinced we are soul sisters. No joke. #Twinsies
Such a weird year for me because I’m always working and it’s hard having days off, working, and then more days off!
right! I always thought that was strange! I manage to always get fired before the holidays so I am always on vacation. Except those few years I was waitressing. I was working at night during this week, but that was around more cheese and pizza, so it really wasnt that bad, because pizza #duh
Hahaha! This was a great read! Don’t feel bad at all about your tree. I keep ours up year round. It makes me happy so I refuse to take it down. Happy New Year!
omg no way!! I LOVE THAT!!! I think when we have a bigger place I totally will do that too! We just have 1,000 ft and it’s in our way and cluttered. I even keep fake presents under it to keep it looks festive haha
Normally I’m cleaning and planning like crazy this week but after having the flu I am surprisingly going to be lazy and just rest! haha
Yay for laziness! I don’t know how you are normally cleaning and planning! I wish i had that motivation!
For me, I be happy to clean up the drawers and cupboards…a lighter home, a lighter me…thanks for this timely reminder not to become a sloth in front of the TV…
Haha np! We don’t own anything in our drawers or cupboards (its all our landlords stuff) – so I can’t really clean those out but i would otherwise haha
Love this! The last week of the year is tough, haha. I wish we had another one at the beginning because I always feel like that’s when everyone’s motivation kicks in. The negative reinforcement plan is brilliant!
right! I feel like there needs to be a holiday from the holidays!
It is so great to have time to relax! I’m looking forward to more time to relax this week (:
hope you enjoy your time!
Love it! I want to spend the week doing absolutely nothing, but in reality, I’m doing my best not to procrastinate until the weekend to get some important things done (like clean).
haha thats the struggle i am going through too! It’s so frustrating haha
Haha! I used to spend this whole week reading, reading, reading…but now I’m at work! I mean, I read for my job, but it isn’t the same as reading on my couch surrounded by snacks. 😉 I think you have a great and reasonable plan here, and your accountability system is hilarious and perfect!
Lol thank you! I am adding reading to my list this week too. I have 14 more days with my book before it goes back to the library and there is no reason to not finish it!
I spend it relaxing and spending time with my kids. However, I should be better organized as well.
Awe enjoy your kids Beth! Don’t worry about being organized! If I had kids I wouldn’t focus on this stuff – it’s more the fact i feel like I can’t even take care of myself this week historically haha
Liz Lemon is my spirit person! These are great ideas, I should really get my shit together!
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
haha totes agree about Lemon!
haha i loved reading this post because it made me laugh so hard! I can relate to all of this. I feel like now I am in my 20’s I am suppose to be on top of everything but that is not the case at all! Maybe 2017 will see a new and improved me;)
haha thanks Hannah! I am 27 and i still feel like i am supposed to be on top of everything, but feel like it’s all on top of me instead! Can someone throw me a life preserver? haha
I’m dying laughing, this is great!! Hahaha seriously though I’m really glad that I’m not the only one who is a complete lazy bum this holiday week. I can’t believe I even put a full face of makeup on today – that’s how lazy I feel. Honestly though I like it because it makes me want to get motivated for January!! I may be hanging around the house in yoga pants, but I AM planning as I do it! 😉
OMG no way! You put a full face on today! that’s a serious win! I don’t even think I brushed my teeth yet today.. and it’s after 5 pm…. haha but like you, the sloth thing this week always gets me a little more motivated for the new year.
LOLed my way through this post because it’s SO me!!! GREAT idea with the negative reinforcement plan! i’m gonna steal that!
Lol thank yaaa! Let me know how it goes!
Woah girl! You are about to be unstoppable. I need to get on your level next year!
I have no idea why you said that but thank you!
Loved this, too funny! I work full time and only WISH I could do nothing all week. I say, go ahead and take a break from adulting this week and live it up… from the couch. Calories don’t count during the holidays anyway 😛
Haha thank you! I work from home so this week and my normal weeks the scenery stays the same but my motivation is zero! Hope you get some relaxation in this week!
You are my hero for being so authentic about how MANY of OUR weeks go after Christmas day! I can especially relate to the workout goal. I always go into my week after Christmas motivated to burn off those extra cookies (hehe), but in reality (like I am right now) I fall in love with no routine and consequently do NOTHING physical. Your post inspired me 🙂 Thanks gal!
Lol thank you! Glad it inspired you, because I am over here still slothing it up and telling myself I still have time to reach my deadlines before the new year and avoid those burpees and push ups 😉
The week in between Christmas and NYE is so awkward and makes me feel yucky, ha! I’m spending this week getting my blog ready for the next few weeks – we’re leaving for vacation New Years Day. I’m also taking time to read. I didn’t do nearly enough of it this year for my liking and it kinda bummed me out.
Haha so glad I am not alone! Enjoy your vacation! Where are you going? I am trying to read but i keep just staring at the book not touching it… that’s how you read these days right?
I’m obsessed with this post. Mid-late twenties is totes a thing, and I’m right there with ya. And adulting is totally hard. Why didn’t anyone warn us?? #millennialproblems
Right! It turns out they did – but that selective hearing thing is totally real! I go back and watch old episodes of girls and i am like, “damn lena dunham tried to warn me! *raises fist in anger*!”
Hahahahah! Great post, truly enjoyed this one.
Thank you!
Hahahaha! I love the GIFs you chose. I especially love the Parks and Rec one’s. Love that scene.
This year I have been pretty proud of how I’ve spent this in between week. I just hope I can keep adulting all year. lol.
Lol thanks! I’ve actually never seen the episode that one’s from haha I didn’t even realize there was a parks and rec one in the post until you said it!
That’s a great plan. I was in my mid-twenties when I realized using this last week of the year to get everything done and ready for a new year was the way to go =) I am now almost 40 and this week is always my busiest week of the year. My tree though is always down before New Years though. We don’t decorate much inside. All the Christmas decorating is left for outside (30,000 lights programmed to music) I wish we could leave it up all year, because it’s a pain putting it up and taking it down, lol.
Oh my goodness that’s a lot of lights!! I would totally just leave that up haha – and yeah I know getting it all done is the way to go and am slowing moving out of sloth mode to beast mode today haha pray that I power through it all in the next 48 hours! Happy almost new year!
Such a great post! my family is so bad about putting our Christmas decor up after Christmas… I mean we spent so much time putting it up! haha!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink
Lol right! that’s how I feel exactly!
If it makes you feel any better, we haven’t even celebrated Christmas yet! We still have unwrapped presents here! But I’m spending this week catching up on things, studying for my micro econ class, and studying for the GMAT!
haha no way! I’m in your boat! Our presents haven’t even been delivered yet though haha! Good luck with the GMAT!
lol…I’m somewhere in the middle of the two extremes! Probably closer to the sloth side than I care to admit! hehe…The last half of this week will consist of getting my act together, though! SO much to prepare for in 2017…I’m gonna be ready! 🙂 Thanks for the real-talk here! hehe…
Haha of course! I am joining you and starting to get my act together for the end of the week today haha
This was so funny! Everything you said is so true and I feel like I would totally be spending the week like that if I didn’t have to work!
La Belle Sirene
Awe hope work didn’t keep you there too long!
Good luck!! I totally feel you–this last week feels so weird. I’ve actually really gotten shit done this week though! I put away my Christmas stuff ON Christmas, got rid of six pieces of furniture, bought two new pieces, and completely rearranged my apartment. I still have a bunch of boxes to take to Goodwill and a few more things to find homes, but I’m super psyched with how much I’ve gotten done! I just knew I’d hate myself if I went back to work next week without having had a productive break.
So weird! I wish I had your motivation!! I got more done this week than I thought I would and actually set a date to get the tree down by so I feel like I’m #winning!
These are seriously great tips to utilize the time between the holiday and the new year. I definitely need to clean out my office and start fresh!
Thanks Meghan! Hope you were able to clear some of it out!!
Adulting…OH ADULTING. I’m just sitting here next to my still lit up CHristmas tree nodding and laughing and vowing to get it down before April. HAHA.
Coming Up Roses
Haha pretty much! I swore I would get it done before 1/15 so we will seee haha
I spent it relaxing and catching up on blog work. I love your reinforcement plan! Sounds like you had a great week in between the two holidays 🙂
Lol thanks Lydia! Happy new year!
Love all of your ideas! I might be a little late to reading it, but still so many great things to do! I have been spending this week cleaning out my closet and re-designing the blog!
xx, Jamie
Haha so basically the opposite of my week! I did just add “clean out closet” to my to-do list for this coming week though!
This is a great post. Honestly, Is hould have taken more of your advice! I got some stuff done, crafts, diys, but I was such a homebody and hardly saw my friends. Our tree is still up, but that’s cause there’s still gifts under it for friends I didn’t see! LOL, it’s coming down today.
Haha I love it! I basically only accomplished getting my tree down haha