How I Unwind and Reset Before a New Year

Every December, I like to slow down just enough to think intentionally about what I’m bringing into the new year, and what I’m leaving behind. Over time, that’s turned into a small ritual: a mix of reflection, digital cleanup, and a light systems audit that helps me start January feeling calm and clear, not overwhelmed by a “new year, new me” rush.

Here’s what that process looks like for me.

1. Declutter your digital world

The first thing I do is unsubscribe from newsletters I never open anymore. It only takes 15 minutes but instantly clears mental clutter. I treat my inbox like a living space: if I’m not engaging with something regularly, it probably doesn’t belong there.

2. Audit your tools and subscriptions

Next, I review the tools and apps I use. Each one should earn its keep: if it’s not saving time or giving clear value, it’s time to cancel. This step helps prevent subscription creep and makes room for tools I actually use.

3. Refresh your workflow setup

I currently use Notion to manage my weekly to-dos, but this time of year is perfect for a small reboot: archiving old projects, reorganizing dashboards, and reviewing recurring tasks. I’ve been tempted to build something more custom with AI lately, but the reflection remains the important part: look at how you work, not just where you work.

4. Set your monthly and yearly goals

Finally, I do a light goal-setting session to map out the next month and year. The aim isn’t to reinvent myself overnight - it’s to make sure January doesn’t feel like whiplash. Having a few grounded goals helps me get back into rhythm quickly.

So… how do you unwind at the end of the year? Do you have any rituals, reviews, or systems that make the transition smoother?