Tommy Livingston is a therapist, coach and speaker who works with clients across New Zealand to improve their wellbeing and performance. Here are his top tips on how to come into 2025 feeling recharged. Read more from Tommy here.
Don’t have a summer fling with your phone
As a former journalist, I understand the urge to stay connected to our phones. But if rest is, in part, about letting our nervous system have a break, then constantly stimulating it with content is not a great strategy.
This summer, I am giving myself permission to unplug. I will avoid breaking news banners, TikTok reels and doom scrolling. I don’t want to log into LinkedIn once (deleting the app from my phone will occur at the same time as the out-of-office goes on).
Instead of spending hours glued to your phone, you too can focus on what’s happening around you. Be present with your family, reconnect with nature or take the time to rest and recharge. These moments are restorative in ways endless scrolling can never be. You might even feel bored – that is a rare emotion to feel these days. Embrace it.
Focus on values instead of resolutions
‘I want to improve my physical health, prioritise my mental well-being and sort out my finances.’
Sound familiar? These were the top New Year’s resolutions for Aussies in 2024. They were the same top resolutions in 2023 too. It’s probably not surprising that many of us are stuck in a cycle of setting the same goals, only to carry them over unfinished into the following year.
When I work with leaders, I encourage them to think less about ticking off specific goals and more about focusing on the values that guide their lives. Goals are helpful, but they only tell us what we want to achieve - values provide the why.
Values act as a compass, offering direction no matter what life throws. They’re not about reaching a particular destination but shaping who we are. Yet, many people I meet can easily list their company’s values but struggle to define their own.
This summer, take some time to reflect. What truly matters to you? What kind of person do you want to be? When you focus on values, you create a foundation that’s both steady and adaptable. Goals then become milestones along the journey rather than the final destination.
Reset your boundaries
Throughout the year, it’s natural for boundaries to blur. The "hard no" we promised to uphold at the start of the year often softens under the pressure of competing priorities.
Summer offers a chance to step back and recalibrate. Consider where you’ve allowed boundaries to slip this year - whether it’s with work, personal relationships or even yourself. Identifying the areas you need to recommit to can be a powerful exercise as you enter 2025.
Audit your commitments
Take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve committed to - big or small. Are there responsibilities that no longer serve your purpose or bring you value? Are there obligations you’ve outgrown or agreed to out of habit or guilt rather than because you actually want to?
My best mate always says, ‘What you say no to is more important than what you say yes to’. Decluttering your diary isn’t just about freeing up time, it’s about reclaiming energy and focus for what truly matters. By saying no to commitments that don’t align with your goals or values, you create space for the things that do. Whether it’s spending more time with loved ones, pursuing a passion project or simply giving yourself a night off.
Plan your next break
Don’t let summer be your only time to recharge. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. I have noticed a lot of my clients place too much emphasis on feeling rested after the Christmas break. We need to space out our downtime, so plan your next getaway or staycation and mark it in your diary. Having something to look forward to can be a powerful motivator as you head back to work.