As the holiday season inches closer, you can almost smell the sea air as very soon it will be time to down tools for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

While slowing down is great, this might just be the ideal time to keep motivated and set future goals.

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Business and career coach Annie Stewart says in the lead-up to Christmas it is natural for people to wind down and reflect.

But rather than waste an opportunity, she says “it is a terrific time to have fun and set goals for the New Year, so when you come back you are ready to hit the ground running”.

She offers the following tips on staying motivated through the downtimes.

Go out for breakfast.

Take yourself on a work date

Treat yourself to some fun by going for lunch or breakfast, take a long walk or catch a ferry to work.

The aim here is to give you time to reflect.

Being away from the office and home gives you space to think about what you enjoyed during the year and what you would like to stop, change or continue in 2015.

Ask yourself simple questions such as: “What makes me happy?”

“What am I passionate about and what do I care about?”

Answering those questions will help determine which activities at home, at work, or in the community give you a sense of belonging and purpose that in turn deliver motivation.

Get out of your comfort zone

During the wind down period, do one thing each day that is outside your comfort zone.

Catch up with someone at work, go to the library, or investigate a course or learning.

Go out and read some international newspapers as in this crazy, self-absorbed world it is good to learn about issues in the wider world or your community.

Reach out to workmates.

Get happy and reach out to others in your office space

If you tend to sit back and let your co-workers reach out, then take the initiative and ask someone how they’re feeling; it’s a great chance to work on your visibility.

As it is Christmas, bring in some cheer.

Have fun with the theme by handing out some sweets to share the joy around.

Clear out and de-clutter

There is nothing better than coming back to the work desk knowing that the files are sorted, so clear out old emails and arrange your files.

The good times should continue when you get back to work so remember to schedule in some fun activities like catching up with work colleagues over a coffee.

Connect with others

Today, everyone is spending time on social media, emailing or texting. Take advantage of the opportunity for face-to-face contact and have lunch or a catch-up with people such as clients, suppliers and peers.

Live your dreams.

Leadership coach Tamar Balkin says the festive season is a good time to put future dreams in motion.

“Ask yourself, what have you done in the past that made you want to jump out of bed,” she says.

Putting some of these activities in place will put some zing into your life.

Importantly, she adds, change your routine.

“Be open for change in the new year, whether it is your career, an interest or collaboration as if you’re tired of your routine then your motivation will be low,” she says,

“Set yourself up to be accountable and enlist the help of a trusted peer, a coach or your boss; someone who will help you stick with it.

“Physically, changing your routine will help too so join a gym, do something different such as walk or travel to work a different way.”

Lastly, adds Ms Balkin, enjoy the season.

“We are lucky to have warm weather on our side so go out, celebrate with friends and co-workers and get into the Christmas spirit,” she says.

“Why not have a work meeting outside in the park.”