Hermiting or hibernating: How to bring holiday ‘you’ into everyday life

Have you ever wondered if you’ve been hermiting or hibernating? On the surface, they can look the same – quiet days, fewer social plans, less energy for “out in the world” living. But lately, I’ve been learning there’s a difference… and that difference can make real life feel a whole lot more like holiday life.

It’s been wet, wild and cold here in Perth. The kind of weather that makes staying in bed with a book way more appealing than jumping up to walk the dog or sit at my desk (which happens to be in the chilliest corner of the house – of course!).

So on the surface, it might’ve looked like hibernating.
But as I reflect… it hasn’t really been that at all.

Before the holiday, I was in full-on creation mode. I poured myself into the Cocktail for Change quiz and then straight into developing The Midlife Remix course. I was head down, deep in delivery, tech, planning, writing and reworking. I truly loved the creative process, but it left me depleted.

Without meaning to, I shut myself off. Not just socially, but from my home, my kitchen, my garden… everything outside the screen. I did the bare minimum to keep life ticking along and told myself I’d “catch up” later. Turns out I wasn’t hibernating. I was hermiting.

Remembering “Out in the World” Me

Then our week in Exmouth and Coral Bay happened and I remembered how good it feels to be out in the world Tania. To have conversations. To share food. To lift my head and look around.

So in the weeks since coming home, I’ve been gently adding life back in.

✨ I’ve organised catch-ups with close girlfriends
✨ We had a night away with friends, a bonfire, incredible food and great conversation (with a wild storm lashing outside!)
✨ My husband and I took the long way home and sat in for coffee, because time together deserves more than just a takeaway cup
✨ We booked a new date for our mahjong group (it’s been awhile between gatherings and the game is really an excuse for a good chat)
✨ I attended a business circuit breaker session that left me feeling excited again
✨ I went to a talk on AI by the amazing Dr Nici Sweaney who runs AI Her Way and it opened up all kinds of ideas (definitely a lady to follow if you have any interest in the AI space)
✨ I’ve been connecting with other coaches and feeling inspired to create something new

I’ve also started paying attention to the little things again – the ones “holiday me” loved, that “everyday me” tends to overlook.

🌿 Getting back into the kitchen where I enjoy baking and creating, not simply churning out meals
🌿 Pottering in the garden when the sun peeks out
🌿 Swapping phone-scrolls and TV for puzzles (my 20-year-old even joined me as he enjoys a puzzle too – an added bonus of lovely time together!)

The Lesson I’m Learning

Even though there’s work and washing and weather… this can still be a version of the life I want.

One that includes the spirit of the holiday – not just waits for the next one.

And in case you’re wondering…
Yes, I’ve still had those days where the mental load hits hard.
Where I’d rather scroll or snooze than be productive.
But I’m trying to meet myself gently and stay curious about what feels good — not just what gets ticked off.

Over to You

Maybe you’ve been in your own version of hibernation lately.
Maybe you’ve had a holiday high that felt like a distant dream as soon as real life resumed.
Or maybe, like so many women in our community, you’re just holding a lot and wondering how to feel a bit more you again.

If that’s you, know this:
You’re not alone. You’re just in a season.
And the beautiful thing about seasons?
They change.

So now I’m curious…

Have you been hermiting or hibernating lately?
Has it felt restorative or more like you’re hiding out?
If you asked “holiday-you” how to make the most of this season, what might she say?

Because even in the slower, darker months…
There’s still space for joy, connection and the kind of small moments that make real life feel good too. if you’d love some support in keeping that spirit alive, not just waiting for the next season or the next trip, I’ve created something just for you.

Bring the Glow Home

Bring the Glow Home is a 7-part audio coaching series designed to help you:
✨ Invite “holiday-you” back into everyday life
✨ Find more joy and presence in small moments
✨ Gently reset habits that leave you flat or disconnected
✨ Capture what lights you up with a printable Glow Map

You don’t need another plane ticket to feel better. You just need a way to bring that version of yourself home.

👉 Click here to Bring the Glow Home and make your everyday feel less like survival, more like choice.