The Importance of Taking Time Off During the Holidays
Although the holiday season is a time of joy and happiness, it can also be stressful. Between hosting dinner parties, buying and wrapping gifts, and trying to do the festive chores, you’re probably exhausted. And let’s not forget that everyone is trying to wrap everything up at work, preparing for the new year. That’s why it’s important to allow yourself to relax during the holidays. However, we are not talking about sleeping in or relaxing on your couch with hot cocoa and Christmas movies. You need to think logically and practice meaningful relaxation that will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Rest is not a generic thing—there are 6 types of rest, each targeting a specific type of burnout. This holiday season, we’ll take a closer look at this and, more importantly, how to incorporate it into your life without missing out on the holiday fun.
6 Types of Relaxation to Help You Recharge This Holiday Season
1. Physical rest
The holiday season can really drain your body. Baking, going to events, shopping, and partying make you long for quiet time when everything is over. This is where physical relaxation comes in. It’s about giving your body what it needs to recharge. If you feel tired, sore, or uncomfortable in the middle of the night, that’s your body warning you that you need to rest. All you have to do is prioritize sleeping at regular hours, exercise if possible, and don’t forget to sleep whenever you have time. And, most importantly, don’t do it all at once; there’s no need to go shopping for gifts for everyone on the same day you plan to bake Christmas cookies.
2. Mental Relaxation
The holiday season is not always the relaxing time it should be. Between preparing to host dinner parties and deciding what gifts to buy, all the while trying to get your work done before the holiday break, your brain is working overtime. That’s why peace of mind is the first gift you should think about giving yourself. Mental rest is a break from racing thoughts and overthinking. The first sign you need if you tend to forget things or get distracted. But how do you practice? You can write down your thoughts or plan to prepare meals and gifts in advance. Next, add mental breaks to your day. Take a walk, gaze at the twinkling holiday lights, or just sit with a cup of coffee. All in all, let your brain rest because, even though it may not seem like it, the holiday season demands a lot.
3. Emotional Relaxation
If you feel frustrated, misunderstood, or in your feelings, it’s time to refresh. Basically, you need emotional rest. That creates space for you to express yourself, feel supported, and stop pretending you’re okay when you’re not. During the holidays you may have to meet people you don’t know, whether they are relatives or acquaintances that you cannot avoid in gatherings. You should minimize meetings with those who make you feel uncomfortable and instead spend time with people who make you feel truly seen and valued. Also, set boundaries. You don’t have to go to every holiday event, yes to everything, or participate in activities that exhaust you. Protect yourself and prioritize emotional rest to better enjoy Christmas with your loved ones.
4. Relaxation of the Nerves
The holiday season is magical, sure, but it can be overwhelming for your senses. Bright lights, chatter, and loud music can leave you irritable and irritable. This is called sensory overload, and it happens when your five senses take in more information than your brain can process. The result? The brain responds the way it would in a life-threatening situation and goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. You can fix this by avoiding screen time for a while and sitting quietly listening to soft music or white noise. Now, if you feel overwhelmed during a meeting, take a step back to a quiet place to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Remember, too, that it’s okay to walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
5. Natural Rest
If you’re feeling unmotivated, lacking new ideas, and unmotivated, it’s time to take a creative break. This involves finding sources of inspiration. You can take a trip to a winter wonderland, visit a holiday art display, watch Christmas movies, listen to festive music, and soak up as many art experiences as possible. You can also start holiday activities, such as decorating cookies, making ornaments, or making holiday cards. Smart relaxation during the holidays is your ticket to feeling recharged and inspired. So don’t feel guilty if you’d rather read a good book than go to that party, and let your mind’s eye breathe.
6. Community Rest
During the holidays we often meet a lot of people. From relatives and friends to co-workers and busy markets, you can easily experience social fatigue. If you find yourself canceling plans or distancing yourself from others at events, you need a social break. You can start by not going to all the events. It’s okay to say no and only go where you feel you’ll have a good time. And, if you like, avoid socializing and stick to dinner with friends or pizza night with your significant other. And if you still have to go to events, make sure you recharge afterwards. Take time for yourself and stay at home, create a calm atmosphere.
The conclusion
The holiday season can be filled with activities, such as shopping, cooking, decorating, and celebrating. Therefore, it is easy to overlook what we really need: rest. Taking the time to reflect on the 6 types of rest we’ve listed above can help you figure out where you’re feeling tired. Once you’ve identified what type of relaxation you’re missing, make a practice schedule. This holiday season, let relaxation be your gift to yourself. By prioritizing self-care, you add joy and connection to your life, leading to an enjoyable vacation experience.
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