The importance of getting rest during the holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy and merrymaking, but it can also be stressful. Between hosting dinners, buying and wrapping presents, and doing all the celebratory activities, you’re probably exhausted. And do not forget that everyone is trying to finish everything at work and prepare for the new year. That’s why it’s important to get plenty of rest during the holiday season. However, we’re not talking about taking a nap or lounging on the couch with hot cocoa and a Christmas movie. You need to think more strategically and practice purposeful rest that actually rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul. Rest is not common. There are six types of respite, each targeting a specific type of burnout. This holiday season, we’ll take a closer look at these and, more importantly, how to incorporate them into your life without missing out on the holiday fun.
6 types of breaks to recharge this holiday season
1. Physical rest
The holiday season can be really exhausting. After baking, attending events, shopping, and parties, you’ll want some quiet time. This is where physical rest becomes important. It’s about giving your body what it needs to recharge. If you feel tired, sore, or anxious during the night, it’s your body’s warning that it needs rest. All you need to do is make it a priority to go to bed at a regular time, exercise if possible, and remember to take a nap when you have time. And most importantly, don’t do everything at once. There’s no need to go shopping for gifts for everyone on the day you plan to bake Christmas cookies.
2. Mental rest
The holiday season isn’t always the time of peace it’s supposed to be. Between preparing to host a dinner, deciding what gifts to buy, and trying to get work done before the holidays, your brain is working overtime. That’s why mental rest is the first gift you should think about giving yourself. Mental rest is a break from racing and overthinking. The first sign you need one is if you tend to forget things or get distracted. But how do you practice? You can write down your thoughts, prepare meals and plan gifts in advance. Next, add mental breaks to your day. Go for a walk, admire the twinkling Christmas lights, or just sit with a cup of coffee. It may not seem like much, but the holiday season is extremely hectic, so give your brain a break overall.
3. Mental rest
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, constantly misunderstood, or feeling emotionally unstable, it’s time to recharge. Basically, you need a mental break. It’s about creating space to express yourself, feel supported, and stop pretending to be fine when you’re not. During the holidays, you may have to meet people with whom you do not get along well, such as relatives or acquaintances who cannot be avoided at gatherings. You should limit your meetings with people who make you uncomfortable and instead spend time with people who make you feel truly seen and valued. Also, set boundaries. You are not obligated to attend every holiday event, say yes to everything, or participate in anything that is physically draining. Take care of yourself and prioritize mental rest so you can enjoy Christmas more with your loved ones.
4. Rest for the senses
The holiday season is certainly magical, but it can also overwhelm your senses. Twinkling lights, chatter, and loud music can overstimulate and irritate you. This is called sensory overload and occurs when your senses take in more information than your brain can process. result? Your brain reacts the same way it would if your life was in danger, going into fight, flight, or freeze mode. This problem can be solved by avoiding screen time for a while and sitting quietly with relaxing music or white noise. Now, if you’re feeling overwhelmed during a gathering, take a step back, go to a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Also remember that it’s okay to walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
5. Creative rest
If you’re feeling low on motivation, lack of fresh ideas, or lack of inspiration, it’s time to take a creative break. This includes finding sources of inspiration. Take a trip to winter scenery, visit holiday art exhibits, watch Christmas movies, listen to festive music, and enjoy as many art experiences as possible. You can also start holiday activities like decorating cookies, making ornaments, and making holiday cards. A creative break during the holiday season is your ticket to feeling recharged and inspired. So if you’d rather read a good book than go to a party, don’t feel guilty and give your imagination a break.
6. Social rest
During the holidays, we usually meet many people. From relatives and friends to colleagues and the busy marketplace, it’s easy to suffer from social burnout. Social breaks are necessary if you have to cancel plans or distance yourself from others at events. You can also start by not attending all events. It’s okay to say no and only go to places you genuinely think you’ll have a good time. Also, if necessary, avoid gatherings with too many people and limit it to dinner with friends or pizza night with your significant other. If you still have to go to a party, be sure to charge it afterwards. Get some alone time at home and create a cozy atmosphere.
conclusion
The holiday season is full of shopping, cooking, decorating, celebrating, and more. Therefore, we tend to overlook the “rest” that we really need. Taking time to reflect on the six types of rest listed above will help you understand where you feel most drained. Once you’ve identified what kind of rest you’re missing, it’s time to make a plan to put it into practice. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of rest. Prioritizing self-care will add joy and connection to your life and help you have happier holidays.
