We're coming into the holidays, and refreshing ourselves during this period is one of the most important times of the year.
During the holiday season, finding a balance between enjoying yourself and taking steps to relax and refresh effectively is crucial.
Learning how to create this balance can lead to a higher state of mind, increased creativity, and better preparation for the upcoming year.
In this blog, I’ll share how you can fully enjoy your holidays and implement strategies to help you rest and refresh so you can reap the long-term benefits.
Making the most of the break
Most of us manage a lot in our work and personal lives. The long break gives us a unique opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate.
Without this break, we risk continuing with our usual busy routine, quickly accumulating more pressure and stress.
Here are five ways to help you rest and refresh over the break. And start the new year re-energised.
1. Mindful Breathing Exercises
Mindful breathing is a great way to alleviate stress. This involves focusing on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. Mindful breathing for 10-15 minutes daily can significantly reduce stress, improve your concentration, and promote a sense of calm. At this time of year, it's particularly effective in moving you from a hectic work mindset to a more relaxed holiday state.
2. Scheduled Unplugging
It sounds painful, but dedicate specific times of the day to unplug from all digital devices. This deliberate disconnection helps you detach from work-related communications and encourages a mental break. Aim for at least an hour daily, ideally during evening hours, to allow for relaxation and improved sleep quality. This practice fosters a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for rejuvenation.
3. Presence Exercises
It can be hard to stop thinking about work. Presence exercises help us shift focus from work to our immediate environment. Take time to consciously acknowledge your surroundings, engaging all senses to absorb the present moment fully. Try this during holiday activities like family time, meals or walks, allowing yourself to fully experience and appreciate these moments without the intrusion of work-related thoughts.
4. Immerse Yourself In Nature
Spend time in nature, away from urban settings. Activities like hiking, beach walks, or quiet time in a park can be incredibly rejuvenating. Nature's tranquility has proven to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. This change in environment can also offer a new perspective, helping to refresh your mindset.
5. Enjoy Doing Something Different
Engaging in different activities during the holidays can positively alter your state of mind. Whether it's gardening, reading something different from your usual preferences, or trying new experiences, these activities can help you relax and refresh.
Paying attention to how you rest and relax is important to setting yourself up for success in the new year. It can be easy to fall into the trap of overindulging food and alcohol and start feeling worse than the previous year.
I invite you to join the Expand community and access a wealth of tools and resources to help you live your best life.
