Do you come back from the Christmas holidays more tired than when you left? It is usually a period with more leisure and social plans than during the rest of the year, but it clearly has more to do with our way of managing them than with other things.
Why do we get stressed at Christmas?
First of all, it is important to bear in mind that not everyone likes Christmas . There are those who, due to the absence of loved ones, illness, financial reasons or other personal circumstances, do not perceive this time as a period of happiness. However, beyond that, routine, schedules, weather and atmosphere are disrupted during the holidays, causing disorder and generating stress. Added to this is a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, which are even self-imposed and constantly go around in our heads during this time, ranging from buying gifts to visiting all relatives and friends.
Why is it important to disconnect at Christmas?
Disconnecting from work during the holidays is vitally important for our physical, mental and emotional health. There are many benefits that such disconnection has for employees, including:
Recharge and rejuvenation : Disconnecting from work allows workers to take a well-deserved break and renew their energies. By getting away from work responsibilities, it is possible to recharge the body and mind, which helps them return to work with greater productivity and motivation.
Improved overall well-being : By disconnecting from work, the stress and anxiety associated with work demands is reduced, which contributes to improving the overall well-being of employees and allows them to fully enjoy their vacation without constant work-related worries.
Strengthening personal relationships : Vacations are an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. By disconnecting from work, working people can invest more time and attention in their personal relationships, thus strengthening family and friendship ties.
Stimulating creativity : Vacations are a great time to explore new activities, discover new hobbies or simply let the mind wander freely, which can lead to fresh ideas and innovative solutions when employees return to work.
Preventing burnout : Disconnecting from work during the holidays helps prevent burnout and avoid falling into a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, which in turn improves health and long-term work performance.
Ultimately, vacations are a time to rest, relax and enjoy the things that make each individual happy.
Planning your vacation
Our social tendency is what makes us human and is fundamental to our well-being. If we have many social circles, we can get together with several plans in one day, and that adds to the fact that if you have children they will have school holidays, since in many jobs Christmas is a time of much work... A cumulus of circumstances that are too intense. That is why you will not be able to do everything, and knowing how to say no without feeling guilty is essential to avoid falling into exhaustion. Here are some ideas to make it easier for you:
You should get the proper amount of sleep : There are 24 hours in a day and at least 8 of these should be spent resting. If you are short on time, don't take it out of your sleeping hours, which are essential for your physical and, above all, mental health. Lack of sleep and sleep disturbances have a negative effect on the development of depressive disorders. Therefore, it is time to accept that you cannot do everything and that you have to choose.
Stay-at-home plan : Christmas should be about home and family rather than shopping. Being at home, especially when it's cold, spending time with your loved ones, reading, or just relaxing is a pleasure in itself.
Write a list of priorities . It is always better to see it written down than to have it in your head. Put in order the plans or people to visit that are most important to you, and make sure they are few and realistic.
Saying no, without complexes . It means, on the one hand, the security and confidence of seeing ourselves capable of doing it. And on the other hand, the empathy and skills to communicate well that we must learn to know how to say it without causing a conflict.
Focus on the positive : If you keep seeing negativity, it's going to be easy to find and cause stress. Expressing gratitude, being less rigid, or enjoying the moment will not only make you feel better, but it will help others enjoy it too.
Relax and take a break during family gatherings : If you notice that your stress is increasing, take a break. No one will miss you for a while. You can go to another room, to the bathroom or go for a walk. Take a few deep breaths, thinking about positive things that you like and that are important to you.
What should we avoid on our holidays?
Some tips that can be very useful and beneficial for our days of rest:
Don't eat too much caffeine or sugar before going to bed.
Eating foods high in sugar, or drinking caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime can interfere with our natural sleep process or cause insomnia, so it is best to avoid them. A healthy and light diet is the best recipe before going to bed!
Do not perform activities that require excessive energy
Do some calm or relaxing activities at the end of the day. Practicing yoga, taking a hot bath, drawing, reading or even listening to relaxing music in a pleasant place can also be great plans for a few days of vacation.
Turn off the screens!
Having a few days of digital disconnection is another great idea for our holidays! It is not necessary to not use the mobile phone or the computer all day, but we should at least take some time to disconnect... turning off the TV, the computer or even not using the mobile phone a few hours before going to bed will help us disconnect from our obligations or other activities and rest our minds.
Release thoughts and worries!
Many times when we are about to have a few days off, our mind is filled with thoughts and worries and we cannot really relax…
Before you start your vacation, you can write down on a piece of paper all the worries and thoughts that are bothering you. Writing down your concerns on paper will help you free your mind from them and make you feel that they are much more manageable. Try it! And now, let's enjoy your weekend of rest!
Playing sports will help you be in a better mood
Christmas is about getting together and celebrating, and the way we socialise is often mixed with eating and drinking. Most people who decide to exercise do so because they want to lose weight, feel stronger or like themselves more physically, but they should not forget that the most important reason is that it is a healthy lifestyle habit . It is not only about counteracting the effects of a period of sedentary lifestyle, but also about regaining a positive mood: running, swimming, jumping or dancing improve our cardiovascular system, reduce cholesterol, balance blood pressure, and help regulate weight, sleep and mood.
Activities in nature are a good way to relax. After the hustle and bustle of the city, there is nothing better than going out into the countryside or skiing in the mountains. This way, you can breathe fresh air, listen to the silence and forget about your daily schedules and routines. The countryside helps you to rest your mind; for this reason, it is one of the most popular ways for people to relax during the Christmas holidays.
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