It’s almost time for my winter break and I’m getting excited! Do the holidays fill you with stress or do you spend a busy but fun time with loved ones? Either way, I encourage you to get in as much rest and relaxation as you can. To that end, here are a few tips to help you have a relaxing, refreshing time:
- Take a walk. Just a simple walk, ideally in nature but even just around the block. Take in the sights, especially if you can find some pretty light displays. Walk alone, walk the dogs, walk with your family– just get out, get a small dose of nature (even if it’s just tough city squirrels) and breathe.
- Disconnect intentionally. If you can, have your email send an automatic reply that says you’re not checking email for a few days. Put your phone someplace mildly inconvenient so you’re not tempted by it. Let friends and family know you’re taking a little break. Read a book or watch a movie.
- Take a hot bath. This is one of my favorite winding-down activities. You can add some nice essential oils or a lovely bath bomb, or really go for the chill vibe with some bubbles.
- Speaking of bubbles, if you like an occasional adult beverage, take a day off from the rules and start a day with a mimosa or perhaps a Bellini. Or wrap up your evening with a warming mug of mulled wine or a hot buttered rum. I always know it’s the start of my Christmas when I have a little guilt-free day-drinking! And if you’re not a drinker, ’tis the season for cocoa!
- Bake or cook, if you enjoy it. And absolutely only if you enjoy it. (If is stresses you out, go back to idea #1 and start over.) I often do a nice indulgent Christmas morning breakfast of panettone French toast, and this year we also made and decorated some gingerbread cookies. Whatever fills your heart with holiday cheer!
- Ask for help when you need it. I know we all know we should do this, but if you’re anything like me, it’s an easy habit to slip out of, and suddenly you’re on the hook to make dinner for 27 people and send out holiday cards for your whole family unit. That way relaxation does not lie! If you find your to-do list growing and growing, ask for some support, even if it means assigning tasks to people.
- And finally, say no as you need to. That family member who exhausts you? The friend who’s always in crisis? Yet another volunteer opportunity? You don’t need to do them all. Choose your obligations carefully, being sure to favor the ones that fill your sails instead of the ones that puncture your balloon. (Sorry for the tortured metaphor! I’m in need of some R&R, myself.)
Happy holidays! 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, if you follow such things. (I don’t but am always happy for the entertainment value of predictions of my future.) So if nothing else, remember how excellent cats, large and small, are at relaxation. If you get some time off, go ahead and turn that cat-nap into a tiger-nap!
