Christmas and New Year holidays are the perfect time to disconnect from work, live in the festive spirit, and focus on relaxation, reflection, and quality time with loved ones. It's an opportunity to step back, recharge, and prioritise your mental and physical well-being. Use this time to pursue hobbies, reflect on the year gone by, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. Welcome the holidays as a chance to find balance and joy.
Check out some amazing tips to unplug during the holidays season:
Keep notifications off: Disable unnecessary notifications on your phone and apps. This prevents constant disruptions. Turn off email notifications or mute group chats, so you can enjoy your time without the temptation to check every ping. You could also set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode, making sure you stay focused on the present moment.
Set check-in times: If you need to stay connected, dedicate a specific time each day to check and reply to messages, emails, or calls. You could set aside 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening to check emails and messages. This minimises distractions and helps you avoid being pulled away by work or notifications all day.
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Spend time with family: Make quality time with family a priority during the holidays. Plan activities that strengthen connection, like playing board games, watching movies, cooking together, or simply catching up over a cup of coffee. You can also organise a family movie night or host a breakfast gathering where everyone shares stories from the past year.
Organise a get-together: Host a gathering with close family and friends to create meaningful memories. It could be a dinner party, a holiday potluck, or a themed celebration. Consider organising a "Friendsgiving" or a cookie-baking event, where everyone can contribute and share traditions or experiences.
Catch up on family lives: Use your time off to engage with family members in meaningful ways. Help out with chores, offer to babysit, or simply ask them about their lives and listen intently. You could plan a family chat session where everyone shares updates, or take time to help an older relative with something they’ve been meaning to do.
Explore a new hobby: Devote a week to focusing on a new interest or reviving an old one. Take up knitting, crocheting, gardening photography, or painting. Try cooking a new type of cuisine or learning a new musical instrument. This allows you to explore something fulfilling and get creative.
Take a short trip: Escape for a weekend getaway to recharge. Visit a nearby town, national park, or coastal village. Head to a charming small town, rent a place, or explore a nearby hiking trail. Short trips give you a break without needing to plan extensively or get overwhelmed.
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Spend time in the sun: Whenever possible, soak up natural sunlight. It can be something like relaxing in your backyard, balcony, terrace or taking a walk in the park, getting sun helps improve mood and energy levels. Also, plan an afternoon picnic or spend a few hours at the beach (or any water body in your city), soaking in both the fresh air and sunlight.
Take long walks: Walking is a great way to clear your mind and engage with nature. You might go on a long walk through the woods, along the beach, or around a local park. Consider taking a camera along to capture the beauty of your surroundings or simply leave it behind to enjoy the moment fully.
Visit a local museum: Exploring local museums, galleries, or historical sites can help you disconnect while learning something new. You could visit a local art gallery, a science museum, or a historical landmark to spend time away from screens and enjoy new perspectives. Check out a local exhibit or tour a museum you’ve never visited before.
Read a book: Find a book that intrigues you and immerse yourself in its world. Reading helps reduce stress, stimulates the mind, and offers a perfect escape from digital distractions. Choose a novel you’ve been meaning to read or try a self-help book that sparks your interest.
Practice meditation: Mindfulness exercises help you stay grounded and reduce holiday stress. You could try a 10-minute morning meditation session, deep breathing exercises, or a gratitude practice.
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Cook a meal: Engage with family or friends by cooking together. Plan a holiday dinner, bake cookies, or prepare a family recipe. Everyone can contribute, and the process allows you to connect in a meaningful way. A holiday cookie exchange or a DIY pizza night, is a good idea.
Disconnect from social media: Take a break from social media platforms, which can often cause anxiety or stress. If you feel tempted, delete apps temporarily.
No gadget/phone day: Dedicate specific hours or even an entire day to being offline. This is a perfect way to fully unwind and disconnect. Declare a "No Phone Sunday" where the whole family agrees to leave devices aside and engage in activities like playing games, reading, or spending time outside together.
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