While many people are making the beginning preparations of turkey and stuffing, or even beginning to wonder what magical gift they’re going to buy their special sweetie this holiday season, there are many more of us suffering from an extreme case of burn out. With the fast pace lifestyle of society everyday, it can become tiresome to even think ahead when our brains are already beginning to throw in the white towel and surrender to brain collapse. However, with the holiday season coming around, a few of us will be afforded a few days of relaxation, and instead of stressing out during those days, I’m going to share a few tips on how you can maximize your relaxation time over Thanksgiving.
1. Cut it off. It is amazing how stress-inducing those little cell phones and laptops are. Cut your work phone off or at least on ‘Do Not Disturb’, and check it only periodically instead of having it attached to your hip. If people know you are on vacation for the holidays, they won’t necessarily be contacting you unless it’s important. Take that time to mentally detach yourself from work.
2. Write It Out. A lot of pent up mental stress can instantly be relieved once you write it out in the form of a diary entry or a list. Worried you’re going to be bombarded with work once you go back into the office? Take 15 minutes out of your vacation to write out a list of Things That Are Super Important, Things That Are Semi-Important, Things Not Really Important, Things I Can Do Whenever. Once you see what you’re working with as far as workload, you can mentally settle down knowing you’ve at least planned a plan of attack to tackle what is important come Monday morning.
3. Go for a walk. Sounds so cliché, but a walk through a park in Fall time is literally one of the most relaxing things you could do. Try not to go when there’s a bunch of noise or chaos going around, but a time when the park is quieter or when nannies are taking the kids out to play. It’s a great time to sit down, watch people, and contemplate on the reality that a lot of the things you’re stressed about really are not worth stressing over. Breathe some fresh air and get some friendly exercise in. We all know exercise has some proven health benefits.
4. Relax, for Cheese Sake. There’s no other way to relax than just to relax. However you find a way to relax, just do it. For me, it’s kicking my feet up and putting a good movie on Comcast or Netflix with snacks galore by my bedside. Put on a favorite movie, spend time with the family you never get to see, be that 16 year old teenager who sings in front of the mirror again. These are once in a lifetime memories you’ll want to treasure forever, so start doing it.
5. Hot Baths & Candles. Yeah, this should be self-explanatory, but pretty much, indulge in some self lovin’ while you’re on vacation. Get that hair trimmed like you’ve been putting off for six months. Get that cute mani-pedi so your nails can stop looking chewed through. Spoil yourself, honey! That relaxing facial or Swedish body massage? You’ll feel invigorated, sexy and oh so relaxed when you storm back into the office Monday morning.
6. Meditation. We live in a day and time where Meditation is like the holy Mecca of centering oneself. While I’m not too down for the oversaturation of MEDITATION MEDITATION MEDITATION everywhere, I will say when done properly, it can be an amazing experience. There are so many tutorials on Youtube and seminars out there in the world to properly guide you through it, in case you’re wondering if you can sit and focus that long. It’ll be difficult at first, but start with some calming music, sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Thoughts of work and school and that annoying boyfriend will come, but the secret is not in fighting those thoughts, but acknowledging they are there and then continuing to focus on you. I know, sounds crazy. But keep doing it a little bit day by day, and you’ll soon see the changes that occur in your life of more patience, more mental clarity and a greater appreciation for the little things.
