1. BE SILLY
In all seriousness, you need silliness. There’s nothing like being silly to remind you not to take life or yourself so seriously!
You may need to push the boundaries of your comfort zone to be silly. Plus, what’s completely normal for one person might be outrageously wacky and silly to someone else.
My way? I’ve sometimes enlisted assistance from the gorgeous little people in my life. My nephew, for example, is old enough to play silly games with me but not old enough to think that Aunty Lisa is “totally uncool” and not worth his time.
Some parents I’ve spoken to definitely don’t find that playing silly games with a toddler the best way to wind down. If anything it can do the complete opposite and wind everyone up!
2. IRRELEVANT READING
I love reading (or listening to) books, articles, podcasts and audiobooks about entrepreneurial success and creative business endeavours. Although, when I’m trying to switch off, reading these sorts of things really doesn’t help my mind relax.
Experience has taught me to leave these sorts of readings on the self for a time when I need inspiration and want to fire up with 100% commitment to work. Otherwise it’s like eating candy during a sugar detox.
You could even consider fictional books if, like me, your nose is often buried in non-fiction.
3. AVOID STIMULANTS
I know, I know. It’s really not like me to pass on the coffee hit. Matter of fact I’ve already had two while writing this.
But it can be difficult to wind down when you’re wound up with caffeine or other stimulants.
A strong espresso might be great on Monday morning back at the office (if you drink coffee) but it’s not such a good idea if you’re trying to unwind.
Every person handles stimulants like caffeine in different waysso figure out what works for you. You needn’t stop it all together but you might want to try dialling it back for a little while.
4. MUSIC
Like caffeine, music can act as a stimulant. When I’m trying to unwind I leave my favourite dance/techno tunes off the playlist and save them for my next trip to the gym.
Depending on your musical preferences, slow and soulful tunes, or even something classical might be better.
Personally, I’ve loved Vivaldi for years but the same music might bore you senseless.
5. TECH-BAN
For some of you, banning technology isn’t a problem, and you will easily leave your phone or laptop at home.
That’s not the case for me but on holidays I either:
A) Use it as little as possible
B) Monitor the types of content I’m consuming (see point #2)
Another advantage of a tech-ban is that you’ll automatically disconnect from social media. Boost your confidence, self-esteem and more!
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Remember that by really relaxing these holidays, you’ll help your body and mind recharge. In turn, this has a hugely positive impact on both your physical and mental health.
Holidays can be such emotion-filled time of year so making some of these little tweaks to your holiday routine can really help calm it all down. Happy holidays!
Article is an excerpt from Huffington Post by Lisa Cox.
