Take a break before you break down
ife is constantly on the move around us. From the blur of activities dominated by work commitments to family priorities to school assignments and deadlines, it can get a tad overwhelming to keep up with these daily demands. It can also be frightening, especially when you look back at the year and realise that your not so New Year’s resolutions are far from being achieved.
With the holiday season upon us, we would normally expect the tide to slow down but that is really never the case. The holidays are usually jam packed with wild nights out, last minute shopping, incessant family gatherings and the random travel plans, which are all great but need to be well planned so as to be beneficial.
The holidays also come loaded with precious gifts and of most importance, but highly disregarded, is time. Time off to engage in activities that we love and time to sit back and reflect on the year that has been. Below are tips on how you can utilise your time this holiday and take the much-needed break before you breakdown.
Social media detox
We are living in the era of social media where too many people are competing and comparing instead of reflecting inward to find fulfillment. There is always this urgency to find out what others are doing not knowing that they are only allowing you to see their best life, which may not necessarily be true. Life is not all glam and rosy. It is full of ups and downs, which makes it interesting. We all pass through different challenges and are at different stages in life. Comparing your life based on others’ pre-meditated representation will do you more harm than good.
This holiday, put a tight rein on your social media dosage. It may seem counteractive, but just try going for a few hours without reaching over for your phone to check out what is trending. Opt for more physical interaction with friends and family. Grab that coffee, go for that ice cream date, enjoy some quick snacks out in the sun… anything that will not involve you accessing your social media accounts.
Selfish you
You are your own greatest asset and you should take time off to pamper yourself. You do not have to break your bank account to do this. It can be with simple things like buying yourself that nice watch that you have been eyeing all year, taking yourself out for lunch in that swanky new restaurant that is the talk of town, or just staying in and sleeping. Learn to prioritise you and while at it include learning to say no. It is perfectly fine to decline that event invite from your ‘frenemy.’ It is fine to say no to that client’s request to extend work hours especially after you had scheduled some ‘me’ or family time. Be kind to yourself this holiday and engage in activities that make you happy.
Forget perfection
Obsessing over getting things done to the last bit of perfection will not only drain you, but also eat into your time. For the entire year, you have been boxed in a world of perfection. Be it at the office where you had to submit perfect reports to impress your boss and to be honest, keep your job, or at home where you had to be the perfect parent to inspire your children. Do not succumb to the pressure of being perfect all the time. Allow yourself to be silly this holiday. Get in touch with your inner child and be free from all the cares and stresses of life, if just but for a moment for January is beckoning.
