How To: Properly Rest and Reboot over the Holiday

For many, the holidays act as a time of relaxation as well as one for celebration. It’s often the only period of the year when you can step away from your computer knowing that you won’t be receiving emails, and it makes the perfect opportunity to properly rest and reboot.

Seems simple enough, right? Well, a survey conducted by psychologist Megan Arrol found that 75% of those surveyed said they experienced days with no downtime or relaxation, and that 46% stated that they had trouble relaxing during specific times dedicated to rest, like a vacation or the weekend. This was due to the demands of modern life that require us to be constantly ‘plugged in’, making it harder to unwind when the opportunity arises. This might feel relatable, especially for those in the creative industry. Whether you’re freelance or working full time, the fast-paced lifestyle is renowned for leaving those burnt out, especially when time isn’t taken to relax. 

To combat this issue, Fashion Minority Report has listed some tips on how to properly unwind, so you can have some R+R over the festive period. 

Learn breathing techniques

It’s likely that you’ll already know of the benefits of breathing techniques, especially as a preventative activity for burnout. What’s great about them is that they have short-term and long-term effects; your heart rate will instantly slow down once you’ve got into the rhythm of it, and frequent practicing can lead to balanced blood pressure, deeper sleep and a stronger immune system.

Release physical tension

Over time, stress won’t only affect your mental health but your body too. Releasing physical stress is just as important as mental, so make some time in your day to do some exercise. This can range from simple stretching to a more mindful practice like yoga, or something cardio-based like running. If you’re strapped for time, find a soft surface to lie on, tense one body part at a time and release. Take note of how the sensation feels of releasing your body, starting with the muscles in your face then down to your toes. 

Keep a journal

Writing down your emotions or what you’re grateful for may not be for everyone, but it’s undeniable that doing so has extremely positive effects. It’s proven to help reduce anxiety, regulate your emotions and encourage awareness, making your everyday life less stressful and more joyful. Get in the habit of writing down your thoughts when you’re stressed, and you’ll find that putting pen to paper will take a lot of pressure off of your mind.

Connect to nature

This can be harder for inner-city folk, but spending time in nature is proven to have calming effects. Whether you pop out for a short walk or have some time to sit and appreciate your surroundings, immersing yourself in green environments will be instantly beneficial – especially as we’re often cooped inside for the majority of the festive period. Don’t have a pastoral places near home? Scientists have found that even looking at images of nature on your computer screen for five minutes will have the same effect.