Amongst the festive cheer, the Christmas period brings with is countless family commitments, gatherings and often a subconscious pressure to get everything "just right". While this time of year is often bustling with celebrations, it's important to find moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the festive rush.
Just as in the summer holidays, where the long break is intended for rest before the new school year, the Christmas break serves as a crucial pause. Yet, for many of us working in education, the temptation to get ahead with classroom planning or to meet various 'expectations' placed on us by family and friends can overshadow our personal wellbeing.
But, with so much going on over the festive period, what can you do to prioritise your wellbeing? Here are out top 9 tips to help!
These wellbeing activities are just a starting point. Anything that makes you happy without causing your body harm is a great way to look after your wellbeing. If you find yourself forgetting to relax, treat it like any other important event and schedule a time for it. You can even set a phone alert if you need help sticking to that time.
You've completed the hectic Autumn term! That's no small feat! Take time to celebrate your successes. Write down a list of accomplishments you're proud of to share with a loved one and ask a friend or colleague to join you for a toast to the great things you were able to achieve this term.
Social media allows you to network with people around the globe, but the constant connection can lead you feeling anxious, unhappy or like you need to 'fit in'. Try disconnecting from social media for a few days over the Christmas holiday. When the urge to check social sites strikes, try doing something else like:
As the Christmas speeds by and New Year's resolutions begin to take shape, it's an ideal time to consider incorporating exercise into your routine. Keeping actice is not only great for your physical health, but it can also help reduce holiday stress and improve your sleep quality. Plus, regular exercise can also enhance self-esteem and increase energy levels!
Choose a form of exercise that brings you joy and fits into the holiday spirit. You might be able to make time for some brisk winter walks, indoor yoga sessions amidst the cozy ambiance of Christmas lights, or even a good old boogie to some festive tunes!. As you transition back to the school routine in the New Year, try to maintain this healthy habit. Integrating regular physical activity, even if it's moderate, to continue to benefit from the positivity and energy that physical activity can offer.
Simply hanging out with friends can help you feel revitalised and improve your mood. Make plans to get together with your friends for meals, outings, or game nights at home. You don't always have time to relax with your friends during the school year, so prioritise seeing them over the school holidays.
Try to set one rule, though — you can only talk about work for the first five minutes of any get-together. After your time is up, turn the conversation to other topics.
There are times when kicking back and relaxing means doing just that. Something as simple as catching up on a favourite TV programme or streaming a festive film to take your mind off work. Try not to feel guilty for taking the time to do nothing. You work hard the term. Tell yourself, I deserve this break.
The holiday break is an excellent time for you to immerse yourself in reading. It's sound advice that we often give our pupils, but it applies to us as well. Engaging in a good book allows you to step away from thoughts of the classroom and stimulate your imagination. Set up a cozy reading spot amidst the holiday ambiance, perhaps near a twinkling Christmas tree or by a warm fire, and enjoy escaping into a good.
Don't feel pressure to read 'serious' books (unless you prefer them of course). The Christmas break is the perfect opportunity to delve into that detective thriller, a heartwarming romance novel, or the latest Thursday Night Murder Club novel. It's a time for relaxation and personal enjoyment, and what better way to achieve that than getting lost in the pages of a captivating story.
Spending time with nature has many benefits including
Try to spend a bit of time outside every day. If you're able, go for a longer winter walk or bike ride with friends. It will give you time to connect, exercise, and enjoy the great outdoors.
There are a plethora of smartphone apps dedicated to wellness, which you can use to complement the resources within your wellbeing toolkit. You might try a meditation app to help you take your mind off all the thoughts that whir through it when you lay down at night. Perhaps you'd prefer to use an exercise app to stay on top of your physical fitness.
What really matters is spending time on yourself over the school Christmas break. Education staff are selfless and you probably think more of your students' needs and wellbeing than you do your own. The Christmas holidays are the ideal time to break that cycle and start focusing on you again.
Want to access wellness tips and resources specifically for teachers and education staff? Then sign up for your free Welbee Wellbeing Toolkit. It's loaded with resources to help you boost your wellbeing all year long. It's a wonderful tool to use during your school break to recharge you ready for the new term ahead.
