Switch Off This Christmas Season

It only comes around once a year, a time to truly switch off from work and spend time with friends and family. Yes, there are breaks when we take dedicated leave to go on holiday, but with stresses such as getting to the airport, finding directions to your hotel and making sure the kids are happy, when do we really take the time to hit the snooze button?

There are a number of ways we can do this to make us feel even more energised, refreshed and motivated to take on the new year. Perhaps you’ve realised you’re not sleeping well at the moment because of mounting pressure at work or the daily commute is starting to grind you down. For those fortunate enough to have a lengthy time off this Christmas, take pleasure in ways to relax that usually you’re not able to do.

First of all, take it easy. Think of ways to minimise your to-do list over the festive season so that you’re not rushing around. Don’t worry too much if you can’t do everything, you’re only human and it’s best to give yourself a break than to burn yourself out. Don’t be the person that is driving here, there and everywhere to see family, make sure to have days at home where you can unwind.

Secondly, make sure to put that out of office on! Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve become so used to having access to our emails at our fingertips whilst working from home. Don’t give in to the temptation of checking your mailbox, and turn off those notifications. Step back from technology and have a digital detox to ensure that you’re fully present and engaged with your family.

Thirdly, step into Christmas! Embrace everything this time of year has to offer with Christmas songs, food, films, walks in your local town or city to see the lights, and if you have young children in the family, remember the excitement of this festive time through their eyes.

Finally, if you’re someone who enjoys your set routine during the working week, then there is no harm in adjusting that for the Christmas break. For example, if you love going to the gym before work, still do this but instead of going into the office get ready for a nice day out with the family. This is great for consistency and getting back into the swing of things so that the new year won’t be so tough.

There are plenty of benefits to unwinding at this time of year. Mental health is particularly important and sometimes our working lives have more of an effect on us than we realise. Take joy from being able to spend quality time with the family and making new memories.

From all the team at Omega, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we look forward to working with you in 2023.