We’ve all heard the phrase “turn off, tune out, and drop in.” But it’s not always easy to put that advice into practice.
It’s especially hard during the holidays when we’re surrounded by family members who want to talk about every little thing that’s going on in our lives. And if you’re like us, you probably want to talk about those things too! It can be tough to find a balance between connecting with your loved ones and giving yourself space to breathe.
The good news is that it’s possible to unplug during the holidays—even when it feels like everyone around you is plugged in 24/7. Here are some tips for unplugging during the holidays:
Plan Ahead
The best way to do this is to create a list of things that need to be done before you can fully relax and enjoy your time off.
For example, if you want to make sure your laundry gets done and your dishes are washed, set aside some time for each. If you have any errands or shopping that needs doing, make sure they’re planned out well in advance so you don’t get stuck rushing around when you’re supposed to be relaxing with friends and family. And if there are any holiday plans that involve leaving the house (like going caroling or visiting friends), make sure those are scheduled in advance as well.
The most effective way to go about this is by using a calendar or planner where you can write down everything that needs done and check them off as they get done! This will help keep track of what still needs doing so it doesn’t slip through the cracks later on when it comes time for relaxation instead of work
Plan Time Off
If you’re going to take a break from work this holiday season, don’t leave it until the last minute.
Plan some time off so that when the holidays roll around, you can relax and enjoy yourself with your family and friends. If you wait until Christmas Eve to tell your boss that you’re taking some time off. If you give them plenty of notice and make sure they know what to expect from you while you’re away, then everyone wins: You get to enjoy the holidays without feeling guilty about not working hard enough, and your boss gets to have their normal workflow uninterrupted.
Turn off Your Notifications
It’s time to turn off your notifications.
You’re going to be hearing a lot of things over the next few weeks, and chances are good that none of it will be good. You’ll get texts from people telling you they’re sorry for canceling plans, or posts on social media about how nobody is getting along with their family.
And then there are the posts from people who are happy and in love, fresh off their engagement or wedding. They’re going to show up all over your feed, and every time you see them, you’ll feel like a failure. Even if you don’t have any regrets, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everyone else is doing better than you—and that’s not true!
So here’s what we want: turn off your notifications. Close those apps on your phone and really take a break from social media for a while so that you can focus on yourself and what matters most right now.
Take Care of Yourself
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they are also a time when we can get stressed out, overworked, and exhausted.
Your body needs rest in order to function well—and if you’re not taking care of yourself, your body can’t help anyone else. When you feel tired or sick, it’s more likely that others will catch whatever bug is going around. And when everyone is sick at the same time? That’s how epidemics start!
So this holiday season, take some time out of your busy schedule to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself so that everyone else can have a safe and happy holiday season too!
The next time you’re about to reach for your phone the second the holiday festivities are over, why not pause for a moment and give yourself a chance to enjoy the company of friends, family, and loved ones? After all, that’s what the holidays are all about!