The holidays are finally here, and while it might be tempting to spend the entire break glued to your phone or binge-watching your favourite shows, taking care of yourself during this time is super important. Let’s explore some ways to look after yourself over the holidays so you can start 2025 feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Rest and recharge
Getting enough sleep during the holidays isn’t just about staying in bed all day (although that can be nice sometimes!). Try to establish a regular sleep schedule, even during the break, and aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Avoiding screens right before bedtime and creating a relaxing routine can help you drift off more easily. Good sleep helps improve your mood, concentration, and energy levels – all things you’ll need when school starts back up again.
Stay active (but make it fun)
Nobody’s saying you need to hit the gym every day, but keeping active can help you feel better both physically and mentally. You could take a walk with friends or the family dog, go for a bike ride, or just have a dance party in your room. Even 30 minutes of movement each day can make a big difference to how you feel.
Fuel your body right
The holidays are definitely a time for treats and special meals, and that’s totally fine! Just try to maintain some balance by starting your day with a healthy breakfast and keeping some nutritious snacks handy. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water too – it’s easy to forget when you’re out of your normal routine.
Try something new
The break is the perfect time to explore new interests or pick up a new skill. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to cook, start a creative project, or try learning a new language. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself – it’s about having fun and discovering what you enjoy. Here are some suggestions:
- Learn to code
- Learn to cook a new recipe
- Start a creative project
- Try learning a new language
- Pick up an instrument
Give back to others
Making a difference in someone else’s life can help you feel good too. You could volunteer at a local organisation, help elderly neighbours with tasks, or spend time supporting a cause you care about. Even small acts of kindness, like helping out more around the house or spending time with younger siblings, can make a real difference.
Make time for connection
Quality time with friends and family is super important during the holidays. Plan some catch-ups with friends, have family game nights, or go on day trips together. These moments of connection can help you feel more grounded and supported.
Find the right balance
You don’t need to schedule every minute of your break. In fact, it’s important to leave some days completely free and learn to say no to things you don’t want to do. Listen to your body when you need rest, and try to balance social time with alone time.
Get organised (but don’t stress)
If you have important commitments or things to get done over the holidays, you probably shouldn’t put them off for too long – just remember to not let it take over your break completely. Here are our tips for finding the right balance:
- Make a simple to-do list
- Prioritise what’s really important
- Schedule tasks for after the holidays if possible
- Break big tasks into smaller chunks
Want more tips?
Looking for more ideas on how to look after yourself and make the most of your holidays? Check out our other blogs about health and wellbeing here.