5 Ways to Relax this Christmas
Do we deserve a break this Christmas or what? Some evenings I’ve been on my knees and I’ve seen similar comments on social media. This blog post details 5 ways to relax this Christmas. There isn’t any rocket science here, but it is good to be reminded of these simple ways to ensure we unwind over the winter break.
Human Contact
Okay, okay, I know. We have all got limitations on what we can do right now. However, you can work within these limitations. If you can meet a friend outside, arrange to do it. Contact that buddy you’ve really been meaning to get in touch with and ask them if they want to zoom. Or make a cup of coffee and luxuriate over the fact that you’ve got the time to phone someone and that human contact is important. It’s easy to let things slide. Over time friends get lost in the midst of time. Make a list of who you’d like to get in contact with and action it.
Exercise
If like me, you’d rather be sitting on the sofa watching a film, snuggled under a blanket, eating chocolate, I understand. However, the benefits of exercise cannot be ignored. Or you might be the sort who loves to pick up a pair of trainers and head for the hills but if not a walk is just as therapeutic. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to try Yoga or Pilates? There are plenty of free courses to follow on YouTube. Working in your garden or hoovering the whole house is a great way to get your flabby ticker pumping.
Get Creative
After a break from school, hopefully, you’ll feel like being creative again. Grab that sketchbook and draw, pick up those paints and doodle. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad, just put marks on a page. Or why not look for an online art class and see what you can learn. Being the student makes a wonderful change from being the teacher. If you need inspiration try joining the Facebook group ‘Art Teachers Making Art’ where there is plenty of enthusiasm and support.
Ready, Steady Bake!
Get some music on in the kitchen and bake some treats. There are so many Christmas treats that you could make. I annually make Florentines at Christmas and wrap them in cellophane and ribbon and give them as gifts. Alternatively, why not do some batch cooking? Filling the freezer with tasty meals you can eat in term time will make you feel in control.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is very useful if you are really struggling to relax or to sleep. The technique involves tensing and relaxing the muscles in your body, usually systematically working your way up or down your body. The process of actively tensing and relaxing your muscles helps you recognise if you have any areas of tension. There is a great description of this process here.
You know that all of the ideas above make sense, and all are achievable. I’m going to follow my own advice and make sure this Christmas is relaxing and recharges my batteries. We do a tough job and without a doubt deserve a little ‘me time’.
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