7 resolutions for a peaceful Christmas holiday
December is a month when everything speeds up. Between holiday preparations, gift shopping, meal planning, and family reunions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At the same time, businesses often experience a spike in activity as they wrap up projects for the year and prepare for the next. The combination of these personal and professional obligations can quickly take a toll on the body and mind, leading to fatigue and stress. However, with a few simple adjustments, it is possible to fully enjoy the Christmas holidays while maintaining your well-being and health.
To help you get through this period with peace of mind, we have put together a series of best practices that will allow you to approach the holidays with greater ease.
1. Disconnect from work
For your vacation to be truly relaxing, you need to set clear boundaries with work. Turning off notifications, ignoring emails, and agreeing to switch off completely will allow you to return to work in January with a rested mind. A real disconnect is essential to enjoy the holidays and start the new year with energy.
2. Set realistic expectations
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful. Freeing yourself from the obsession with impeccable decorations, extravagant gifts, or perfect meals allows you to focus on what’s important: the pleasure of sharing moments with your loved ones. Appreciating originality and small imperfections can even make memories more authentic. This approach helps reduce stress related to social and family expectations.
3. Plan family activities
Getting active as a family during the holidays is a great way to stay active while strengthening bonds. Snow walks, outdoor games, ice skating, or simple daily walks release endorphins, reduce stress, and allow you to enjoy precious moments with your loved ones. Walks, whether during the day to enjoy the natural light or in the evening in magical landscapes, offer many benefits for the body and mind. Some winter walks, such as the lantern trail in Crans-Montana, combine walking with wonder, offering the whole family the opportunity to get together outdoors in a magical setting.
4. Get moving to enjoy yourself more
Adding a few minutes of exercise each morning can completely transform the way you experience the holidays. A gentle jog, 15 minutes of stretching, a few yoga poses, deep and conscious breathing, or even a little snowball fight can wake up your body, release built-up tension, and prepare you mentally for the day ahead. Far from being an obstacle, the winter cold acts as a stimulant: it gives the impression of purifying the body and renewing energy.
5. Sleep well
Even in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s essential to maintain good quality sleep. Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night and maintaining a regular sleep schedule will help you fully recharge your batteries. Turning off screens, limiting stimulation, and creating a calm environment before bedtime promote restful sleep. Sleeping well helps you stay energetic so you can enjoy the holidays. To complement this rest, also consider taking short 15- to 20-minute naps in the middle of the day: they provide an immediate boost of energy.
6. Opt for playful cocooning
Holidays are also a time to pamper yourself as a family. Snuggling up under a blanket, watching a classic movie, or sharing culinary activities such as baking cookies together combines relaxation with creative fun. These moments of cocooning promote family bonding while establishing a gentler pace.
7. Reconnect with yourself
Even in the midst of the most intense family moments, it’s essential to set aside time for yourself. A few minutes of meditation, reading, or simply deep breathing can help you refocus. These breaks help you approach the holidays with greater serenity, while avoiding the stress of social obligations. Enjoying natural light and taking the time to breathe are simple but powerful gestures that promote lasting well-being.
Conclusion
By following these seven simple tips, you can transform your Christmas holidays into a more peaceful time. Whether it’s disconnecting from work, getting active with your family, taking care of your sleep, or allowing yourself moments for yourself, every action contributes to preserving your well-being and fully enjoying precious moments with your loved ones.
So take the time to slow down, savor every moment, and create memorable memories. We wish you a wonderful holiday season, filled with joy and serenity!