When is the last time you felt rejuvenated? Perhaps it was as long ago as last summer’s beach vacation. Without a regular rhythm of rejuvenation, we feel worn out, run down, stressed, and maybe even a little depressed. That’s not how you want to feel this Christmas! Allow me to share some tips to rejuvenate and reenergize your mind, body, and spirit this holiday season.
Christmas Exhaustion
I absolutely love Christmas time. Like many of you, I look forward to time with loved ones and being away from the rigors of work. Delicious treats, beautiful lights, generous spirits, and, of course, the true reason for celebration – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
There is certainly much to love about Christmas. Yet, for many this time of year is filled with stress. Gatherings, parties, and potlucks abound. Endless Christmas shopping to find the perfect gift (or at least something that won’t be returned on Monday). Late nights. By the time Christmas Eve arrives, it’s hard to keep your eyes open long enough to tuck the kids into bed before Santa drops by.
Exhausted is no way to truly enjoy Christmas.
The Gift of Rejuvenation
Why not get yourself something nice this Christmas? Give yourself the gift of rejuvenation by choosing these 5 actions.
1.Sleep Well
After running around to Christmas parties, shopping, and closing out year end reports, you’re probably worn out. With the sun coming up later and schedules winding down, this is the perfect time to get some much needed sleep.
You need sleep. Your employers should encourage you to get more sleep. It carries with it a ton of physical, mental, and emotional benefits: clear thinking, better decision making, strengthened immune system, greater emotional stability, and increased energy.
Who wouldn’t want more of that? Sleep well and start next year off with your best foot forward.
If you’re someone who struggles to sleep well, check out my post: 5 Powerful Tips To Help You Sleep Better Tonight
2.Protect Your Health with Exercise & Modest Portion Sizes
With all the busyness of the holidays, people often neglect their health. Shorter days make it tough to get outside and exercise. Sugary temptations abound. However, with all the socializing, cold and flu season in full swing, and feeling run down, you need to protect your health.
Although exercise requires energy, it also restores you. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that promote digestion, fat burning, improved ability to manage stress, and greater happiness. As little as 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Take the dog…or the whole family for a brisk walk. Hit the gym. Play a game like football or frisbee. Bonus points if you go outside!
On the nutrition side of the equation, be cognizant of what you’re consuming. Calories can add up fast this time of year. Set limitations ahead of time. This will save your willpower for the larger battles like snooping under the Christmas tree. Eat the good stuff, just manage your portion sizes. Savor your first plate rather than ache after the third. Try not to create a steeper uphill climb for yourself on those New Year’s resolutions you’re about to set.
Exercise and eating well are both daily habits that are worth the work all year round. Plus, Charles Duhigg in The Power of Habit says exercise is a keystone habit. That means it is a momentum builder that makes other healthy habits easier to develop.
3.Rest
Rest is not the same as sleep. You need both to really be at your best. That’s why God commanded that we observe the sabbath. Rest is an essential aspect of our lives. Now, this doesn’t mean you get to sit on the sofa with an endless supply of cheese dip and cocktail sausages.
Rest includes activities that fuel your mind and body and which you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, the activity probably isn’t very restful. Board games, reading, getting a massage, enjoying a hobby, or watching a movie are just a few ideas to get you resting.
Rest helps us rejuvenate by increasing our productivity, happiness, energy, perseverance, and engagement in work, play, and relationships . Reaping those benefits will help you enjoy the holidays and prepare to head back to work with renewed vigor.
4.Experience Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. Earlier this year I encouraged you to give thanks by expressing your gratitude to others. You can experience gratitude in a multitude of ways, from noticing kindness and generosity to keeping a gratitude journal.
Regardless of your method, gratitude is a powerful contributor to rejuvenation. It carries great benefits for our minds, bodies, spirits, and even our relationships.
5.Play
Honestly, this is the most fun of the five actions. I heard recently that play often goes by the wayside for people in their 30s. How sad is that? Don’t let that be you this Christmas season.
Play helps us rejuvenate, think creatively, problem solve, and be more spontaneous.
Play with your kids and the new toys they received from Grandma. Engage your imagination. Play a sport. Have fun in the snow. Laugh. Smile. As a bonus, do something that is also restful (two birds with one stone).
Free Download
To give you a few ideas for rejuvenating fun this Christmas, I created this free list: 30 Fun Ways For The Whole Family To Rejuvenate.
Treat Yourself to Rejuvenation
Merry Christmas!
Question: What is your favorite way to rejuvenate during the holidays? Share your intentions in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter.
- Book: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- Post: Think Smarter, Play Harder, Be Better: Sleep
- Post: Why Should Leaders Encourage Employees to Get More Sleep?
- Post: 5 Powerful Tips To Help You Sleep Better Tonight
- Post: How to Conserve Willpower & Boost Goal Achievement with Implementation Intentions
- Post: Cultivate Excellence Daily: 11 Habits That Are Worth the Work
- Post: How to Top Off Your Energy Tank by Being Strategic with Rest
- Post: The Entitlement Epidemic: How You Can Be Part of the Cure
- Post: Give Thanks: How to Share the Gift of Gratitude
- Post: Why You Should Step Away from Your To-Do List…and Play!
- Post: 4 Powerful Ways to Prevent Burnout