28 Oct How to make the most of your end of year break
I know we’re still in October; but only just. And before you know it we’ll be well into November and then … well, the festive season races by, some time off work arrives, and you really need to rest and recover but based on previous experiences, know it’ll be easier said than done!
So, how can you make the most of our (summer, here in Australia) break, balancing fun and recreation with rest and recovery?
Well, here are some ideas I recently presented to my friends at batyr, as part of the regular health and wellbeing sessions I run for them each month …
To begin with, let me make it clear, again, that like most things in life this is easier said than done. Let me also make it clear that the answers to some of these questions will differ for different people. It’s up to each and every one of us to work out a plan that will be relevant and appropriate to us.
But whatever that is, it is possible, and making a plan (in advance) will undoubtedly increase your chances of success.
Now, at the risk of oversimplifying, I’m going to intentionally keep this REALLY simple. So, at the very basic level I invite you to reflect upon the following questions:
- What energises you?
- with this, I’m referring to activities that in some way or other, contribute to your rest and recovery
- at the same time, however, reenergising isn’t just about rest, so it’s also worth thinking about which activities do you find motivating and inspiring
- Next up … What drains your energy?
- this would include unpleasant tasks
- but also, possibly, unpleasant or difficult people
The simple but big question then becomes … how can you do more of that which energises and less of that which drains you?
It sounds almost ridiculously easy but … as we all know, there will be risks and traps into which we can easily fall and so it’s very important to try to identify these and work out ways to avoid or manage them effectively.
- are you concerned about having too many social activities?
- if so, can you set a limit on these?
- Obviously, not all of them are unavoidable but could you attend only some? and even then, only for a set / limited time?
- For many, your work might not even really slow down much at the end of the year
- If this is the case, remember the Serenity Prayer: do what you can do to make things as good as they can be, and accept that you can’t do everything and/or make everything perfect
I also really encourage you to consider the following … when you think about doing MORE of the former and/or LESS of the latter … what thoughts go through your mind?
These need to be identified and addressed, looking specifically for thoughts and beliefs that are unrealistic or unhelpful. Those that are unhelpful or unhealthy need to be monitored and ideally changed, or else you won’t do what you know you need to do.
Finally, how can you integrate this into your normal routine, all your round, and maintain the benefits avoiding burnout in the future?
The possibly unrealistic but still ideal goal should be to create a life from which we DON’T need to take breaks!