5 Ways to Unwind During the Busiest Time of the Year

The start of the Ber months is universally recognized in the Philippines as the onset of the much-awaited Christmas season, a time of joy and celebration, reunions, and giving. But let's face it, our joyous Filipino Christmas can also become a whirlwind of activities that leaves us feeling more frazzled than festive. But worry not, because we’ve rounded up ways for you to find the time to slow down amid this busy time.

What is the importance of relaxing and unwinding?

When you get too caught up with the hustle of the season, it can be hard to draw the line and allow yourself to take even a day off to rest. Most times, people tend to feel bad for allowing even a day of doing nothing and simply stepping up and letting the “laziness” take over. While it is easy to associate it with “being lazy,” rest or simply doing nothing is beneficial to your overall health.

It is important to take note that your body is not designed to go on nonstop. A little downtime is needed and works well for everybody. No matter what your definition of downtime is—whether doing completely nothing or making time for activities that you enjoy, the idea is to give yourself, your mind, body, and heart a chance to slow down and recharge.

What are the benefits of relaxation?

While resting can make your mind feel relaxed, other health benefits come with simply unwinding. Let's take a look at some below:

• Lower blood pressure
• Relaxed muscles
• Energy boost
• Improved sleeping patterns
• Decreased feelings of anxiety and depression
• Confidence boost

How can you unwind in the middle of the holidays?

Finding your path through the busy holiday season can be overwhelming, much more, thinking of ways you can unwind can make you feel lost. But worry not, because we listed down simple steps that you can follow so you can achieve a stress-free holiday amid the hustle and bustle.

1. Make a weekly plan of activities for your Christmas break

The secret to a successful Christmas season (or break) is in the planning. Start by writing down the things you need to do, from shopping for gifts to organizing family gatherings to meeting friends and loved ones. Allocate specific time and days to each down, in this way, you can prioritize your activities and manage your time effectively without wearing yourself too thin.

2. Don’t shy away from self-care

With all the excitement and flurry of the season, it's easy to forget about looking after ourselves. Don't let the hustle of the holidays disrupt your self-care routine. Instead, take this time to challenge yourself to maintain and improve your self-care rituals. You can check our previous article, 7-Day Challenge: Loving Yourself Better, to help and guide you along the way to find peace and comfort.

3. Pamper your immune system

With the hustle and bustle of the season, self-care is not the only thing you can do to protect and keep yourself healthy. You must treat your body well and give it the necessary nutrients that it needs.

4. Try new refreshing drinks

Drinking water is probably one of the easiest things you can do, but also the easiest one you can forget. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the midst of the holiday rush. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps in digestion and maintaining energy levels. If you want to level up your usual water and try something new, you can check this article, where we share 5 refreshing drink ideas you can enjoy all year long.

5. Get some rest and sleep

Don’t compromise your rest and sleep. A good night’s sleep and even a day of rest recharges your body and mind which can help prepare you for the next day’s adventure. So make sure to make it a priority to get enough shut-eye each night.

In the heart of our Filipino Christmas, it’s essential to remember that the season is about togetherness, love, and joy. But at the same time, take a moment to slow down and breathe. After all, the holidays are meant to be a respite from our daily grind, offering a chance to unwind and celebrate life. Here's to a joyous, stress-free Christmas vacation that you deserve. — (TGM)